Ireland: Summary
Updated: 08.01.2019
Support schemes
In Ireland, electricity from renewable sources was mainly promoted through a feed-in-tariff scheme (REFIT) that operated as a floor price. As of January 2016, there is no support scheme available for renewable energies, pending the introduction of a new support scheme, which is expected to be introduced in 2019. On 23 March 2017, the Department of Communications, Climate Change and Environment (DCCAE) published an option’s paper that summarises the proposals concerning the transition of the existing renewable energy support schemes from the Single Electricity Market to Integrated Single Electricity Market (I-SEM). In addition, a subsidy scheme for PV was introduced in July 2018.
More about support schemesGrid issues
In Ireland, access of electricity from renewable sources to the grid is subject to the provisions of Statutory Instrument 147 of 2011 and the direction from the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). The Gate 3 process provides a level of priority connection for RES. However, renewable energy plants are connected according to a special procedure ("Group Processing Approach"), which aims to increase the reliability of the connection procedure for the plant operators. The rollout and implementation of Gate 3 by the regulator, TSO and DSO is designed to ensure that Ireland can reach its 40% RES-E target. In addition, there are transitional arrangements for access to the grid, while there is a new grid connection process (Enduring Connection Policy -ECP-1) for new plant operators.
More about grid issuesPolicies
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides lists with certified products to inform consumers and public authorities, considering that public bodies are required to purchase energy efficient products. With regards to policies in the building sector, new buildings are required to comply with renewable energy requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations. In addition, Ireland has also published its Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan.
More about policies
Ireland