Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

329. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will report on the renewable heat obligation; the reason for the delay in publication; when he expects it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21232/25]

Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

330. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will report on the renewable heat obligation; the measures his Department has taken to ensure that the impact on household bills is minimized; if he has had any engagements with suppliers to discuss the impact on energy prices for final consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21233/25]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 329 and 330 together.

As part of the Government Decision (S180/20/10/2704) adopting Sectoral Emissions Ceilings, it was agreed to introduce an obligation on the heat sector to obligate suppliers of fossil fuels used for heat to ensure a proportion of the energy they supply is renewable. The development of this Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) scheme is a key priority for my Department as it will support achievement of our renewable energy targets, help reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels, and strengthen our energy security. Identified as a key demand side support in the National Biomethane Strategy, the RHO will also support the delivery of the Government target of up to 5.7TWh of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030.

Given the impact the RHO will have on fuel producers, suppliers and end consumers, careful consideration of the necessary scheme parameters is required. In this regard, my Department has carried out extensive analysis and a number of stakeholder engagement activities to ensure final decisions taken in relation to the scheme are evidence-based and support its successful introduction. Energy affordability and the impact on the consumer has been a key consideration throughout the development process and will continue to be as the scheme progresses. A number of scheme parameters have been investigated to allow flexibility to obligated parties in meeting their obligations, which will in turn reduce the overall burden on the end consumer. Full details of this analysis undertaken as part of the RHO's design will be available on gov.ie shortly.

The RHO high-level scheme is now largely complete, with one final parameter subject to further consideration to ensure the scheme's objectives of increasing our share in RES-H and the giving of long-term certainty to the renewable fuel industry. In conjunction with this, my Department is now engaged in preparing the necessary legislation.