The government is moving forward with plans to launch a micro production scheme that will financially incentivize farmers to install solar panels on agricultural buildings and sheds.
With a delivery date not yet available, Taniste Leo Varadkar is in talks with Environment Minister Eamon Ryan to help farmers agree on a “decent tariff” under the Looming plan for every kilowatt hour of electricity exported from farms to the grid. Ho”.
Along with the environmental benefits of the scheme, Mr Varadkar said it aims to bring a “better and more stable income stream” to farms within the next five to seven years.
Speaking at Fine Gael’s Special Conference on Agriculture and Rural Development, the party leader said: “I think solar farms are great, I have nothing against them, but I want to see solar panels on all farm roofs .
“The key to this is that we can guarantee farmers a good tariff, so if farmers invest in solar panels, or micro-wind production, they know they will get a return on investment – not in 20 years. , but in a reasonable time frame.
“We need a decent and agreeable tariff and I am talking to Eamon Ryan at the moment, and I think we will get a good result.
“Talking to the farmers, they are telling me that they want to do this; They want to get into the micro-generation, they want rooftop solar panels, and they want the government to facilitate it.
Martin Hayden, Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture, said the party’s newly formed Agriculture and Rural Committee would focus on micro-production as its first body of work.
“Farmers have repeatedly stated that they are willing to play their part in decarbonizing our energy system. Small-scale energy production I believe is a great opportunity for farmers and rural communities to play a major role Is.
“That is certainly the ambition of Fine Gail, and I would suggest the first piece of work for the platform, with the aim of building a solid policy position within three months to explore this area, is to ensure that we are able to meet the potential of farmers. Unlock and rural Ireland into clean, green energy production.”
