Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 29 JULY 2025

Energy Update: Unlocking Private Wires In Ireland

Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard
Contributor
Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard is a global law firm trusted by over 3,000 major organisations, including 51 FTSE...

View firm profile
Explore more from Addleshaw Goddard

Private wires are set to be permitted in Ireland following the adoption of a Private Wires Policy Statement (the "Policy Statement") by the Irish Government this month.

IrelandEnergy and Natural Resources
Gavin Blake
Gavin Blake
Phelim McGeady
Phelim McGeady

Private wires are set to be permitted in Ireland following the adoption of a Private Wires Policy Statement (the "Policy Statement") by the Irish Government this month. This is a step change in the area that will require legislative change and regulatory support to implement. In this briefing, we look at the policy changes in the Policy Statement and explore the potential opportunities and benefits that could flow from it.

What is a Private Wire?

A "private wire" is a privately owned electricity line used to supply electricity between a single generator and a single demand user. This could involve, for example, a large energy user ("LEU"), such as a data centre, consuming electricity via a direct line with a renewable energy generator, without needing to connect to the national electricity grid (the "Grid").

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

Energy Update: New Requirements For Transmission-connected Demand Facilities

Ireland's Commission for Regulation of Utilities is consulting on Grid Code modification MPID 345, which would impose new fault ride-through requirements on transmission-connected demand facilities, particularly data centres. The proposed compliance and derogation framework includes usage caps and curtailment procedures that could significantly impact customer operations and contractual entitlements under connection agreements.
IrelandEnergy and Natural Resources
Arthur Cox
Arthur Cox
Article

Ireland’s Data Centre Connections: Back Online

Ireland has lifted its data centre connection moratorium and introduced a demanding new framework requiring developers to provide their own generation capacity, source 80% of electricity from new Irish renewables within six years, and meet strict grid stability requirements. The policy creates significant opportunities for developers who can navigate the complex intersection of grid connection, planning permission, and renewable energy procurement, though a pending legal challenge adds uncertainty to the la
IrelandEnergy and Natural Resources
William Fry LLP
William Fry LLP
Article

Energy Update: CRU Decision On New Requirements For Demand Customers (Fault Ride Through)

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities has approved Grid Code modification MPID 345, introducing fault ride through, RoCoF and active power recovery requirements for transmission-connected demand facilities. Customers unable to comply must navigate a new Compliance and Derogation Framework, with data centres facing Demand Utilisation Thresholds that effectively limit their Maximum Import Capacity.
IrelandEnergy and Natural Resources
Arthur Cox
Arthur Cox
Article

Horizon Scanner: Energy Planning Infrastructure And Construction August 2026 - Energy And Infrastructure

The European Union continues to refine its energy and climate regulatory framework through significant amendments to electricity market rules, methane emissions standards, and the Emissions Trading Scheme. Recent developments span critical infrastructure resilience, carbon border adjustments, and enhanced oversight of energy supply chains, reflecting the EU's commitment to achieving its 2040 emission reduction targets while maintaining market competitiveness.
IrelandEnergy and Natural Resources
Arthur Cox
Arthur Cox
Article

Energy Update: Direct Lines Bill

Ireland's Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2026 proposes significant reforms to the country's direct lines framework, removing restrictive barriers that have prevented private wire infrastructure development. The Bill would eliminate the grid-refusal precondition and establish new permitting criteria under the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, potentially unlocking opportunities for renewable energy deployment and alternative electricity supply arrangements.
IrelandEnergy and Natural Resources
Arthur Cox
Arthur Cox
Article

Energy Legislation: What’s Moving This Autumn?

The Irish Government's Autumn 2026 Legislation Programme reveals an ambitious energy policy agenda spanning renewable heat obligations, private electricity wires, offshore grid financing, and district heating regulation. With multiple Bills progressing through the Oireachtas, businesses in the energy sector face significant compliance changes and new infrastructure opportunities that could reshape Ireland's electricity and gas markets.
European UnionEnergy and Natural Resources
William Fry LLP
William Fry LLP