Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2017
500. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his Department's objectives for the roll-out of solar farms in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30916/17]
View answer501. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his Department's targets regarding the provision of energy through solar power to the national grid; the number of applications to join the national grid from potential supplies of solar power in County Tipperary from solar farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30923/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 500 and 501 together.
The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive sets Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. Ireland is committed to achieving this target through meeting 40% of electricity demand, 12% of heat and 10% of transport from renewable sources of energy. Good progress has been made to date, but the target remains challenging, particularly in light of economic growth and a growing demand for energy. Latest figures by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) indicate that over 27% of our electricity came from renewable sources in 2016. This progress, while welcome, will need to accelerate in pace in the coming years.
The 2016 Programme for Government and 2015 Energy White Paper recognise that solar has the potential to provide a community dividend, thereby also enhancing citizen participation in Ireland's energy future and it is increasingly recognised that Solar PV has the potential to contribute to meeting Ireland’s renewable energy and climate change objectives.
My Department is currently developing a proposed new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which will be designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contributions out to 2030. The design of the new scheme is underway, and includes an extensive independent economic appraisal. This appraisal involves comparing the cost of supporting Solar Photovoltaics (PV) - both rooftop and ground mounted, offshore wind, onshore wind and a range of other commercial renewable technologies, to ensure that the new scheme delivers value for money for energy users whilst also delivering on the energy pillars of sustainability and security of supply. The assessment also includes analysis of the optimum financial support mechanisms for renewable technologies, in line with the 2014 EU State Aid Guidelines.
My Department will publish shortly a final public consultation on the design principles of the new RESS. Following the outcome of this public consultation, and before any new scheme is introduced, it will need to secure Government approval and state aid clearance from the European Commission. Subject to this, it is expected that the new scheme will become operational in 2018.
I am fully aware of the level of interest in the solar PV sector in Ireland. I am advised that nationally there have been over 600 applications, amounting to about 4,290 Megawatts of solar capacity, seeking a connection to the electricity grid in the last 24 months. Within Tipperary, there have been 41 solar grid connection applications to date, with a combined capacity of 284 MW.
Notwithstanding the level of solar applicants seeking connection to the grid, my stated position is that while solar has a role to play in Ireland's energy future, we cannot have a situation where a new support scheme leads to a disproportionate increase in people’s electricity bills through the Public Service Obligation levy. In designing the new RESS, the cost implications for people and businesses will, therefore be a high priority and I will ensure that the new scheme is designed in a cost efficient manner.
