Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 April 2023
97. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the supports which are currently offered to farmers and agricultural workers who wish to make a transition to renewable sources of energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18417/23]
View answerThe main support for farmers provided by my Department wishing to invest in renewable energy is the TAMS 3 Solar Capital Investment scheme. This launched on 22nd February 2023 and is proving to be a hugely successful scheme. The new TAMS is closely aligned to our climate and sustainability needs through continued and enhanced support for renewable energy.
To help encourage on-farm renewable technology uptake and usage, grant aid is provided through TAMS to assist farmers in maximising their contribution to the production of renewable energy through the installation of Solar PV technology along with battery storage on Irish farms. There is an overall budget of €370m for the TAMs 3 scheme over its lifetime to end-2027. The solar scheme is ring fenced with its own investment ceiling of €90,000 and will be grant aided at the enhanced rate of 60%.
Applicants under TAMS 3 can receive the Clean Export Guarantee payment for any electricity spill-over that may occur on given day as this is funded directly by the electricity companies. However, they are not eligible for any other payment, such as the Clean Export Premium, as it would be double funding of the investment.
Adoption of sustainable energy practices at farm level, including energy efficiency, deployment of renewables at farm level and the provision of agriculture feedstocks for renewable energy generation is a key climate pillar for the agriculture sector.
