James Browne
Question:432. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding micro generation of solar energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28913/18]
View answerTuesday, 3 July 2018
Questions (432)
Written answers
I am committed to exploring opportunities for micro generation further, as I believe it can offer customers protection from rising energy costs and could enhance broader social engagement with renewable energy projects across Ireland. Furthermore, micro generation will be required given the scale of our climate and energy ambition as laid out in the National Development Plan and Project Ireland 2040. My Department already supports the deployment of Solar PV through the SEAI led Better Energy Communities and Deep Retrofit pilot schemes.
Last year, my Department assessed micro generation, across a number of renewable electricity generating technologies (including solar PV), as part of the economic analysis to underpin the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). The assessment identified technical and financial challenges which may need to be addressed before a broader support scheme for micro generation can be introduced. This is in line with international experience, including across the EU, where many member states who have introduced supports for micro generation have had to reform them or cancel them altogether.
The reality is that bringing micro generation on to a system designed for large generators is complicated. It impacts how we pay for the network, how we manage regulation and how we technically manage the system. My Department is continuing to work closely with the micro generation sector and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to better understand how to validate and further develop these policies in a fair and cost effective manner.
Solar PV and self-consumption among domestic customers will be supported under a pilot scheme to promote micro generation, due to be launched this summer. It is important that before a scheme like this is introduced, the likely demand for the scheme is understood and the SEAI are currently assessing the results of a study that examined this aspect. It is equally important that safety, technical and training requirements are established in advance of this pilot scheme being rolled out and the SEAI are developing a micro generation Code of Practice which will underpin the pilot scheme.
The data gathered during the pilot scheme will inform potential future phases of support for micro generation in Ireland that may be appropriate, as we align with the ambition of the recast Renewable Energy Directive which recognises the rights, entitlements and obligations of renewable self-consumers. This pilot scheme will deliver on ambitions and commitments made in the Energy White Paper and the Programme for Government.