Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 May 2025
138. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if it is Government policy to support 100% community owned renewable energy projects in the renewable electricity support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26856/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government committed to promoting the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) to simplify market access for community owned solar and wind projects.
Through the first two Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auctions, my Department provided pathways and supports for communities to participate in renewable energy projects through the application of a community projects category and also through the requirement of a mandatory community benefit fund for all RESS projects.
To ensure genuine community participation in the separate community category of RESS, the definition of a community-led project for the purposes of the first RESS auction included the stipulation that such projects must be at least 51% owned by a Renewable Energy Community (REC). For RESS 2, this was increased to a 100% REC ownership requirement for entry to the community category.
Support for communities for the development of renewable projects has now transitioned to the non-competitive SRESS. The SRESS export phase is designed for community, SME and farm projects above 50kW to 6MW, offering a simpler route to market, with fixed tariffs for solar and wind, aligning more closely to their experience and the capacity of these sectors.
SRESS community projects must at all times be 100% legally and beneficially owned by a REC and at all times 100% of the profits, dividends and surpluses derived from the SRESS project must be returned to the relevant REC.
The scheme opened for applications on 27 January. The SRESS application form, together with the terms and conditions and a non-technical summary, are available on the Department’s website at www.gov.ie/sress.
My Department is working closely with the SEAI and community groups to assess the barriers to community energy projects, to ensure a long term sustainable future for the community energy sector in Ireland.
