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Ireland is launching the second phase of its support program for small-scale renewable energy

Posted on by darion

The Irish government has announced the second phase of the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Support Scheme (SRESS), targeting community and community-based projects, renewable energy communities (RECs) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that produce and export solar energy or power generation wind with a capacity of up to 1 MW. At this stage, a feed-in tariff is offered without the need for an auction, providing a premium over market revenues for renewable electricity.

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Government guidelines state that REC prices are set at €150 ($162.70) per MWh for solar projects below 1 MW and €140 per MWh for projects between 1 MW and 6 MW. SMEs will receive €130 per MWh for solar projects with a capacity of less than 1 MW and €120 per MWh for projects between 1 MW and 6 MW. Wind projects benefit from even more favorable rates under the new system.

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The higher tariff for RECs reflects the additional challenges facing these projects, including planning, grid connection and financing, and highlights the government’s preference for community involvement in renewable energy initiatives.

The Solar Energy Association of Ireland has praised the latest phase of the SRESS programme, highlighting that it represents a significant opportunity for communities, local businesses and SMEs to drive Ireland’s transition to renewable energy. Conall Bolger, the association’s chief executive, emphasized the critical need to improve grid connections to seamlessly integrate small generators.

“Grid connections are the lifeblood of renewable energy projects,” Bolger said. “Without quick and affordable access to our national energy grid, the potential of projects like the SRESS program remains untapped.”

The initial phase of SRESS, launched in 2023, focused on prosumers generating power from 50 kW to 1 MW. The third stage, covering all categories of applicants, is scheduled for 2026.

Ireland has set an ambitious target of sourcing 80% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, reflecting its commitment to a sustainable energy future.