The Government’s outline of the Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS) lacks clarity, detail and ambition, according to the Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA).

While the ISEA has cautiously welcomed the inclusion of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) technology in a public consultation on the RESS, it has also criticised the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten for not publishing a more advanced document.

It has specifically called out his ‘flawed’ proposal for a technology-neutral auction process.

A consultation process into the RESS was announced last week by Minister Naughten.

The CEO of ISEA, Michael McCarthy, said: “We cautiously welcome the broad approach outlined by Minister Naughten for a new Renewable Energy Support Scheme.

“It is the first time ever that direct policy support from Government for solar has been forthcoming, and in particular we are pleased to see an emphasis on community involvement, consumer value and competitive auctions.

“However, given that its publication has been repeatedly delayed, we are disappointed that the Minister’s overall approach was not more advanced at this late stage. It lacks clarity, detail and ambition.”

Flawed

McCarthy said that the Minister’s proposal for a technology-neutral single auction process is also flawed.

“This will pitch solar directly against onshore wind, which will ultimately result in an even greater reliance on wind.”

This simply isn’t acceptable given that Ireland is facing a cliff of fines from the EU for missing its 2020 targets.

“We need to be diversifying our renewables portfolio, not restricting it. Furthermore, when the UK ran with a technology-neutral approach a few years ago it only favoured wind.

“By contrast, France and Germany have consistently run successful technology-specific auctions for solar and wind technologies. We should learn these lessons from our European counterparts.”

McCarthy continued to say that the consultation fails to set out what the Government wants and when it wants to deploy it.

“Specifically it lacks detail in terms of budgets and timelines. There is no mention of when the Government aims to run the first and second auctions. Similarly, there is no attempt to quantify the scale of the renewables required, nor are there any suggestions as to what policy makers see as appropriate technology mix.

“The ISEA would have expected, at the very least, the Government to have outlined what it wants in terms of a ratio between solar and wind, both onshore and offshore.”

Case for solar

McCarthy also said that the case for solar is clearer than ever – it is now the most invested in technology worldwide and the cheapest to deploy after onshore wind.

“It can be constructed and installed a lot quicker than any other form of renewable technology.

“For these reasons, we know that solar holds the key to Ireland’s capacity to meet its 2020 targets.

“As things stand, Ireland is one of only two EU member states which are going to miss those targets, triggering millions of euros in financial sanctions on the Irish taxpayer.

“It is widely acknowledged that solar is the only technology that can help us bridge the shortfall. Therefore, the ISEA are very concerned there won’t be a technology-specific auction in time to deliver that solution and help Ireland meet the shortfall, thus avoiding estimated fines of €300m per annum.”

ISEA said that it looks forward to engaging with the public consultation process and contributing to what is a significant exercise for the future development of Ireland’s growing renewable sector.

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