Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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93. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 14 May 2024, if phase two of the small-scale renewable energy support scheme is now open for applications; if not, the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27150/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) will enable community projects, larger businesses, farms, and public buildings to maximise their participation in the energy transition.

The first phase of SRESS was launched in July 2023. This sees both SRESS and the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) providing grant support to larger businesses, farms, public buildings, and communities with grants that support solar installations. These non-domestic scheme grants are supporting renewables self-consumers to invest in systems of up to 1MW in size.

I announced last month the tariffs for the export tariff phase of SRESS, which will support small scale and community renewable projects. In the largest SRESS category, communities will receive a guaranteed tariff 20% higher than the average community price in the most recent RESS auction for community projects in 2022.

My Department is currently developing the detailed terms and conditions of the scheme. These are expected to be finalised over the coming months with applications due to open before the end of the year.