Written Answers Nos. 94-120
94. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the feasibility of introducing energy price capping to provide customers with stability of price during the current cost-of-living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45751/22]
View answerThe unprecedented increase and volatility in international wholesale gas market prices has continued as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This in turn has led to increases in energy bills given the link between the wholesale price of gas and electricity. Government has already put a €2.4 billion package of measures in place to support people and further measures are being considered for Budget 2023. Government is acutely aware of the impact on consumers of high electricity and gas prices, and has introduced a range of measures to mitigate their impact including the Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme, with a payment of €176.22 made to almost 2.2 million domestic electricity accounts. The Scheme was part of a package of measures, which included further increases in the Fuel Allowance, seeing it increase from €735 in 2020 to €1,139 and a reduction in VAT on electricity bills from 13.5% to 9%.
Under Responses 6 and 7 of the National Energy Security Framework the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) announced enhanced consumer protection measures to be implemented by electricity and gas providers ahead of the coming winter.
Earlier this year the Government increased the grant rates significantly to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades. In particular, SEAI is being supported to focus on free energy upgrades for those at greatest risk of energy poverty. Business supports are also available to support businesses to improve energy efficiency.
Responsibility for the regulation of the retail electricity and gas markets is statutorily a matter for CRU. It ceased price setting for electricity and gas in 2011 and 2014. The setting of prices is a commercial, competitive matter for individual supply companies.
Any major interference in the energy market would need to be carefully considered to avoid potentially disrupting a market that is already facing significant challenges and exposing the Exchequer, and ultimately the taxpayer, to potentially unquantifiable costs. In this regard, direct assistance to consumers, like the Domestic Electricity Payment, and targeted measures like the Fuel Allowance, are a better approach.
I am also working with colleagues across Government to understand the impact of energy prices on businesses and to support the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment in tailoring responses.
Following an Emergency Energy Council Meeting on the 9th of September the EU Commission is proposing potential additional measures which include capping the revenues of inframarginal electricity produces. These are very important developments, and I will be working very closely with my EU counterparts over the coming weeks on these proposals.
95. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which progress is being made towards alternative energy production in the past year with particular reference to specific instances of on and offshore wind electricity-generation and any other emergency energy storage or generating projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45693/22]
View answer116. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he has taken in the past year to expedite the roll out of renewable energy sources including solar, wind, biomass etc; the projected increase in the output from renewable energy sources over the next 5 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45734/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 116 together.
The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is the primary policy for the delivery of renewable electricity in a sustainable, cost effective and secure framework, in the context of Ireland’s up to 80% renewable electricity target by 2030.
59 projects are currently progressing through delivery milestones under the first renewable electricity support scheme auction (RESS 1). RESS 1 is expected to deliver 1,022MW of new renewable generation, 569MW of solar and 453MW of wind, an approximate 15% increase in Ireland’s current renewable energy generation capacity by the end of 2023.
To date, 11 projects equalling 353MW of new renewable generation have already connected to the grid under RESS 1, pushing grid connected renewables above 5GW. Between RESS 1 and Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs), it is anticipated that over 700 MW of new renewables will be connected to the grid in 2022, with over 300MW of connections expected next year under RESS 1.
The most recent RESS 2 auction is expected to deliver an additional increase of nearly 20% to Ireland’s renewable energy generation. 80 projects were initially successful in RESS 2 and are expected to lead to 300 MW of wind and almost 1,500 MW of solar in 2024/25, with additional CPPAs likely to support the development of further wind and solar generation.
In terms of offshore, good progress has been made over the past year which demonstrate our commitment to delivering on our offshore renewable energy ambition including:
The development of the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) provides for long-term forward planning for Ireland's maritime area and will enhance the effective management of marine activities and more sustainable use of our marine resources. The enactment of the Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Act 2021 has delivered a new legislative basis for the regulation of Ireland’s maritime area usage outside the 12 nautical mile coastal zone.
