Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2021
189. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which microgeneration of electricity might be used by the agri-food producing sector to mitigate against carbon emissions; the availability of models whereby this might be successfully done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54179/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to expanding and incentivising micro-generation to allow electricity users, including farmers, to generate their own renewable electricity for their own use and to sell excess electricity to the grid. At farm level, micro-generation should be seen firstly as a cost saving measure which will also assist in lowering a farm’s carbon footprint.
The pending introduction of a Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff represents the first phase of a comprehensive enabling framework for micro- and small-scale generators in Ireland, including those in the agri-food sector. This will allow them to receive remuneration from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity exported to the grid, reflective of the market value of that electricity.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a consultation on a draft enabling framework on 1 October which outlines the details for the introduction of the CEG payment. The consultation is now closed. A decision is expected to be published this month, with a compensation regime to follow shortly afterwards.
To help encourage renewable technology uptake and usage on Irish farms, grant aid is provided through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS II). This scheme continues to support farmers in maximising their contribution to the carbon reduction of energy usage through the installation of mainly roof-top solar PV technology along with battery storage.
The Climate Action Plan 2021 sets out actions to introduce a Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) to support the deployment of rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV. My Department is developing a final scheme design for the MSS. It is expected that a proposal on the supports to be offered under the Scheme, including for farms, will be submitted to Government later this year.
