The Irish government has approved the holding of the country’s second renewables auction RESS2.
The delayed round, which was originally due to be held this year but has been delayed until 2022, is broadly similar to the first one that ran in 2020.
Energy Department DECC said the auction will increase technology diversity as it will be open to a range of generators, including provisions to couple renewables plus storage capability at project sites.
Onshore wind and solar will be the primary technologies that can take part.
The obligatory Community Benefit Fund (CBF) scheme established in RESS1 has aslo been maintained.
Energy Minister Eamon Ryan (pictured) said: “Today, I am announcing the details of the second auction under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme. Ireland remains heavily reliant on fossil fuel. We must radically reduce this dependence and make the transition to cleaner, indigenous renewable energy. Increased renewable energy will insulate Ireland from the volatility of international gas and carbon prices, which are near an all-time high.
“We are exiting from generating electricity from peat and coal and moving to clean, renewable sources of power, like wind and solar. RESS is one of the primary policies set out in the Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan to address Ireland’s climate challenges over the coming years.
“The RESS programme and the launch of the second onshore auction will be a major step in meeting the Government’s ambition of reducing emissions by 51% by 2030 and delivering up to 80% renewable electricity by 2030. The RESS auctions have been designed to deliver on our commitments to decarbonise our electricity grid, harness our natural resources and bring renewable energy into the heart of our communities.”