Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

45. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide an update on the rollout of renewable energy, in particular in relation to his commitment to engage with farmers on new business opportunities in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18009/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Renewable electricity projects significantly benefit Irish communities through jobs, community funds, and local revenue. In that regard, my Department is committed to engaging farmers in renewable energy opportunities, fostering sustainable growth and economic diversification in rural Ireland.

The Programme for Government reaffirms Ireland’s ambitious targets of 9 gigawatts of onshore wind capacity, 8 gigawatts of solar capacity and at least 5 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity connected to the grid by 2030 in order to meet the requirement of 80% of electricity demand supplied by renewables.

Ireland currently has about 7 gigawatts of renewable capacity, with over 5 gigawatts of that now being achieved from onshore wind—a key milestone in our move to sustainable energy. Solar power, with around 1.5 gigawatts installed, is highly complementary to wind power. Our increasing solar capacity will help Ireland to generate clean electricity all year round.

Renewable energy offers farmers and rural areas new income opportunities. Farms, individuals, and businesses can generate their own electricity, cut utility costs, and contribute to a zero-carbon future.

Several supports aid farmers in this transition : The Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) incentivizes small-scale solar projects. Its first phase offers grants for renewables self-consumers (50kW to 1MW), who produce electricity for personal use and can sell or store excess. Over 9MW of renewable electricity in agriculture has been supported so far by these grants.

The second SRESS phase opened in January 2025. It assists farmers, communities, and SMEs who wish to establish export projects up to 6MW, providing a guaranteed tariff without performance bonds or auctions. SRESS simplifies market access for small and community projects not suited to other schemes.

Additionally, the Department of Agriculture’s TAMS 3 Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS) offers farmers 60% grant aid, up to €90,000, for solar installations for self consumption.