Electricity micro-generation scheme launched

It's hoped the programme can help increase the supply of renewable power.

People in Westmeath are being urged to consider generating their own electricity after a new funding scheme was announced today by the Government.

Ministers today approved the Micro-generation Support Scheme, which will see homes and businesses paid for any electricity they provide into the national grid.

It’s the first time such a scheme has operated in Ireland and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications says it will provide a “range of supports” to help develop renewable generation for self-consumption.

Smaller farms, businesses and individuals will be able to apply for a grant of up to €2,400 towards the purchase and installation of electricity generation equipment.

The users of the scheme will also receive a tariff equivalent to the wholesale electricity rate for an energy they sell back into the grid

The Department says the MSS is targeting support for 380MW of installed micro-generation capacity, to contribute to the target of up to 2.5GW of solar renewables under the Climate Action Plan.

Depending on panel size, that equates to over 1 million solar panels, on approximately 70,000 buildings.