The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment has published a public consultation regarding the design of a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) for Ireland. This is the final public consultation on the development and design of the scheme.
The purpose of this new scheme is to provide an incentive for the introduction of sufficient renewable electricity generation, in order to satisfy national and EU-wide renewable energy and decarbonisation targets out to 2030. Presenting the emerging principles of the scheme for public consultation is part of a wider movement towards greater public engagement in energy policy.
The new scheme will aim to increase the participation of individuals and communities in the transition to a low carbon economy, whilst also helping to achieve the Government's objective of broadening the mix of renewable energies.
Minister Denis Naughten, T.D., said that "the scale of transformation needed to meet our low carbon transition targets cannot be overstated. If we are to reach those targets, we must harness the combined efforts of the entire country."
In developing Ireland's approach to achieving its renewable energy ambitions, value for money, sustainability, and security of supply have been taken into account as key drivers of policy. Central to the new scheme will be the inclusion of measures that allow communities to participate in and benefit from renewable energy projects.
The public consultation remains open until 3 November 2017.
Editor's note
Wondering why we're covering Republic of Ireland legislation? Watch this space...
