Details of a 3-month consultation process on proposed exemptions for micro-renewable technologies for industrial, commercial and public buildings and agricultural structures have just been released.

"These proposals provide a perfect example of how economic well being and a strong commitment to our environment can compliment one another.

They make further inroads in removing any unnecessary regulatory barriers to the uptake of renewables in all sectors," said John Gormley, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Following on from the introduction of exemptions from planning permission requirements for certain micro-renewable energy technologies in the domestic sector in February 2007, the Department further reviewed existing provisions with a view to facilitating increased usage of renewable energy in the industrial, agricultural, and commercial sectors, and in public buildings, including schools and hospitals.

The consultation paper contains proposals for exemptions for wind turbines, combined heat and power (CHP) plants, solar panels and biomass boilerunits, subject to certain conditions, across each of the sectors.

"We face significant challenges to reduce our emissions, maximise renewable energy uptake, and ensure security of energy supply. While these challenges are not simple tasks by any means they also present great opportunities.

So, for example, if we maximise the enormous potential of renewable energy sources we will be directly combating climate change. And if we ensure security and sustainability of energy supply we will be fostering and promoting sustainable employment in Ireland.

"The measures I am proposing will have multiple benefits in terms of climate change emissions reductions, potential job creation and the development of a more sustainable and secure energy supply.

The exemptions support actions required to meet Ireland's emissions target under the Kyoto Protocol, as detailed in the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012 and in the Agreed Programme for Government.

They seek to build on the recognition that the issue of climate change requires a whole-of-society effort across all sectors by enabling a broader range of energy users to take an active role in reducing their dependency on fossil fuels.

Furthermore, they will contribute to the achievement of the Energy White Paper targets for increasing the percentage of all electricity consumed on a national basis that come from renewable sources to 15% by 2010 and 33% by 2020.

As we have set out in our National Climate Change Strategy the achievement of our renewable energy targets for 2010 will result in CO2 emissions savings of 1.47 Mt.

In a more immediate sense, if the introduction of the proposed exemptions prompts even a single industrial operation to source their energy needs from a 5MW CHP instead of from conventional electricity supply, the emissions saved would amount to 6ktonnes annually.

This sends out a strong and very positive signal that the planning system is being increasingly deployed in the fight against climate change."

Documents
Consultation Paper on Planning Exemptions for Renewable Technologies

Consultation_Paper_on_Planning_Exemptions_for_Renewable_Energy_Technologies.pdf | 1884 KB