Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2023
110. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 15 December 2022, if he will clarify if the community category will be continued for RESS 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9839/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is one of the flagship Government policies to help deliver on the Climate Action Plan 2023 target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030.
Of the seven successful community projects in RESS 1, four projects remain within the scheme. Of the ten successful community projects in RESS 2, one project has withdrawn to date. Through my Department’s continued engagement with Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), there is evidence of significant challenges that REC projects may face with the competitive, auction based nature of RESS.
To simplify and boost community participation in the Government’s renewable energy ambition, consideration is being given to providing support for eligible community projects through the Small-Scale Generation Support Scheme (SSGS) which is due to be launched later this year. The SSGS is not anticipated to include an auction process and is expected to be a simpler route for community participation.
In October 2022, my Department published a consultation on the design of the third RESS auction (RESS 3), which will take place this year, including options for continuing the community category in RESS in light of the development of the SSGS. A decision on the final design of the third RESS auction will be made shortly.
