The White Paper on Energy Policy includes a commitment to introduce a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) designed to encourage the development of Ireland’s abundant, diverse and indigenous renewable energy resources, including solar photovoltaics (PV) technology. The Programme for Government also commits to facilitating the development of solar energy projects.
It is widely recognised that the deployment of solar PV in Ireland has the potential to increase energy security, contribute to our renewable energy targets, and support economic growth and jobs. In addition, solar PV can be deployed in roof-mounted or ground-mounted installations, and in this way it can empower Irish citizens and communities to take control of the production and consumption of energy.
While I do not have a breakdown per month or per county of solar applications for connection to the grid, I understand from ESB Networks that there have been 469 solar applications (amounting to 2.9 GW approx. of solar capacity) for connection to the distribution grid in the last 18 months. As part of the connection process to the electricity grid, ESB Network carries out a technical assessment for each project. This technical analysis ensures that a robust, secure electricity grid is maintained for the benefit of all electricity consumers.
In July 2015, the Department launched the first public consultation regarding the introduction of a proposed Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) in Ireland. In-depth economic analysis is now underway to inform the cost of a new scheme and, while no decision has been taken on the precise renewable technologies to be supported, the cost and technical viability of solar photovoltaic (PV), both roof-top and utility-scale, is being examined as part of the assessment process.
Once the detailed economic analysis is complete, there will be an additional public consultation phase on the design of the new scheme. The details of this will be advertised on the Department's website www.dcenr.gov.ie.
The introduction of any new scheme - including the overall costs and technologies to be supported - will be subject to Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission. It is expected that a new scheme will become available in 2017.
