Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
577. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the incentives available for farmers and agri-food businesses to install solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35454/23]
View answerThe main support provided by my Department for farmers wishing to invest in renewable energy is under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS). It is referred to as the TAMS 3 Solar Capital Investment scheme. This was launched on 22 February 2023 and is proving to be a hugely successful scheme. The new TAMS 3 scheme is closely aligned to our climate and sustainability needs through continued and enhanced support for renewable energy.
• To help encourage on-farm renewable technology uptake and usage, grant aid is provided through TAMS to assist farmers in maximising their contribution to the production of renewable energy through the installation of solar panel technology along with battery storage on Irish farms.
• The solar scheme is ring fenced with its own investment ceiling of €90,000 and will be grant aided at the enhanced rate of 60%.
• Applicants under TAMS 3 can receive the Clean Export Guarantee payment for any electricity spill-over that may occur on a given day as this is funded directly by the electricity companies. However, they are not eligible for any other payment, such as the Clean Export Premium, as it would be double funding of the investment.
• Adoption of sustainable energy practices at farm level, including energy efficiency, deployment of renewables at farm level and the provision of agriculture feedstocks for renewable energy generation is a key climate pillar for the agriculture sector.
The on-farm renewable energy generation activities of our farmers will contribute to the de-carbonisation of the energy system, providing a diversification opportunity for farmers who remain committed to playing their part in achieving our national climate change emission reduction goals.
