Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022
192. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the roll-out of solar panels for farmers; the supports and access that farmers currently have to access solar panels; if farmers will be able to access the microgeneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18931/22]
View answerThe Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff is now available for new and existing micro-and small-scale generators, including farm-based, so that they can receive payment from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity they export to the grid, reflective of the market value. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a decision on an interim enabling framework for the CEG on 1 December 2021 which outlines the interim arrangements for the implementation of the CEG, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. The phased introduction of the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) has already begun with the commencement of the MSS domestic solar PV grant on 16 February last, with grant levels up to a maximum of €2,400 available. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is due to extend the MSS solar PV grant scheme to the non-domestic sector, including farms, in July of this year. The CRU is due to consult on an implementation plan for the Clean Export Premium (CEP) tariff in Q3 of this year. The Clean Export Premium is a guaranteed export tariff which is fixed for 15 years and will be available to new non-domestic applicants between 6kW and 50kW in size. The tariff will be Eur13.5c/kWh in 2022 and 2023. My Department is also developing a support scheme for small-scale generators, i.e., above 50kW but smaller than those supported by the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), which will be progressed in 2022 and is expected to become available in 2023. This scheme will enable larger businesses, farms and community projects to maximise their participation in the energy transition.