The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), to manage consenting, licensing and enforcement activities in our marine space is expected to be established and operational from early 2023.
Maritime Area Consent (MAC) applications opened in April for the first batch of offshore energy projects. This is the first stage in the new regulatory regime and involves a robust assessment of applicants to ensure that only the most viable developers gain entry to the planning system. My Department is currently assessing applications from a number of projects (Phase 1), and decisions on the first MACs are expected in the second half of this year. These projects will be eligible to compete in the first Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS 1).
The CRU, assisted by EirGrid and my Department has a programme of actions underway to ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters. The Security of Supply Programme of actions contains a number of both demand and supply side mitigation measures to address the forecasted shortfall, including temporary generation capacity.
96. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will detail his engagement to date with European leaders on the issue of rising energy prices. [44477/22]
View answer120. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the engagements that he has had in recent weeks regarding the security and cost of the State’s energy supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45631/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 120 together.
Russia's unjustified and unprovoked war against Ukraine has highly impacted energy in Europe. EU countries are closely coordinating actions to tackle these rising prices and secure our energy. I have attended five meetings of the EU Council of Ministers for Energy since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February to exchange views on and to respond to the energy situation in the EU. The most recent Energy Council meeting, on 9 September 2022, was split into two parts, the first sessions covering policy options to alleviate the burden of high energy prices and the second session on the state of play of the preparedness of Member States for the coming winter.
In respect of the extremely high energy prices discussion, the Council covered four main areas in which the Member States expect the Commission to act. These include capping the revenues of electricity producers that face low production costs; a possible price cap on gas; measures for a coordinated electricity demand reduction across the EU and measures that would help to solve the issue of decreased liquidity.
The Commission have since proposed legislation and this is already under urgent negotiation by Member States in order to have agreement by the end of the month. We are supportive of the overall approach being taken by the Commission and will cooperate closely with other Member States to get the Regulation agreed swiftly.
the Council discussion also covered the state of preparedness of Member States for this winter. Member States have carried out several actions both at national and EU level. They have in particular adopted a regulation to fill gas storages and share them in a spirit of solidarity, diversified supply sources and committed to reducing gas demand by 15% this winter. EU underground gas reserves have been filled to 82.5% of their capacity, well ahead of the 1 November deadline set in the gas storage regulation.
97. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will examine the current liberalised energy system and its impact on energy prices; if his Department will look at the policies of other states who have moved to some forms of renationalisation of energy generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45745/22]
View answer102. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will examine the current liberalised energy system and its impact on energy prices; if his department will look at the policies of other States that have moved to some forms of renationalisation of energy generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45740/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 102 together.
Russia's unjustified and unprovoked war against Ukraine has highly impacted energy in Europe. EU countries are closely coordinating actions to tackle rising energy prices and ensure security of our energy supplies. These problems are being faced by all EU Member States and a united, determined and immediate response is being taken by the EU as stated by President von der Leyen in her State of the Union Address this week. The Commission has proposed a number of short-term exceptional emergency measures in recent days which include a proposal incentivising coordinated electricity demand-reduction across the EU. Other proposals include capping the revenues of inframarginal electricity producers with low costs of production and introducing a solidarity contribution from fossil fuel companies to be used to mitigate the impact of high energy prices on customers.Concerning the medium/longer-term improvements to the market framework, the European Commission is carrying out a review of the electricity market and will propose adjustments to the functioning of electricity markets supported by an impact assessment. Any proposals to amend the market structure should be based on detailed analysis and evaluation in order to fully understand the implications and consequences of any changes regarding green energy transition investment and net zero objectives, security of supply, and the integrity of the single electricity market.
98. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify the policy in relation to building a liquefied national gas terminal here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45736/22]
View answerThe Government's position on LNG is set out in the Policy Statement on importing fracked gas which was published in May 2021. The policy statement provides that, pending the outcome of a security of supply review, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with. As set out in the National Energy Security Framework, which was published in April 2022, a review of the energy security of Ireland’s gas and electricity systems is being carried out by my Department, following which the results will be submitted to Government. This review is focussed on the period to 2030 and will examine the risks to security of supply and a range of potential mitigating options. The review includes a technical analysis which will help inform public consultation. The technical analysis includes identification and examination of the key risks to the security of supply in the electricity and natural gas systems; identification of options that could address or mitigate these risks in the period to 2030; and appraisal of these options in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050. The underlying technical analysis has been updated to take into account the war in Ukraine.
My Department is carrying our a public consultation as part of the review and I would encourage all parties to submit their views in this consultation.
99. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the National Broadband Plan in Cork. [45671/22]
View answer104. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the engagement he has had with National Broadband Ireland to ensure escalation of roll-out of fibre broadband in the mid Cork region; the measures being taken to address the delays due to Covid on roll-out for this region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45716/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 104 together.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in over 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 9 September 2022, over 88,000 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 25 counties, with over 75,500 premises passed across 23 counties and available for immediate connection. Construction is underway across 26 counties demonstrating that the project is reaching scale. To date, the level of connections is increasing on a daily basis and is in line with or exceeding projections. NBI has advised that over 15,000 premises in County Cork are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Cork through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie , which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
NBI has made recent improvements to their website to enhance the provision of information to Oireachtas members. NBI has now completed a suite of changes, creating a portal that will serve as a means for Oireachtas members to proactively search for information relevant to their county/local area. The portal provides an up-to-date picture of NBI’s deployment schedule across the 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) in all 26 counties. A particular county can be selected to view an update of the overall number of premises in the Intervention Area, the overall NBP investment in the county, the number of premises passed and connected to date and the status of each of the Deployment Areas with the anticipated date for connection over the lifetime of the project. The dedicated webpage can be accessed here: www.nbi.ie
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 9 September, 716 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high-speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. In County Cork 94 BCPs are installed to date. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/broadband-connection-points/
In County Cork 70 schools have been installed by NBI to date for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
100. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to report on his emergency meeting in Brussels with the 27 Energy Ministers from EU Member States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45731/22]
View answer109. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the outcome of the recent EU meeting of Energy Ministers with regard to EU rules regarding energy pricing and any changes being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45688/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 109 together.
Russia's unjustified and unprovoked war against Ukraine has highly impacted energy in Europe. EU countries are closely coordinating actions to tackle these rising prices and secure our energy. I attended the Extraordinary Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council meeting on 9 September 2022 to exchange views on the energy situation in the EU. The meeting was split into two parts, the first sessions covering policy options to alleviate the burden of high energy prices and the second session on the state of play of the preparedness of Member States for the coming winter.
In respect of the extremely high energy prices discussion, the Council covered four main areas in which the Member States expect the Commission to act. These include capping the revenues of electricity producers that face low production costs; a possible price cap on gas; measures for a coordinated electricity demand reduction across the EU and measures that would help to solve the issue of decreased liquidity.
The Commission have since proposed legislation and this is already under urgent negotiation by Member States in order to have agreement by the end of the month. We are supportive of the overall approach being taken by the Commission and will cooperate closely with other Member States to get the Regulation agreed swiftly.
The Council also covered Member States preparedness for this winter. Member States have carried out several actions both at national and EU level. They have in particular adopted a regulation to fill gas storages and share them in a spirit of solidarity, diversified supply sources and committed to reducing gas demand by 15% this winter. EU underground gas reserves have been filled to 82.5% of their capacity, well ahead of the 1 November deadline set in the gas storage regulation.
103. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on his Department’s policy on supporting the development of anaerobic digestion plans for electricity production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45675/22]
View answerMy Department has developed a number of schemes to support production of renewable electricity in Ireland. These schemes include the grid scale, auction based Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS), for installations up to 50 kW in size (30kWe for micro-renewable Combined Heat and Power). The RESS and MSS schemes both include anaerobic digestion (AD) for electricity generation under the category 'Biogas with High Efficiency Combined Heat and Power' as an eligible technology. However, no AD projects have come through the RESS auctions to date.
