Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 September 2022
81. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications targets that apply to the adoption of solar energy; the targets as they relate to farmers and agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47765/22]
View answerTo facilitate switching to renewable energy sources I bought forward the final design of the Micro-Generation Support Scheme (MSS) which was approved by the Government in December 2021. The MSS is targeting support for 380MW of installed micro-generation capacity, to contribute to the revised target of up to 5.5GW of solar renewables by 2030 under the Climate Action Plan and the recent Government agreement on sectoral emissions ceilings. This includes over 60,000 small microgeneration connections less than 6 KW and 10,000 connections between 6 kW and 50 kW. Overall, this will play an important role in creating opportunities for domestic, school, farming and small commercial customers to take the first steps towards investment in renewable technologies, by generating and consuming their own electricity; which in turn can play a key role in shaping electricity demand and decarbonising homes and businesses. The MSS provides capital grants for both domestic applicants and non-domestic applicants, such as farms, for solar PV installations up to 6.0kW primarily for self-consumption. Grant levels up to a maximum of €2,400 are available and are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Businesses, including farms, will benefit most when they consume electricity on site from their own micro-generation. Shorter payback periods are available by matching generation with on-site demand; and with the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff now available, investments in microgeneration can be further supplemented with payments for excess renewable electricity exported to the grid. The Climate Action Plan also commits to the development of a support scheme for small-scale generation (above 50kW). This scheme will enable larger businesses, farms and community projects to maximise their participation in the energy transition. The design of the scheme is being progressed, with a public consultation process open until 13th October.
