Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2015
100. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to increase the tariffs applicable to renewable energy resources other than wind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38955/15]
View answerThe Renewable Electricity Feed-in-Tariff (REFIT) schemes are the principal means of supporting renewable electricity generators for renewable energy exported to the grid. These schemes support electricity generated from a range of renewable sources, including small scale hydro, biomass and wind. Small scale renewable generation is eligible to apply for support under the REFIT schemes. Solar PV is not one of the qualifying technologies for this scheme. Further information is available on my Department's website, www.dcenr.ie. On 31 July last my Department launched a consultation on a new support scheme for renewable electricity. While the initial phase of the consultation closed on 18 September 2015, there will be two further opportunities to contribute at key stages in the design of any new scheme. The consultations will be informative regarding the technologies that will assist in meeting our future renewable energy targets. Subject to Government approval and State Aid clearance from the European Commission, the new scheme would become available in 2016.
