SRESS phase two ‘provides easier route to market’ for renewable energy installation

The Irish government has launched the second stage of the small-scale renewable electricity support scheme (SRESS) in a bid to continue providing a route to market for businesses and non-domestic renewables self-consumers.

The new phase follows the first stage of SRESS which launched in July 2023. Phase one is limited to renewable self-consumers above 50kW and up to 1 megawatt (MW) and consists of capital grants for solar installations only. The second phase was announced on 23 May, providing price support with guaranteed fixed tariffs for solar and wind projects between 50kW and 6MW. SRESS tariffs have been set across six fixed categories – three community rates and three rates for small and medium sized enterprises (SME). The tariffs cover both solar and wind.

Renewable self-consumption refers to energy generated on a premises for that premises’ own consumption. This can include farms, public buildings, commercial and industrial entities. Self-consumers can also store or sell excess self-generated renewable electricity, provided that, for a non-household renewables self-consumer, the selling of this excess energy does not constitute its primary commercial activity.

In order to be eligible for SRESS support, applicants must demonstrate a full grid connection offer and full planning permission.

“The scheme is designed the bridge the gap between the micro-generation support scheme and renewable electricity support scheme and capture those projects which fall in between. Although sub-6MW projects still require requisite planning and grid, their potential to be delivered to meet emissions targets have long been overlooked,” said Garrett Monaghan, energy law expert at Pinsent Masons.

The rate for small scale solar PV, 1MW or under, is set at €150/MWh, solar greater than 1MW and up to 6MW is €140/MWh, with the rate for wind less than 6MW €90/MWh. Small or medium enterprise rates between at €130/MWH for small scale solar, €120/MW for between 1MW and 6MW solar, and €80/MWh for wind. 

The largest supported category, gride scale community solar projects, will receive a guaranteed tariff 20% higher than the average community price in the most recent RESS auction for community projects in 2022.

The SRESS has a policy lifetime out to 2030 and a 15-year support lifetime for successful applicants. The scheme is open for application on a continuous basis.