The Climate Action Plan also commits to the development of a support scheme for small-scale generators (SSG) above 50kW, i.e. larger than MSS but smaller than RESS scale. This is expected to come into effect in 2023. My Department launched a public consultation on proposed elements of the SSG scheme which is open until the 29th September: www.gov.ie/en/consultation/353f2-consultation-on-a-small-scale-generation-support-scheme-ssg-in-ireland/
Ireland currently has 6.3% of its heat sector demand met by renewable energy. While progress is being made, significant action is needed to reduce emissions and increase the supply of renewable fuels across the heat sector. Anaerobic digestion for renewable heat is supported through the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH). The SSRH provides an operational support for biomass boilers and anaerobic digestion heating systems and an installation grant for renewable heating systems using heat pumps.
In line with the recent agreement on Sectoral Emissions Ceilings to deliver up to 5.7 TWh of biomethane to further accelerate the reduction of overall economy-wide emissions, an obligation on the heat sector to include renewable heat will be introduced by 2024. The introduction of this Obligation will incentivise the use of renewable heat, while spreading the obligation across all non-renewable fuel types.
The Renewable Fuel for Transport policy was published by the Minister for Transport in November 2021. Under the policy, a category for certain renewable fuels called ‘Development Renewable Fuels’ will, subject to enabling legislation, be eligible to receive multiple credits under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation Scheme to incentivise their deployment. Biomethane is included within this category and will be eligible for 1.5x credit for its deployment as a transport energy from 1st January 2023. Further, advanced biofuels and biogas produced from feedstock listed at Annex IX of the recast Renewable Energy Directive (REDII) will be awarded double credit.
105. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grants ahead of Budget 2023 to support homeowners, business owners, communities and large industry to reduce their energy costs and greenhouse emissions. [45779/22]
View answerIn February this year, Government announced an enhanced package of measures to support the uptake of home energy upgrades. This includes:
- A new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme providing increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard.
- Establishment of a network of registered One Stop Shops to offer a start-to-finish project management service, including access to financing, for home energy upgrades. 11 OSSs have been registered to date with a 12th OSS expected shortly.
- A significant increase in the number of free energy upgrades provided to those at risk of energy poverty alongside changes to the operation of the Warmer Homes Scheme. This includes ensuring the Scheme prioritises those in the worst performing homes first and opening the Scheme for homeowner ‘revisits’ thereby allowing them apply for deeper energy upgrade measures now available under the scheme.
- A special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation has also been introduced for all households. This will help to urgently reduce energy use as part of the Government’s response to current exceptionally high energy prices.
Since then, demand across the SEAI residential and community retrofit schemes has been exceptionally high with a very significant increase in the number of applications year to date when compared to the same period in 2021. This strong pipeline of projects is translating into delivery.
This year there is a target to complete almost 27,000 home energy upgrades, including over 8,600 homes to a BER of B2. This compares to 15,500 upgrades delivered last year. Figures provided by the SEAI show that to the end of August 13,406 homes have been completed across the residential energy efficiency schemes, equating to a 70% increase on the same period last year, and of these, 4,234 have been upgraded to a post works Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 or better, a 140 increase n the same period last year.
To the end of August, 2,769 homes have been upgraded under SEAI energy poverty schemes, this is almost three times the number of homes upgraded in the same period last year.
SEAI also offer a suite of supports specifically for the business sector. The available supports include:
- The Excellence in Energy Efficiency Design (EXEED) scheme is for organisations, both public and private planning a major investment in energy efficiency.
- The Support Scheme Renewable Heat (SSRH) supports adoption of renewable heat by commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating and public sector organisations not covered by the emissions trading system.
- The Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) offers €2,000 towards the cost of a professional high quality energy audit.
