Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2023
95. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how much solar electricity generation comes from solar panels on public buildings; if he has targets for increasing this; if so, what those targets are; what actions he is taking to increase it; how much generating capacity he expects to be installed in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50384/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe amount of electricity generated by Solar PV on public buildings is not collected by my department.
Under CAP 23, Ireland has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the public sector by 51%. This target will be achieved through energy efficiency measures, electrification, demand reduction, and the use of on-site renewables such as solar PV systems. While there are no specific targets for solar generated electricity from public buildings, the sectoral emissions reduction target for the electricity sector is 75% by 2030 and solar PV installation has an important role to play in achieving this. CAP 23 sets out ambitious targets for Solar PV, with 5 GW of installed capacity by 2025 and up to 8 GW by 2030.
There are currently a range of measures in place to support the rollout of solar panels on public buildings. The Non-Domestic Micro-generation Scheme provides capital grants for non-domestic applicants, including public buildings, for solar PV installations up to 1000kW, primarily for self-consumption, with grant levels up to a maximum of €162,600 available. This scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
Solar PV is also supported as one of a range of measures under the SEAI's Community Energy Grant Scheme as part of the Government's National Retrofit Programme. This scheme supports cross-sectoral and community-oriented partnership approaches that deliver energy savings to a range of building types, including public, commercial and community buildings. A budget of €65 million was provided for this in 2023.
In addition, the Public Sector Schools Pathfinder Programme, co-funded with the Department of Education, provides capital supports to improve energy efficiency and decarbonise school buildings, including through the installation of solar PV. The Climate Action Fund will also fund a Solar PV for Schools scheme, which will enable the provision of solar PV systems up to 6kW in schools across the country. My Department has been engaging regularly with the Department of Education to finalise the details of this scheme, and to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Climate Action Fund.
