Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2018
46. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding the renewable energy support scheme; the date by which this scheme will be launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7468/18]
View answerMy Department is developing a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which is being designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contribution to EU-wide targets out to 2030. The design of the new scheme has included an extensive independent economic appraisal. This appraisal compared the cost of supporting a range of commercial renewable technologies, at various scales, 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. A public consultation on the new Scheme, which closed in November 2017, resulted in over 1,250 responses and analysis of these is almost complete.
Following on from the RESS public consultation and review, a final design proposal will be brought to Government for approval in the coming months, including the overall costs and technologies to be supported. Subsequent to a Government decision, a formal application for State Aid clearance from the European Commission will commence. The new scheme is expected to open in 2019.
At this stage no final decisions have been made as regards which technologies will be supported under the new RESS.
