Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
293. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if the small-scale renewable electricity support scheme will continue to categorise farmers as SMEs; if not, if there are proposals to categorise farm holdings as a distinct category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30369/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to promoting the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) to simplify market access for farmer-owned, community and SME, solar and wind projects.
My Department is committed to engaging farmers in renewable energy opportunities, fostering sustainable growth and economic diversification in rural Ireland.
The SRESS export tariff is designed for farmer, community and SME 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 farmer, community and SME owned projects.
Farmers can apply to SRESS on their own, on the same basis as SMEs, or else as members of Renewable Energy Communities.
In February 2026, my Department commenced a review of the tariffs available under SRESS. This review is being undertaken to ensure the scheme continues to provide appropriate support.
Any tariff provided under SRESS cannot exceed the minimum required to aid the project, and any potential change to the rates provided to farmers, SMEs or Renewable Energy Communities (REC) applicants would have to be backed up with robust economic analysis.
The review is also evaluating the viability of a farmer-specific tariff, specifically examining whether a rate distinct from the existing SRESS SME tariff is necessary. The feasibility of such an approach will be determined as part of the review.
It is expected that the review will be completed later this year. Depending on the findings of the review, specific tariffs may be retained, modified or removed.
In the meantime, the existing SRESS rates continue to be available and apply until the review process is complete.
