IRELAND RENEWABLE INCENTIVES

IRELAND RENEWABLE INCENTIVES

In Ireland, electricity from renewable sources is mainly promoted through a feed-in-tariff scheme (REFIT). There is also a tax relief scheme for corporate investments in projects generating electricity from renewable sources (solar, wind, biomass, and hydro). Renewable Energy sources for heating purposes have two main support schemes: a €800 grant to homeowners for the installation of solar thermal installations and a tax return to Irish companies of 100% of the purchase value of certain energy efficient equipments. The main incentive for renewable energy use in transport is a quota system.

Access of electricity from renewable sources to the grid shall be granted according to the principle of non-discrimination and renewable energy plants are connected under the so-called Group Processing Approach (GPA). Regarding the use of the grid, operators are obliged to provide an offer for use to every operator of an (renewable) energy plant. Grid operators are generally obliged to develop the grid system. However, individual plant operators do not have the right to demand grid expansion.

There are also policies in place that promote the use of RES installations. IRELAND RENEWABLE INCENTIVES

ELECTRICITY

Support schemes

In Ireland, electricity from renewable sources is mainly promoted through a feed-in-tariff scheme (REFIT) that operates as a floor price. The entities entitled to this tariff are those suppliers that purchase electricity from renewable sources from generators with whom they have entered into a commercially negotiated REFIT Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). This regulatory system incentivises the generation of electricity from renewable sources.

Additionally, a tax relief scheme for corporate investments in projects generating electricity from renewable sources (solar, wind, biomass, and hydro) aims to encourage investments in RES. The scheme was introduced in 1998 and was recently extended until 31 December 2014 (section 486B TCA 1997 amended by section 25 Finance Act 2012).

More about support schemes

Grid issues

In Ireland, access of electricity from renewable sources to the grid is subject to the provisions of Statutory Instrument 147 of 2011 and 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.

More about grid issues

Policies

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland 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

HEATING AND COOLING

Support schemes

In Ireland, there are two main support schemes for RES-H: a €800 grant to homeowners for the installation of solar thermal installations through the Better Energy Homes scheme and a tax return to Irish companies of 100% of the purchase value of certain energy efficient equipments through the Accelerated Capital Allowance scheme.

More about support schemes

Policies

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland 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

TRANSPORT – MOBILITY

Support schemes

In Ireland, the support scheme for renewable energy sources used in the transport sector is a quota system. This scheme obliges suppliers of fuels to ensure that biofuels make up to a defined percentage of the company’s total annual sale of fuel.

More about support schemes

Source and read more on: RES LEGAL