Electricity micro-generation scheme launched

It's hoped the programme can help increase the supply of renewable power.

People in Cavan are being urged to consider generating their own electricity after a new funding scheme was announced today by the Government.

Ministers today approved the Micro-generation Support Scheme, which will see homes and businesses paid for any electricity they provide into the national grid.

It’s the first time such a scheme has operated in Ireland and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications says it will provide a “range of supports” to help develop renewable generation for self-consumption.

Smaller farms, businesses and individuals will be able to apply for a grant of up to €2,400 towards the purchase and installation of electricity generation equipment.

The users of the scheme will also receive a tariff equivalent to the wholesale electricity rate for an energy they sell back into the grid

The Department says the MSS is targeting support for 380MW of installed micro-generation capacity, to contribute to the target of up to 2.5GW of solar renewables under the Climate Action Plan.

Depending on panel size, that equates to over 1 million solar panels, on approximately 70,000 buildings.

Local TD and Minister Heather Humphreys (FG) has welcomed the news of the scheme, saying it “marks an important step on the energy transition journey”.

“The Government is developing a framework of supports – to enable homes, businesses, farms and communities to install renewable generation for their own consumption and receive a payment for any residual electricity they export to the grid.”