Small Scale Renewable Electricity

The Irish government has announced the second phase of the Small Scale Renewable Energy Support Scheme (SRESS), which provides fixed electricity prices for six categories of small solar and wind projects, ranging in size from 1MW to 6MW.

The selected projects within this scope do not require auction and will be supported throughout the project lifecycle in the form of grid in electricity prices (FiP).

The electricity price for renewable energy certificates has been set at 150 euros/MWh for solar projects under 1MW, and 140 euros/MWh for projects between 1-6MW. For small and medium-sized enterprises, the electricity price for solar projects below 1MW is 130 euros/MWh, and the electricity price for projects between 1-6MW is 120 euros/MWh. In addition, the plan has set cheaper electricity prices for wind power projects.

The first phase of SRESS in Ireland was launched in July 2023, targeting renewable energy self use projects with a capacity of over 50kW but below 1MW. The third phase of the plan, which is scheduled to be launched in 2026, will support the FiT project.

Ireland's goal is to achieve an 80% share of renewable energy in its total electricity structure by 2030, including 8GW of solar photovoltaic and 500MW of community energy.