Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2026
162. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the actions he is taking to reconcile the Climate Action Plan 2025 commitment to deliver 500MW of community-owned renewable energy by 2030 in view of the fact that, as of December 2025, only approximately 4.6MW has been installed, largely from a single project operational since 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27420/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra166. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether the Government accepts that failure to support community ownership risks concentrating renewable energy profits in private rather than local hands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27424/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 166 together.
The 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.
My Department provides a range of initiatives to support the development of community energy in Ireland.
The SRESS export tariff is specifically 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. All export projects up to 1MW can also apply to SRESS, and need not be community, SME and farmer owned projects.
To further support communities, SEAI provides a range of supports to develop renewable energy projects, including free access to specialist technical advisors and free comprehensive guides, available on the SEAI website. These guides cover various issues, such as community groups and governance, stakeholder engagement, business planning and grid connection. SEAI has also undertaken 13 county-level grid studies, to help communities identify economically viable connection areas.
Eight community projects have been accepted into the SRESS scheme after engaging with the SEAI’s Community Enabling Framework. I am advised that 6 of these successful community applicants availed of detailed trusted advisor feasibility reports and one availed of an initial feasibility report.
These professional supports remain available free of charge to all renewable energy community groups interested in the scheme. Additional applications to SRESS are also currently being processed.
In 2025, my Department published an assessment of barriers and potential of development of Renewable Energy Communities, as required by the Renewable Energy Directive.
My Department has also secured funding under the European Commission's Technical Support Instrument to further assess barriers and propose recommendations to further support community energy development. This assessment is being carried out by the OECD, with initial policy recommendations due this year which will help inform future policy approaches.
