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Renewable Energy Incentives

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 November 2018

Thursday, 8 November 2018

Questions (221)

Timmy Dooley

Question:

221. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the actions taken to apply for state aid with regard to the renewable electricity support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46234/18]

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Written answers

The high level design of the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) was approved by Government in July 2018 and it is expected that the first renewable electricity auctions will take place in 2019. The RESS will be subject to the new rules on public support for projects in the field of energy, adopted by the European Commission in April 2014, which seek to promote a gradual move to market-based support for renewable energy. In this regard, the Scheme has been developed in line with the 2014-2020 EU State Aid Guidelines. The RESS has been designed to deliver Ireland’s contribution towards an EU-wide renewable energy target of 32% out to 2030, within a competitive auction-based, cost effective framework. The RESS will deliver a broad range of policy objectives including: the provision of pathways and supports for communities to participate in renewable energy projects; broadening the renewable electricity technology mix and increasing energy security, energy sustainability and ensuring the cost effectiveness of energy policy.

The Scheme will provide for a renewable electricity (RES-E) ambition of up to a maximum of 55% by 2030 subject to determining the cost effective level which will be set out in Irelands first draft National Energy and Climate Plan.

My Department is now progressing the RESS design across three main  work streams: the EU State Aid approval process; the development of an Enabling Framework for Community Participation; and the detailed design of the first RESS auctions. Engagement with relevant stakeholders will continue in the coming months. 

The EU State Aid Manual and Procedures sets out the importance of pre-notification procedures  in advance of formal submission of State Aid matters and officials from my Department are currently engaged with DG Competition in advance of submitting a RESS pre-notification.

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