Listen back to this week’s episode as we hear from the European Commission on how it can help Ireland to reduce “bottlenecks” in planning permits for renewable energy projects.
But first, businesses in Louth and Meath that switch to solar power can expect their new energy system to pay for itself in three years – two years ahead of government predictions.
Funding packages of between €2,700 and €162,600 have been introduced to encourage more businesses to install a solar (PV) panel system.
According to the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, the grants, operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, will “support 20-30% of the investment cost, reducing payback to as little as five years”. But Adrian Casey, the co-founder and CTO of Swyft Energy, one of Ireland’s leading solar PV firms, says some businesses could see payback in three years.
Also this week, the European Commission said it can help Ireland to reduce “bottlenecks” in planning permits for renewable energy projects. That’s according to the head of the Commission’s body that helps member states improve the quality of its public services.
Mario Nava is the Commission’s director general for structural reform and support (DG REFORM) and says Ireland’s access to wind, waves and occasional sun provides “big” potential for renewable energy.
