Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2016
900. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the changes envisaged in the renewable energy feed-in tariff in 2016 in order to meet the targets contained in the recently published Energy White Paper; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1309/16]
View answerThe Energy White Paper 'Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030' was published on 16 December 2015. The White Paper sets out a high-level framework for Ireland's energy transition to a low carbon economy and society and identifies a range of measures and actions to support this aim. One key measure is the design of a new renewable electricity support scheme in 2016 for a range of renewable generation technologies.
The existing Renewable Electricity Feed-in-Tariff (REFIT) schemes closed for new applications on the 31 December 2015 and are the principal means of supporting renewable electricity generators for renewable energy exported to the grid. These REFIT schemes have proved cost-effective and successful at incentivising increasing levels of renewable generation in the electricity sector. The schemes support electricity generated from a range of renewable sources, including hydro, biomass and wind generation.
The first of three public consultations on the design of a new renewable electricity support scheme was published in July 2015. The initial phase of this consultation process, which closed on 18 September 2015, was designed to review the technology options that may be supported by any new scheme.
There will be two additional public consultation phases in 2016. The second phase in the consultation process will explore the potential design options for the structure of the support scheme, while the final phase will seek feedback on the preferred design option and implementation. These consultation phases will give interested parties further opportunities to participate in the development of the support scheme. Details will be advertised on the Department’s website www.dcenr.gov.ie in 2016.
It is expected that the new scheme will be announced towards the end of this year subject to Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission.
