Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2026
167. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the engagement that has taken place with ESB Networks regarding flexibility for community projects facing grant-related delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27425/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to promoting the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) to simplify market access for community, SME and farmer-owned solar and wind projects.
The SRESS export tariff is designed for community, SME and farmer export only projects above 50kW to 6MW. SRESS offers a simpler route to market for those groups, with fixed tariffs for solar and wind, aligning more closely to the capacity of those sectors. All export projects, of up to 1MW, can also apply to SRESS and need not be community, SME and farmer owned projects.
The scheme opened for applications in January 2025. The SRESS application form, together with the terms and conditions, a non-technical summary and first steps guides for applicants are available on my Department’s website at www.gov.ie/SRESS.
Eight SME and eight community applications have been accepted into the scheme. My Department is also processing additional applications that have been received.
My Department has liaised with ESB Networks on this matter and it is my understanding that ESBN has not received any recent queries from community applicants in relation to flexibility on grid application fees or grid connection costs.
