Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 June 2021
69. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the programme for Government commitment to develop a solar energy strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30013/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government provides for the development of a Solar Energy Strategy for rooftop and ground-based photovoltaics (PV) to ensure that a greater share of our electricity needs is met through solar power. A number of steps as part of our overall approach to solar energy are under way.
The development of grid scale solar energy has been sharply accelerated in Ireland through the first Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS-1) auction, which included a dedicated solar category. In RESS-1, 51 solar projects, equating to approximately 631MW of new renewable energy capacity, have entered into implementation agreements as set out in the terms and conditions of the scheme. Detailed planning is now underway for the second onshore RESS auction, RESS-2.
In addition, a Micro-Generation Working Group, chaired by my Department, is examining an enabling framework for micro-generation, including from solar PV, which tackles existing barriers and establishes suitable supports within relevant market segments. The proposed support mechanism was outlined in a Public Consultation which closed on 18th February last. An analysis of these submissions is underway by my Department with a view to publishing a summary of submissions and the submissions themselves on the Department’s website in the coming weeks.
While the primary aim of a micro-generation scheme is to enable electricity users to meet their own electricity needs, it is envisaged that a suitable payment for excess electricity generated on site and exported to the grid will be available to all renewable generators in the second half of 2021, subject to regulatory arrangements, in line with Articles 21 and 22 of the recast Renewable Energy Directive.
Furthermore, my Department has been working closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on a revision to the exemptions for solar installations under the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 that would reduce the barriers to micro and small-scale rooftop solar PV and open up exemptions to new building types including educational, community and apartment buildings. It is expected that the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage will bring forward the required amendments to the Regulations later this year.
