Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
822. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department’s plans to support and reward farmers who generate renewable energy for their own use or sell surplus energy to the grid, in line with the Programme for Government commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6620/26]
View answerMy Department’s support includes a focus on solar energy through the Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS) under the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes (TAMS) and the installation of mainly roof-top Solar technology along with battery storage on Irish farms across the country. The Solar Capital Investment Scheme has an individual investment ceiling of €90,000 and is grant aided at the enhanced rate of 60%. My Department has seen a high uptake in the number of applications applying for the Solar Capital Investment scheme for rooftop solar panels on farm buildings, with over 3000 farmers having received approval under the SCIS.
In addition, my Department co-led the development of the National Biomethane Strategy which was published in May 2024. This was Ireland’s first major policy statement on biomethane and was an Agri-centric strategy. Following publication, my Department announced that funding for biomethane investment had been secured from the EU’s REPowerEU fund. My Department launched a Biomethane Capital Grant Scheme in August 2024 to kick start an Agri-led biomethane industry in Ireland with applicants proposing to produce biomethane from agricultural feedstocks eligible to apply for funding.
Overall national energy policy is developed by the Department of the Climate, Energy and the Environment. My Department will continue to work closely with that Department to ensure that our agricultural sector continues increasing the sector’s capacity for producing indigenous energy on farms, diversifying income streams and in contributing to meeting Ireland’s national climate and energy targets.
