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A Government scheme to achieve 70% renewable electricity by 2030 will meet Ireland\u2019s future climate commitments, it has been claimed.<\/p>\nA Government scheme to achieve 70% renewable electricity by 2030 will meet Ireland\u2019s future climate commitments, it has been claimed.<\/p>\n
Environment Minister Richard Bruton unveiled details of the first Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auction, which is to open next year.<\/p>\n
The scheme is part of the Government\u2019s Climate Action Plan which Mr Bruton said will give Irish people a cleaner, safer and more sustainable future.<\/p>\n
The move to 70% renewable electricity by 2030 is a key part of the plan.<\/p>\n
Mr Bruton said: \u201cIreland is currently 86% reliant on fossil fuel. We must radically reduce this dependence and make the transition to cleaner, more renewable energy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are exiting from peat and coal to generate electricity and moving to clean, renewable sources of power, like wind and solar.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Renewable Energy Support Scheme is a flagship Government policy designed to deliver on our commitments to decarbonise our electricity grid, harness our natural resources and bring renewable energy into the heart of our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Bruton said that installed wind capacity has grown by 50% since 2015.<\/p>\n
The auction could see capacity grow by 30% in the next three years, with solar and community participation.<\/p>\n
According to the Environment Minister, this is the equivalent of powering up to 640,000 homes every day.<\/p>\n
The RESS is an auction-based scheme which invites renewable electricity projects to bid for capacity and receive a guaranteed price for the electricity they generate.<\/p>\n
The Government has agreed the proposed elements of the scheme, which are subject to state aid approval.<\/p>\n
The scheme will be open to a range of technologies that will broaden the renewable energy mix and enhance security of supply while the Government has approved the inclusion of a solar category.<\/p>\n
The Government has approved the inclusion of a community category within the auction, which include schools and sports clubs.<\/p>\n
Every project developer will be obligated to contribute to a community benefit fund at a rate of \u20ac2 per mega watt hour every year.<\/p>\n
This will generate a minimum amount of up to \u20ac6m for communities living in close proximity to renewable projects each year.<\/p>\n
The RESS will also mandate that Irish citizens or communities will have access to investment opportunities in renewable energy projects, prioritizing those citizens that live in close proximity to the projects.<\/p>\n
Mr Bruton added: \u201cI am keen that communities where renewable energy projects are being built are included in the project\u2019s development.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Government have agreed to make this a strong element of the scheme.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am pleased to confirm that work on the establishment of an enabling framework to support community projects and participation is well under way and will intensify in the New Year.\u201d<\/p>\n