- The Large Industry Energy Network (LIEN) is a network of large organisations who, with the support of the SEAI, work together to improve their energy performance.
The Government is acutely aware of the impact of rising energy prices on businesses and households. While a €2.4 billion package of policies and measures have already been put in place to support energy consumers, the Government recognises that more needs to be done as prices continue to increase. For that reason, additional measures to support businesses and households are being examined in the context of the forthcoming Budget.
108. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider giving schools the option to apply for an energy audit with the SEAI as currently only registered businesses can apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45720/22]
View answerThe existing Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) is a support which has been developed for SMEs in carrying out energy audits.
While the Department of Education has responsibility for the maintenance and upgrades of schools, including energy related measures, my Department also funds a wide range of energy efficiency and renewable energy supports to public bodies, including schools. These supports are targeted at educating and enabling public bodies to improve their energy efficiency and decarbonise their activities. These schemes include:
- The Public Sector Schools Pathfinder Programme, co-funded with the Department of Education, provides capital supports through the SEAI to improve energy efficiency and decarbonise school buildings. The general principles of this scheme include demonstrating a strong and holistic commitment to energy management practices through participation in the Energy in Education Programme;
- The Energy in Education Programme, developed by the SEAI in partnership with the Department of Education, provides basic energy management training and knowledge sharing for schools. The Programme includes advice, mentoring and assessment to identify short and longer term energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities. The programme also offers energy advisory and mentoring supports;
- The Public Sector Energy Efficiency Programme, an energy management and advisory programme, provides comprehensive support and engagement, including training and the sharing of best practices, to guide public sector bodies and schools in delivering energy efficiency improvements; and
- The Communities Energy Grant Scheme, which is designed to encourage and support home retrofit, as well as energy efficiency upgrades in commercial, public (including schools), community and voluntary sector facilities.
Information specifically relating to schools is available at www.seai.ie/community-energy/schools/save-energy-at-school/
111. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the outcomes of the recent North Seas Energy Cooperation meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45766/22]
View answerThe North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC) aims to advance development of offshore renewable energy in the geographical area of the North Seas, including the Irish and Celtic Seas. Through enhanced regional cooperation on developing common offshore trading rules and offshore grids, the NSEC can enable its members, including Ireland, to maximise our common offshore resource.
At a meeting that took place in Dun Laoighaire on 12 September, under the Irish Co-Presidency, NSEC members announced a significant increase in their collective ambition in the deployment of offshore renewable energy. The nine NSEC countries, with support from the European Commission, have agreed to reach at least 260 GW of offshore wind energy by 2050, which will represent more than 85% of the EU-wide ambition of reaching 300GW.
In a Joint Statement issued by Energy Ministers and the European Commission, the NSEC members further agreed to speed up regulatory and permit granting procedures for offshore renewables, while ensuring a balanced co-existence of renewable energy and a healthy marine ecosystem, and the economic wellbeing of local communities.
Ministers and the Commission further agreed that a new Memorandum of Understanding between the NSEC and the UK, providing for offshore renewables cooperation, should be completed as soon as possible, and ideally before the conclusion of the Irish Presidency of NSEC by end 2022.
112. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that he opposed decoupling gas from electricity prices at the European Energy Council in October 2021; if he now supports the proposal to decouple gas from electricity prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45785/22]
View answerI recently attended an extraordinary meeting of the European Energy Council, where Ministers emphasised the need for coordinated European action, both in terms of short-term exceptional emergency measures, and medium/longer-term improvements to the market framework. Ministers agreed that immediate action must be taken to ensure the EU's security of supply and alleviate pressure on customers, while maintaining consistency with the current efforts to reduce gas demand and the objectives of the European Green Deal and REPowerEU.The Commission has proposed a number of short-term exceptional emergency measures in recent days which includes capping the revenues of inframarginal electricity producers with low costs of production, with the income from the measures to be used to mitigate the impact of high energy prices on customers.
