Eamon Ryan
Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications
Ireland has rich natural resources which, if utilised, will see environmental, financial, social and health-related benefits for all citizens, creating thousands of green jobs in communities across the country.
Ireland is leading the charge in the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable and independent energy future. We are already a world leader in renewable energy; 35% of our electricity currently comes from onshore wind farms — more than anywhere else in Europe. Not only that, but Ireland is currently experiencing an impressive surge in solar energy.
There is now over 400 MW of rooftop solar and 650 MW of grid-scale solar connected to the grid in Ireland — compared to just 25 MW in 2019 — with over 100,000 consumers feeding clean, renewable solar energy to Ireland’s power system. This solar revolution will continue to play a crucial part in creating an Ireland powered by renewable energy and through microgeneration.
The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme
The Government’s Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) will transform how we develop renewable electricity generation by providing support to renewable electricity projects. RESS is a competitive, auction-based scheme which offers a guaranteed price to renewable generators for the energy they produce. The scheme supports large-scale projects — mostly wind and solar — when prices are low. In times of higher electricity prices, money is refunded to consumers.
Community benefits and local impact
Community involvement in renewable energy projects is a key element of RESS. Generators are required to contribute a specified amount annually to the local community through a Community Benefit Fund. This ensures the benefits of renewable energy are shared widely, and are used to stimulate economic growth, particularly in rural areas.
RESS is a vital tool to meet our
Climate Action Plan target of 80%
of electricity demand coming
from renewable sources by 2030.
Advancing climate goals and energy security
RESS is a vital tool to meet our Climate Action Plan target of 80% of electricity demand coming from renewable sources by 2030, and in doing so, reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen our energy security, and improve the health of our citizens.
Upcoming developments and future growth
The fourth RESS auction, RESS 4, is currently underway, with final auction results to be published on 25 September. Successful RESS 4 projects will be contracted to begin energy production at the latest by 31 December 2029.
The progress Ireland has made so far is just the beginning; further growth and development of our wind and solar generation is needed. Through continued investment, innovation, and community involvement, we will ensure Ireland is well on the way to achieving our renewable generation targets.
