I strongly support a route to market for citizens and communities to generate their own renewable energy and to receive a fair price for doing so, but equally recognise the importance of finding an appropriate balance between costs to electricity consumers and the level of subsidy provided.
In July 2018, a new pilot scheme to support micro generation was introduced, initially targeting domestic self-consumption through a grant scheme for solar PV installation and battery storage. Over 3,000 applicants have expressed an interest to date and approximately 200 rebate claims are in process for payment by the SEAI who are administering the scheme on behalf of my Department. A review next year of the pilot scheme will inform potential future phases of support for micro-generation. However further work needs to be done to develop this sector.
Addressing climate change and our targets to 2030 and beyond is one of the key policy priorities for this Government. I have secured Government approval to prepare an All of Government Plan which will set out the actions which must be taken to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change. I will work with colleagues across Government to develop new initiatives in electricity, transport, heat, agriculture and other relevant sectors. This effort is being overseen by the Climate Action and Environment area of my Department, which is headed up at Assistant Secretary level.
Since my appointment I have met with the SEAI, EirGrid, the ESB and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) and I have emphasised the importance of prioritising the climate action agenda and increasing our ambition in this area.
In addition, officials in my Department are working closely with ESB Networks, EirGrid and the CRU to ensure that renewable electricity projects are connected as soon as possible to the electricity grid and that the current deadlines are met in order to maximise their contribution to the 2020 target.
