In a major upheaval of the Irish energy sector, the Government has outlined how community groups can get into power generation under the first renewable electricity support scheme. The long-awaited Ress scheme is designed to prompt a significant expansion of wind- (onshore and offshore) and solar-power generation over the next decade, including “citizen energy” options. The scheme is critical to achieving the goal of 70 per cent of Irish electricity from renewables by 2030, a key element of the Government’s climate action plan, according to Minister for Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton. The Government has approved key features of the scheme which, subject to State aid approval by the EU, will make up the first auction set to open next year. Under the system, energy providers bid for contracts, while communities will be allowed bid and be paid for power they generate locally.
Irish Times 2nd Dec 2019 read more »