Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
72. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 86 of 7 March 2024, the date on which the export tariff phase of the small-scale renewable energy support scheme will be launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21572/24]
View answerThe Small Scale Renewable Support Scheme (SRESS) will support non-domestic renewable electricity generators above 50kW, but smaller than those supported under the utility scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). This scheme will enable community projects, larger businesses, farms, and public buildings to maximise their participation in the energy transition.
The first phase of SRESS was launched in July 2023. This sees both SRESS and the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) providing grant support to larger businesses, farms, public buildings, and communities with grants that support solar installations. These non-domestic scheme grants are supporting renewables self-consumers to invest in systems of up to 1MW in size.
The export tariff phase of the SRESS, which will support small scale and community renewable projects, is expected to launch in the coming weeks. SRESS will offer a simpler route to market for community (and SME) owned renewable projects, aligning more closely to their experience and capacity.
In order to reflect up to date trends in input prices and financing costs for renewable energy technologies, an updated analysis of the levelized cost of energy estimates required for small scale and community-based generation has been undertaken in order to inform the tariff setting process for the SRESS. Recommended tariffs rates are due to be brought to Government for approval in the coming weeks.
