Perspectives on Micro-Generation: Public Participation in the Low-Carbon Transition in Ireland

Abstract

Micro-generation refers to small-scale electricity generation through for example, the use of rooftop solar PV. Public participation has become an increasingly important issue for realising an effective and just low-carbon transition. Material participation, such as micro-generation, is crucial for fostering this more active role of the public (e.g. Ryghaug et al., 2018). The Irish Micro-Generation Scheme (Government of Ireland, 2021c) aims to incentivise and support the uptake of micro-generation in Ireland, and to provide a route to market for citizens to generate electricity and receive a fair price for doing so. The new scheme is prompted by European level developments and the requirements of the recast EU renewable energy directive (RED II) (Directive (EU) 2018/2001, 2018). It represents the next step in facilitating more active public participation in Ireland, following the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) (Government of Ireland, 2019b). This paper explores stakeholder views on micro-generation as expressed through the Irish Micro-Generation Scheme consultation process. The data for the paper consists of 368 consultation submissions and the official documents related to the consultation (Government of Ireland, 2021b, 2021c). Access to the consultation submissions was gained through a Freedom of Information request (Freedom of Information Act 2014, 2014) ...