Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2011
15 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when it is expected that the European Commission will give State aid permission for the REFIT scheme; the reason for the delay in approving this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30121/11]
View answerThe Renewable Energy Feed-in-Tariff scheme known as REFIT was introduced in 2006 for certain categories of renewable energy, including onshore wind and hydro power. With the support of REFIT, the renewable energy sector has continued to grow strongly and there is now around 1,800MW of renewable generation capacity connected to the electricity grid. In addition to this there is a further 1,100 MW of renewable generation capacity with signed connection offers. This capacity will build out over the next few years.
The original REFIT scheme was designed with a view to delivering our 2010 renewable electricity target of 13.2% of electricity consumption from renewable technologies. It was successful in achieving that target and Ireland was one of only six Member States to achieve their 2010 target level.
Officials from my Department are currently finalising State Aid clearances with the European Commission to continue to offer REFIT. There are two State Aid clearance processes underway. One of these in respect of onshore wind, landfill gas and hydro technologies and a second one in respect of biomass. The Commission are currently finalising their assessments on both applications and I am confident that we will have a positive outcome shortly in both cases.
Once these clearances have been received from the European Commission the final proposed schemes will be brought before Government for its agreement before being opened for applications.
