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The Need to Prioritise Grid Connections for Micro-generators

The Micro Renewable Energy Federation has welcomed the Budget funding allocation of €750 million for upgrades of the electricity grid, but has said that upgrades must prioritise improved grid access and power exports for micro-generators.

Commenting, Micro-Renewable Energy Federation Chairman, Pat Smith said: “The grid investment allocation announced in the Budget from Minister Jack Chambers must prioritise access to the electricity grid for farmers and businesses engaged in micro-generation of renewable power so that they can export power for payment.”

He said: “Grid constraints have become a major issue in some counties, including Donegal, and it is critical that the capital investment in the grid announced today deals with these issues completely.”

Mr. Smith said that Energy Minister, Eamon Ryan, also needs to revisit the grants available to support domestic solar PV installations and battery storage to ensure that planned reductions in grants for solar PV are reversed and that grants for battery storage are re-introduced without delay.