Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The REFIT 1 feed in tariff scheme was open for applications until end 2009 and the project, referred to by the Deputy, applied for entry into the scheme in June 2006. The scheme required that projects were operational by end 2010. However extensions of time have been granted for projects to build out after that date, although the end date of the scheme remained the same.

As there were no other REFIT schemes available for onshore wind energy until REFIT 2 opened in March 2012, an extension of time to build out was granted to those projects seeking extensions between the closure of REFIT 1 and the introduction of REFIT 2, while noting that the backstop date remained 2025. This project was granted an extension in time, at their request, to build until June 2012. I understand that a further extension to end 2013 has been requested.

The REFIT 2 scheme opened in March 2012. It caters for onshore wind projects built between 1/1/10 and 31/12/15. REFIT 2 is on the basis of a minimum price for exported electricity of the REFIT reference price (which is the same as in REFIT 1) plus a balancing payment. The manner in which the balancing payment operates is the main change between REFIT 1 and REFIT 2

My Department is finalising advice for my consideration in relation to whether to grant further extensions to extensions already granted to projects in REFIT 1, in view of the fact that the new REFIT scheme is now in operation. All relevant project developers will be informed as soon as possible of the outcome of my considerations in light of the Department's advice to me.