MREF welcomes Government commitment to upgrading the distribution grid between now and 2030 with a multi-billion euro investment

The Micro-Renewable Energy Federation (www.mref.ie) has welcomed a commitment from Government to upgrade the distribution grid operated by ESB Networks between now and 2030. Ciaran Kells, Chairperson of MREF, said that while this upgrade is undoubtedly being motivated by the need to avoid future storm damage and the massive blackouts that resulted from Storm Éowyn, this investment is long overdue and necessary to ensure that the network can facilitate as much distributive renewable energy as possible across the country.

Mr. Kells said that many farms and businesses across Ireland wishing to invest into roof top solar PV systems are being seriously restricted on the size of systems they can install and how much they can export to the grid by ESB networks.

He said: “The constraints on connections of renewable power need to be comprehensively dealt with as part of the massive investment planned in our nation grid.”

Mr. Kells said that the investment presents a unique opportunity to ensure that every home, farm and business in the country can optimise micro-generation of renewable power in their energy use. He said: “MREF estimates that there is enough roof space on farms and businesses to install over 3,000MW of renewable energy without losing even one acre of good land from food production.”

Mr. Kells called on the Minister for Energy, Darragh O Brien, and the Government to ensure ample grid access is provided so that farms and property owners can access the grid to install as much generation as their roof space allows, and to export that generation to the grid without restriction. He also called on the Government to immediately come forward with grant supports and ‘Beat-the-Peak’ incentives to encourage homes, farms and businesses to install battery storage systems.

He said: “There is a real appetite among homeowners and businesses to optimise the use of renewable power. Battery technology can not only help do this but also support the national grid deal with the challenges it is facing in meeting the Nation’s peak-time energy needs. However, Government supports are necessary to make this investment affordable.”