Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 January 2013
7. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way in which small area renewable energy projects can feed their electricity into the main electricity grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4690/13]
View answerIreland’s electricity system is made up of larger electrical lines (the transmission grid) and smaller electrical lines (the distribution grid). Small area renewable energy projects feed into the distribution network. The Distribution System Operator (DSO) and owner in Ireland is ESB Networks. ESB Networks has a webpage which explains to the public how to connect a microgenerator, which is the main type of small area renewable energy project. This page includes a connection guide and outlines the steps involved. It also contains a series of “Frequently Asked Questions” for those wishing to connect. The page also contains a document that sets out the specific Irish protection settings appropriate to the ESB Network, known as EN 50438.
There is no charge to connect a micro-generator to the ESB network provided it complies with EN50438. The micro-generator must in addition conform to the conditions governing the connection and operation of micro-generation contained on the ESB webpage. Generators with an installed capacity of 1MW or less are deemed to be automatically authorised and licensed by the Commission for Energy Regulation under the terms of S.I. 383 and S.I. 384 of 2008 and are subject to the conditions in those orders. This system was introduced in order to promote microgeneration. The Department of Environment introduced two statutory instruments that contain planning exemptions for renewable technologies that meet certain criteria. These were introduced to facilitate microgeneration and are contained in S.I. 83 of 2007 and S.I. 235 of 2008.
When microgenerators that connect to the distribution system wish to export electricity, they need to install an import/export meter. The ESB websites indicate that where a customer requires import/export metering, they can contact ESB for a quotation for this. The Commission for Energy Regulation previously wrote to all electricity suppliers in Ireland inviting them to introduce microgeneration tariffs for customers exporting to the grid using microgenerators. To date, the only company to have introduced such a scheme is Electric Ireland (formerly ESB Customer Supply), which offers a tariff of 9 cent per kilowatt hour for domestic customers under specified conditions.
In addition, for small area renewable generation projects that can fulfil certain terms and conditions (e.g. have planning permission, have a grid connection and can secure a power purchase agreement (PPA)), the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources operates the REFIT schemes, which are funded from the Public Service Obligation. Small hydro and biomass projects are included in these schemes.
