The Government should use windfall tax revenues to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy generation by businesses and farmers.

The Micro Renewable Energy Federation (MREF) urged the Government to seize the opportunities currently being presented by a buoyant economy and strong public finances to promote the uptake of renewable technology.

MREF chair Pat Smith said the strength of the economy at the moment provided a unique opportunity for the State to prioritise investment in renewable energy, particularly at farm level.

ADVERTISEMENT

Such a move would enable farmers to become part of the climate change solution and challenge the “divisive and misinformed” criticisms of agriculture in relation to the environment, he maintained.

Surplus

The Government announced a budget surplus of €8bn for 2022 and the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has projected that the surplus could reach €10bn for this year and €16bn for 2024.

“The Government needs to put some of the resources it has to work, helping businesses and farmers accelerate the actions that are needed in tackling climate change and to meet Ireland’s international obligations,” Smith maintained.

While Smith acknowledged that the strength of the economy created other challenges, including around housing supply and inflation, he said the Government now had the financial firepower to make transformational investments in renewables.

Targeted grant supports encouraging businesses to adopt renewable technologies ... would accelerate the switch to electrical power

“Exchequer projections are forecasting that the Irish Government will have the financial resources available to make a real difference in accelerating the switch away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources,” he said.

“Targeted grant supports encouraging businesses to adopt renewable technologies such as solar PV and electrical vehicle charging infrastructure would accelerate the switch to electrical power from renewable sources, while also generating long-term employment right across the country,” the MREF chair maintained.

The Micro Renewable Energy Federation has urged the Government to prioritise investment of windfall taxes in renewable technology.

Smith said that Government grants and other supports for the adoption of sustainable technologies such as anaerobic digestion for biomethane generation from agricultural and food waste feedstocks also need to be to be progressed urgently.

“Criticisms of agriculture and farming on climate are divisive and misinformed. Government needs to stand up for farming and the many environmental and public goods it delivers,” Smith maintained.

“With the right actions and supports now, the Government can enable farmers to become the true champions of climate actions for the country. This opportunity needs to be grabbed,” he added.