Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 October 2025
105. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if a value-for-money review has been conducted on the RESS State aid scheme to ensure public funds are being used effectively; if no such review has been carried out, whether there are plans to undertake one; and his views on the way in which he is ensuring transparency, efficiency and accountability in the administration of this scheme. [54549/25]
View answerThe Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is pivotal to the achievement of Ireland’s target of generating 80% of our electricity from renewable sources. RESS consists of a series of competitive auctions, in which successful applicants are offered a two-way support arrangement for a period of 15 years.
The RESS programme has been designed to promote investment in renewable energy generation within a competitive auction based, cost-effective framework. The scheme is operated through open and competitive auctions governed by published Terms and Conditions, detailed auction procedures and clear evaluation criteria. Successful projects, total volumes and weighted average clearing prices are publicly disclosed to ensure visibility and confidence.
The design of the RESS operates as a two-sided Contract for Difference which provides an additional protection mechanism that ensures value-for-money and transparency to consumers. Depending on wholesale price conditions, RESS projects can either charge or credit monies to customers.
The recent RESS 5 auction has provided major boost for Ireland energy transition with enough clean power for over 350,000 homes through the development of much needed indigenous onshore wind and solar capacity to secure our energy future and help stabilise energy prices. Development of renewable electricity projects also creates sustainable jobs and future-proofs the regional and local economies.
At a time of significant inflationary and other cost pressures domestically and internationally, the RESS 5 auction has delivered very competitive outcomes, in terms of both price and the volume of renewables successful in the auction. In order to ensure that homes and businesses across the country benefit further from our indigenous energy resource, it is critically important that there is a strong pipeline of renewable energy projects available to enter each RESS auction.
The RESS is subject to ongoing review and assessment to ensure value for money through each auction round and as a condition of State Aid approval by the European Commission.
