Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 September 2022
82. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if groups of farmers are prohibited from bidding jointly in the renewable electricity support scheme; if he has considered modifying such parameters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47766/22]
View answerThe 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.
RESS includes a dedicated community category developed specifically to allow communities and citizens to participate in and benefit from the development of renewable electricity generation.
There are a number of eligibility criteria to participate in RESS competitions, including; planning consents, specific technologies, site control and grid connection. Any application into the RESS must be associated with a single RESS project at a contiguous or near-contiguous site which is primarily driven by grid connection arrangements.
The management of and arrangements for connections to the electricity grid is a matter for EirGrid and ESB Networks under rules determined by the Commission for Regulation Utilities (CRU).
