Report on Renewable Electricity Support Scheme welcomed by Nenagh power group

The publication of the terms and conditions of the first Renewable Electricity Support Scheme auction by Minister Bruton has been welcomed by Nenagh-based electricity supplier Community Power. 
The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS-1) is an auction-based scheme which invites renewable electricity projects to bid for capacity and receive a guaranteed price for the electricity they generate. 
Community Power is Ireland’s first community-owned electricity supplier. It is a partnership of community energy organisations around Ireland working to create a sustainable energy future for their local areas.
RESS-1 will provide a pathway for community projects through the community preference category and a mandatory Community Benefit Fund for all projects successful in the auction. Together, these aspects of the scheme provide a major boost to communities in contributing to Ireland’s renewable energy and climate goals. The community preference category in the RESS 1 auction is an innovative and ground-breaking measure to provide greater financial support to communities investing in renewable projects. This delivers a powerful signal that supports and enables community investment.
John Fogarty, Chairperson of Community Power, said: “This is a game changer for community-owned electricity generation in Ireland. We strongly commend the minister for bringing forward the community element of the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme and welcome the release of the terms and conditions. 
“Ring-fencing the community pot will make a huge difference. The advantage of a 100% locally-owned development is enormous. All revenue generated remains within the area, giving a huge boost to the local economy.” 
Gregg Allen, CEO of Community Power, said: “If we look at towns and villages years ago, they were much more self-sufficient in the areas of food, energy, transport and local employment. The RESS will enable us in Community Power to assist communities in developing their own renewable energy projects, which will lead to greater energy security and local employment. When communities and people own their own renewable energy plant, the return to the local economy can be five to 10 times greater than when a corporate developer owns it.”
Minister Bruton said: “Radically reducing our reliance on fossil fuel is central to responding to the climate emergency. This scheme is a crucial enabler as we decarbonise our electricity grid and move to clean, renewable energy. Round one will deliver an expected 30% increase in renewables – that is the equivalent of powering up to 640,000 homes every day.
“We are publishing the terms and conditions of the scheme to give more clarity ahead of the scheme formally opening for applications in March. The community participation element is crucial. We must ensure local communities are involved in projects in their area if we are to deliver on the scale up that is required.”
Full details are available on the Department website, https://www.dccae.gov.ie/