Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
185. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the rationale for setting initial Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) rates at 1.5% and 3%, given Departmental analysis indicating that achieving RES-H targets requires at least 15% by 2030; and whether he will revise these rates upward for liquid fuels. [71515/25]
View answer186. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will consider a phased trajectory for liquid fuels under the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO), starting at 5% and rising to 15% by 2030, as proposed by industry stakeholders' if he will publish his Department’s cost and emissions modelling for this approach. [71516/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together.
Introduction of the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) is a key priority for me, as Minister, with the primary objective of supporting the achievement of Ireland's renewable heating targets by the most cost-effective means available.
Design of the RHO has included two phases of analysis, stakeholder engagement activities, and extensive industry engagement. Feedback received informed a full impact assessment on the scheme structure, considering critical factors, including the availability of renewable fuels to meet the obligation, and the likely economic and social impact of the obligation. Results of this work informed the general scheme of the Renewable Heat Obligation Bill 2025, recently approved by Government.
Decisions made in relation to initial starting rates were based on an extensive examination of the scale of obligation required to meet Ireland’s renewable heat targets, and resulting impact on end consumer costs. While no final decisions have been taken in relation to the next RHO rate increase in year 3, or a final RHO target level, more ambitious rates have been examined that would enable us to meet our renewable energy and climate targets.
