Christopher O'Sullivan
Ceist:115. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated cost of holding an annual renewable electricity support scheme auction. [40928/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 15 October 2024
Ceisteanna (115)
Freagraí scríofa
The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is Ireland’s flagship support scheme for grid-scale renewable electricity generators and a key measure in supporting Ireland's ambitious renewable electricity targets under the Climate Action Plan. The RESS is comprised of a series of regular competitive auctions. The results of the most recent and very successful fourth RESS auction were published on 27 September 2024.
The RESS auction is designed and developed in-house by my Department and the auction is operated by EirGrid under auction operator license from the CRU at no cost to the Department. The administration and enduring contract management of the scheme is carried out internally by officials in my Department.
As part of the design and administration of the scheme, my Department procures consultancy support for legal and economic advice to aid in the development of the terms and conditions of each RESS auction and the associated documentation, as well as to assist with the handling of any queries or challenges relating to same.
For 2023 and year to date 2024, during which time two RESS auctions have been developed, the cost of legal consultancy associated with the development and operation of the schemes was €100,000. The cost of economic advice in the same period was just over €74,000.