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Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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Farmers will be able to sell electricity into the grid under new scheme

Farmers are among those who will be able to sell renewable electricity into the grid under a scheme being developed by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD.

Individuals, businesses, and community groups will also be eligible for a new Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) being designed to provide a route to market for citizens and communities.

This will allow them to generate their own renewable electricity, e.g. from solar panels on their roofs, and receive a fair price when they sell the excess into the grid.

The scheme design also seeks to establish the ‘renewables self-consumer’ model of energy generation and consumption in Ireland; to support community and citizen participation in the transition to a net-zero carbon economy; and to contribute to achieving our 2030 targets for renewable energy.

Speaking today (Thursday, January 14th), Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamonn Ryan TD said: “This scheme will allow people and communities to become active participants in the energy transition.”

“By producing and selling their own electricity citizens, farmers, business owners and community organisations can save on their energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. I urge interested parties to get involved and have their say.”

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How will the Microgeneration Support Scheme work?

Micro-generators will primarily serve their own consumption needs but will be able to receive a payment for excess electricity exported back to the grid.

The scheme will ensure that there is equity in what supports are offered and how the cost of support is distributed.

As part of the design, micro-generators must have first met minimum energy efficiency requirements for their properties.

Public consultation

Minister Ryan is inviting the public to take part in a consultation on how the scheme will operate.

This public consultation will remain open until 17.30hrs on February 18th, 2021.

All responses should be submitted to [email protected] or in writing to MSS Consultation, Electricity Policy Division, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, 29-31 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2, Ireland. D02X285.

Please note that all submissions and comments submitted to DECC for the purpose of this consultation may be subject to release under the Freedom of Information Act 1997-2003 and will be published on the Department’s website.

Any information, which is commercially sensitive, should be clearly indicated in the submission.

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