The approach proposed by the European Commission is favourable to the alternative concept of decoupling gas from the electricity market. The decoupling alternative would directly interfere with the market dispatch of generation units with a potentially significant impact on cross border trade of electricity. It is important that in making urgently needed changes to the electricity market, that there is no unintended consequences arising, in particular, damaging the trade of electricity. In Ireland's case this is crucial in the context of the all-Island Single Electricity Market and for imports and exports to Great Britain.
113. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will introduce a bin waiver for carers considering the cost-of-living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45780/22]
View answerThe waste management market in Ireland is serviced by private companies, where prices charged are matters between those companies and their customers, subject to compliance with all applicable environmental and other relevant legislation, including contract and consumer legislation.
114. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the supports available to encourage the installation of photovoltaic solar panels on houses, schools, business premises and community facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45774/22]
View answerA revision of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive includes provisions around optimising the solar energy generation potential of new and existing buildings. This is the responsibility of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
There are currently a range of measures available to support the rollout of solar PV in Ireland for houses, schools, business premises, community facilities and others.
The Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) provides capital grants for both domestic and non-domestic applicants for solar PV installations up to 6.0kW, primarily for self-consumption, with grant levels up to a maximum of €2,400 available. These Solar PV grants are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and will become available to non domestic applicants by the end of September.
Suppliers are now obliged to offer a Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff to new and existing micro-and small-scale generators, so that they receive payment for excess renewable electricity that they export to the grid, reflective of the market value. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is due to consult on an implementation plan for the Clean Export Premium (CEP) tariff by the end of 2022. This guaranteed export tariff support for new non-domestic installations greater than 6.0kW up to 50kW in size, is fixed for 15 years. For 2023, the rate will be 13.5c/kWh.
The Climate Action Plan commits to the development of a support scheme for small-scale generators (SSG) above 50kW to support the deployment of rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV. This is expected to come into effect in 2023. A public consultation on proposed design elements of the SSG scheme is open until the 29th September.
Solar PV is also supported as one of a range of measures under the SEAI's Communities Energy Grant Scheme as part of the Government's National Retrofit Programme. This scheme supports cross-sectoral and community-oriented partnership approaches that deliver energy savings to a range of building types, including public, commercial and community buildings.
In addition, the Public Sector Schools Pathfinder Programme, co-funded with the Department of Education, provides capital supports to improve energy efficiency and decarbonise school buildings. Solar PV is one of the measures supported under this scheme.
115. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has examined reports on the use of the current energy crisis by the fossil fuel industry to expand its growth and infrastructure; if he is concerned about this trend in relation to the state’s climate targets; and if the advocacy for liquefied natural gas within the Government poses a threat to Ireland's Climate obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45741/22]
View answerAlthough Ireland is not as dependent on Russian gas as other Member States, it is important that we continue to be vigilant and cooperate closely with our European and UK counterparts. Russia has been disrupting supplies to an increasing number of EU Member States. Replacing or substituting Russian supplies of natural gas is an important part in maintaining energy security, as is achieving our climate objectives.
The European Commission’s RePowerEU Communication of 18 May 2022 sets out measures to end dependence on Russian energy, including: saving energy, diversifying supplies away from Russia, substituting fossil fuels by accelerating Europe’s clean energy transition, removing financial and regulatory barriers to rolling out needed infrastructure, and ensuring Member States have contingency plans to deal with any disruption in supplies from Russia.
There is a double urgency to transform Europe's energy system: ending the EU's dependence on Russian fossil fuels, which are used as an economic and political weapon and cost European taxpayers nearly €100 billion per year, and tackling the climate crisis. By acting as a Union, Europe can phase out its dependency on Russian fossil fuels faster. The measures in the REPowerEU Plan can respond to this ambition, through energy savings, diversification of energy supplies, and accelerated roll-out of renewable energy to replace fossil fuels in homes, industry and power generation.
