Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Small-scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) opens for applications on Monday the 27th of January. The terms and conditions of the scheme were published in December 2024. The SRESS application form together with the terms and conditions and a non-technical summary, are available on the Department’s website at: gov.ie/sress

A pivotal milestone has been reached in Ireland’s transition to a more sustainable energy future with 5 gigawatts of onshore wind capacity now installed – that’s more than halfway to the ambitious Climate Action Plan target of 9 GW by 2030, and enough energy to power 3.75 million homes. Data, released by Wind Energy Ireland, estimates that onshore wind farms provided almost a third of the country’s electricity in 2024. Last December, 41% of the State’s energy was generated by renewable wind power, one of the strongest December figures on record. When solar and other renewable technologies are included, the State currently has over 7GW of renewables connected. Officials from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications told delegates attending the Wind Energy Ireland Annual Conference in Dublin that reaching an installed 5 GW of onshore wind capacity is a strong signal of the State’s commitment to the deployment of renewables.   Philip Newsome, Head of the Renewable Electricity Division in the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, said Ireland is already a success story when it comes to our roll-out of onshore wind energy: “While it has been estimated that wind energy generated 20% of all electricity consumed in Europe last year, it is hugely positive to note that Ireland now gets close to a 35% average share of electricity delivered from onshore wind farms; this is more than any other European country,” Newsome said. The Climate Action Plan also includes ambitious targets for solar and offshore renewable energy (ORE), with 8GW of solar capacity and at least 5GW of ORE capacity planned by 2030. Ireland, however, has ambitious long-term targets aimed at delivering 20 GW of offshore wind energy by 2040 and 37GW by 2050. Last October, the Government announced the State’s second offshore wind auction, which will take place on a site off the coast of County Waterford, called ‘Tonn Nua.’ It will procure 900 megawatts of clean energy, with the bidding process expected to take place early this year. Eoin McShane, Head of the Offshore Renewable Energy Long Term Strategic Planning Division within the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, said an all-of-Government approach is the driving force behind our offshore wind ambitions: “Ireland is uniquely positioned to lead Europe’s offshore renewable future. Along with delivering cleaner and more secure energy to our homes and businesses, renewable energy projects are poised to revolutionise our economy, and have the potential to create thousands of jobs. Indigenous renewable energy can also help to insulate Irish consumers from the energy price hikes we have seen over the last number of years,” McShane said.

Renewable Energy is currently producing more than a third of Ireland's electricity needs. With our ambitious Offshore Wind farm plans we can achieve even more.....

Renewable Energy is currently producing more than a third of Ireland's electricity needs. With our ambitious Offshore Wind plans, we can achieve even more.....

Let’s clear the air! Choose low smoke fuel and you're headed in the right direction.  Find out more at gov.ie/CleanAir 

In December, renewables provided 46.7% of our electricity demand as Ireland’s renewables sector continues its growth.  The majority of renewable electricity generated last month came from windfarms, which accounted for over 40% of all electricity used in Ireland. Ireland gets a greater share of our electricity (35 % on average) from onshore wind farms than any other European country. Read more https://shorturl.at/NntLq

In December, renewables provided 46.7% of our electricity demand as Ireland’s renewables sector continues its growth.  The majority of renewable electricity generated last month came from windfarms, which accounted for over 40% of all electricity used in Ireland. Ireland gets a greater share of our electricity (35 % on average) from onshore wind farms than any other European country. Read more https://shorturl.at/NntLq

There are various supports to help you #StayWarm and well this winter if you need help paying your energy bills, such as the Additional Needs Payment which is a means-tested payment available to you if you have essential expenses that you cannot pay from your weekly income. If you are aged 70 or over, the Households Benefits Package can help you with the costs of electricity or gas bills. There is also an ALONE phone support line for people over 60 if you need help or advice paying your energy bill:  0818 222 024 For more information see our website: Gov.ie/ReduceYourUse

Know your appliances and save money on energy bills. Our graph shows which appliances use the most electricity and cost you more. For more information: gov.ie/ReduceYourUse

Minister Eamon Ryan has approved legislation that will govern the wild salmon and sea trout fisheries in 2024. This will come into effect from Monday, 1 January 2025. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e5uqjW4f