Abbreviated form of legal source(s)
RESS 1 2020
Summary
In December 2019 Ireland introduced its first RES tender, the Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS). The tender took place in July 2020. One specific category eligible for support is the “Community Preference Category”, which will provide support on community- led projects. Further auctions are expected in the following three years.
Addressees
Natural persons, SMEs, local authorities (including municipalities), not-for-profit organisations or local community organisations (ch.2 7.2. RESS 1 2020).
Requirements and conditions
In order to qualify as a community-led project, it should at least be owned at 51% by a Renewable Energy Community (ch. 7.2. RESS 1 2020). A renewable energy community is defined as a legal entity, whose shareholders (natural and legal persons) are located near the RESS project site (ch. 2 RESS 1 2020).
Geographical limitations
The shareholders of the renewable energy community should be located near the RESS project site (ch. 2 RESS 1 2020). The legal source does not specify the distance.
Financial support
RESS 1 has a separate category for community-led projects, which are prioritized over other projects. Additionally, all RESS 1 Projects are required to create a Community Benefit Fund before the Commercial Operation of the relevant RESS 1 Project. The contribution will be €2/MWh for all RESS 1 Projects (7.2. RESS 1 2020).
Type of energy sharing
- Energy communities, energy cooperatives, energy clusters : Relevant