The Irish government is to change to rules of the next renewables auction to ensure that all projects in the community category are fully owned by locals.
Energy Minister Eamon Ryan said the move to tweak the rules for the RESS-2 round “signals the further democratisation” of the country’s energy system.
The community pot is carved off from other pots for onshore wind and solar.
Ryan added an enabling framework of supports is being developed by his department and the SEAI with details to be announced next month. The auction is slated to be held later this year.
Communities that have already worked collaboratively with commercial developers to initiate a project may still choose to maintain that collaboration on a contract for services basis, he added.
“I urge communities with an interest in renewable energy to embrace this opportunity,” said Ryan.
“Communities will now be able to retain all the benefits that are associated with generating their own electricity. These benefits can provide a secure long-term financial boost to the community at large and allow reinvestment into securing the community’s long-term future.
“This is a terrific chance for communities to be part of Ireland’s change to a greener economy at a local level.”