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ARTICLE · 24 APRIL 2018

New Grid Connection Policy In Ireland

Matheson
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The Irish energy regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities ("CRU"), has introduced a new grid connection policy – the Enduring Connection Policy ("ECP-1").

IrelandEnergy and Natural Resources
Garret Farrelly
Garret Farrelly
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The Irish energy regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities ("CRU"), has introduced a new grid connection policy – the Enduring Connection Policy ("ECP-1").  Applications to qualify for ECP-1 are due to open this month.  Priority will be given to (1) projects with planning permission and (2) DS3 projects.

It is generally agreed by the industry that Ireland's existing electricity connection policy is not fit for purpose.

Large generators were last processed for connection using the 'Group Processing Approach' ("GPA") almost ten years ago.  The 'Non-Group Processing Approach' ("Non-GPA"), intended for small generators and experimental R&D projects, has been completely overwhelmed by small-scale solar applications in particular.  This has led to unmanageable backlogs for the grid operators – EirGrid and ESB Networks.  Over 36,000MW of generation is waiting to connect to the grid (for reference, Ireland's electricity system demand was just under 5,000MW

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