Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2020
53. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the financial supports in place for a person to set up a solar energy farm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13955/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) has been established to support delivery of Ireland's 70% renewable electricity target by 2030. The RESS is a competitive, auction-based scheme which invites renewable electricity generation projects, including solar farms, to bid for capacity and receive a guaranteed price for the electricity they generate for up to 16.5 years. The RESS also includes broader policy objectives such as technology diversification and support for community ownership and participation. The first RESS auction is currently underway and includes a specific category for solar energy projects and community owned projects.
Other financial supports are available for solar energy micro-generation projects. These include tax based incentives for the development of renewable technologies such as the Accelerated Capital Allowances Scheme and the Employment and Investment Incentive as well as improvements for farm enterprises supported by the Department for Agriculture, Food and Marine, under the Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme as part of the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS).
As part of delivering the RESS project, and in consultation with SEAI, my officials are exploring a variety of options, including soft loans and grants for community led projects including solar projects.
