Solar projects have scooped nearly 800MW of contracts from Ireland’s first Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS), smashing all expectations.
The RESS auction had been expected to grant just 10% of its capacity to solar PV, equivalent to somewhere in the region of 100 – 300MW. However the asset class swept aside competing technologies, landing just over a third (34%) of the overall auction volume.
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A total of 63 projects with a total generating capacity of 796MW were successful, winning at an average strike price of €72.92/MWh (US$86.52/MWh).
Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Eamon Ryan TD, said that whilst developer-led onshore wind has been the most cost effective technology available to Ireland to date, “solar and community owned energy projects will play a critical role in diversifying our renewable generation portfolio for the period out to 2030”.
For more on this story, visit sister publication Solar Power Portal.