Consultation on new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme welcome
05 September, 2017
IWEA has welcomed the publication of the consultation on the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten.
In an initial response to the Design of the Scheme IWEA Head of Policy Dr. David Connolly commented: “The new support scheme which will be hugely important as it will shape the next phase of investment in renewable energy projects as we further decarbonise our electricity network over the next decade.
“Minister Denis Naughten has repeatedly stated his ambition is to bring more diversity into the renewables mix and IWEA supports the development of all forms of renewable energy. The costs in the development of off-shore wind and solar PV have fallen significantly and this improves the business case for such projects. We welcome the fact that once again there is independent analysis published alongside this consultation which clearly states that onshore wind remains the lowest-cost renewable energy source available to Ireland and that Ireland is well placed to develop more onshore wind capacity. Renewable electricity is expected to provide almost 40% of Ireland’s electricity by 2020 and IWEA believes it will be possible to supply more than 65% of Ireland’s electricity from renewable energy by 2030, which can be achieved at the lowest cost by onshore wind in the coming years.
“One aspect that stands out from the consultation at this juncture is the increased role and inclusion of communities. There is a clear shift towards greater community involvement from a financial and benefits perspective. IWEA believes with a robust financial and advisory resource, that is independent of industry, communities could realise important and long-term benefits from wind energy development.
“Price integrity for the consumer must be a significant factor in the next phase of Ireland’s renewable energy journey. The end-user, be they businesses or households across the country, are ultimately the ones impacted by energy costs and this must be a huge consideration in the new support scheme.”
ENDS
Adam Ledwith
Head of Communications and Public Affairs
Mob: +353 86 0453569
Email: adam@iwea.com