The Irish government has launched a consultation on the holding of a second onshore renewables auction.
Energy department DECC said the system, known as RESS, will provide an enabling framework for community participation “through the provision of pathways and supports for communities to participate in renewable energy projects”.
The round, the second after last year’s debut auction, will also increase the diversity of the energy mix by “broadening” the renewables that can participate, according to the department, which is led by Energy Minister Eamon Ryan (pictured).
“The Programme for Government commits to hold RESS auctions at frequent intervals throughout the lifetime of the scheme. This will allow Ireland to take advantage of falling technology costs and avoid ‘locking in’ higher costs for consumers,” said DECC.
“The aim of this consultation is to gather feedback on key aspects of the scheme and to guide the final design of RESS 2.”
The closing date for submissions is 20 August, 2021.
Further details of the consultation can be found here.