Farmers will be able to sell renewable electricity into the national grid under a new scheme expected to be rolled out this summer.
The new Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is being developed to provide a route to market for farmers who produce surplus electricity such as solar panels and receive a fair price when they sell into the grid.
The scheme will enable farmers to save on their energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint.
Micro-generation is defined as micro-generation technologies, including micro-solar PV, micro-hydro, micro-wind and micro-renewable CHP with a maximum electrical output of 50kW, designed to primarily service the self-consumption needs of the property where it is installed.
Environment, Climate and Communications Minister, Eamon Ryan today (January 14) announced a public consultation and invited farmers to submit their views.
Minister Ryan said: “By producing and selling their own electricity, citizens, farmers, business owners and community organisations can save on their energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. I urge interested parties to get involved and have their say.”
The public consultation will remain open until 5:30pm on February 17, 2021. Submissions will be considered and a final design will be submitted for government approval with implementation for July 2021.
Submissions can be sent by email to publicconsultation_mss@decc.gov.ie or by post to MSS Consultation, Electricity Policy Division, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, 29 -31 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2, Ireland. DO2 X285