Written answer
Renewable Energy Generation
The Minister outlined planning, community engagement, benefit funds, storage guidance and public information measures for renewable, storage and grid projects.
30. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures his Department is taking to ensure that local communities are provided with clear, accessible and comprehensive information regarding large-scale renewable energy developments, including solar farms, battery energy storage systems and associated grid infrastructure. [64931/26]
Comment on this
Planning and development matters are the responsibility of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the relevant planning authorities. The development of the national electricity network is a matter for EirGrid and ESB Networks.
All developers of renewable energy projects, as well as storage providers and related grid infrastructure, are expected to comply with relevant planning, consenting and regulatory requirements and to engage actively and constructively with local communities in line with international best practice.
Under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), supported projects are required to establish Community Benefit Funds to provide direct benefit to communities. At the same time, they are an important mechanism for supporting meaningful engagement between generators and communities. They provide a structured way for communities to participate in, and benefit from, renewable energy development.
In relation to storage, the 2024 Electricity Storage Policy Framework sets out the relevant safety and regulatory requirements, helping to provide clarity for communities. SEAI has also published a Battery Storage Manual of Consenting Procedures.
Engaging with local communities in terms of grid infrastructure is a matter for EirGrid and ESB Networks. Community engagement with local communities is central to EirGrid’s grid project management when planning, building and upgrading grid infrastructure.
More broadly, this year my Department launched the ‘Our Energy, Our Future’ information campaign with the aim of building public support for the energy transition by highlighting the opportunities presented by renewables. Further iterations of the campaign are in the planning stages.
These measures support constructive engagement with communities. This is essential to delivering renewable, storage and grid infrastructure that is vital for strengthening security of supply and for reducing Ireland’s exposure to volatile prices of imported fossil fuels.