Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
278. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment what assessment has been made of the implications of the EU Commission ruling regarding the incentivisation of domestic biomethane production within the renewable heat obligation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35267/26]
View answer279. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps the Government intends to take to revise the renewable heat obligation scheme in light of the EU Commission's finding that current plans are contrary to EU competition law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35272/26]
View answer280. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will consider the proposal for a parallel renewable liquid fuels obligation scheme, similar to the renewable transport fuel obligation, to accelerate decarbonisation in the home heating sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35273/26]
View answer281. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the Government's position on increasing the obligation levels for liquid fuels within the renewable heat obligation scheme, particularly given the industry's stated capacity to deliver a 20% blend immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35274/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 278, 279, 280 and 281 together.
On 23 December 2025, formal notification of Ireland’s intention to introduce a draft regulation which included a domestic product multiplier under the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) was made via the online Technical Regulations Information System (TRIS).
On 30 March 2026, the European Commission issued a detailed opinion in response to the draft regulation which extends the notification process by a further 3 months, during which time Ireland may not progress with the notified draft regulation.
This extension period relates to progression of the notified draft regulation only, namely the inclusion of an additional certificate applied to each unit of indigenously produced biomethane under the planned scheme. This extension does not apply to finalisation of the Renewable Heat Obligation Bill 2025.
The primary objective of the RHO is to support an increase in Ireland’s renewable energy share for heat (RES-H) by the most economical means available. Design of the scheme included two phases of analysis, multiple stakeholder engagement activities, and extensive industry engagement. Feedback received informed a full impact assessment on the RHO structure, including consideration of key scheme parameters such as starting obligation rates and obligated fuel types.
Decisions made in relation to the Government approved Renewable Heat Obligation Bill 2025 are considered sufficient to incentivise market participation with the RHO and support the achievement Ireland’s climate and energy targets.
Introduction of the RHO is a key priority for Government. Priority drafting of the Renewable Heat Obligation Bill 2025 is underway with the intention to submit it to Government for approval and priority publication as part of the summer legislative programme.
