Expanding Solar in Ireland: Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS)

The Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) welcomes the latest phase of the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS), announced yesterday.

Phase Two of SRESS represents an opportunity for communities, local businesses, and SMEs to drive Ireland's transition towards renewable energy. By participating in this scheme, stakeholders can contribute to national energy targets subject to some key reforms being implemented. Key areas include connection cost/timelines, flexibility of the framework, and the wider programme of agricultural supports.

Conall Bolger, our CEO, commented:

"Grid connections are the lifeblood of renewable energy projects. Without prompt and affordable access to our national energy grid, the potential of schemes like SRESS remains untapped. We urge stakeholders to prioritise grid connection enhancements to ensure the seamless integration of small-scale generators into our electricity system. This is essential for unlocking the full benefits of renewable energy and achieving our ambitious targets."

Key Details of Phase Two:

• Empowering Communities: The SRESS will offer guaranteed tariff support for community, local, and SME projects, providing financial aid for initiatives at the heart of our communities.
• Feed-in Premium (FiP) Tariff: Participants will benefit from a FiP tariff without the need for competitive auctions, ensuring potential compensation for their renewable electricity contributions.

• Tailored Support: Different tariff rates will be provided based on project type, with Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) receiving a higher rate to overcome barriers and reflect policy preferences for community involvement.
• Facilitating Export-Only Projects: Projects solely focused on exporting renewable electricity, below 1 MW, will also receive support under this phase.

Grid Connections for Small-Scale Generators:

• ESB Networks Pilot Scheme: ESB Networks are operating pilot schemes to connect mini and small-scale generators. We are supportive of proposals to transform the pilot into a business-as-usual process. In addition, ISEA feels that the grid connection cost approach requires further review to ensure these costs do not act as a barrier.
• Enduring Connection Policy (ECP): The ECP process for grid connection applications is the current pathway for generators and? storage to connect to the electricity system. We are supportive of proposals to increase the number of times a year that ECP processes grid applications.

For more information on SRESS: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/96110-small-scale-generation/

Join the solar revolution and ISEA: https://www.irishsolarenergy.org/fees-benefits

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