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ARTICLE · 13 FEBRUARY 2023

Renewable Energy In Ireland: Grid Decisions

Arthur Cox
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Certainty around use of the grid is critical to development of renewable energy projects. Two recent decisions in this area are outlined below.

IrelandEnergy and Natural Resources
Katrina Donnelly
Katrina Donnelly
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Certainty around use of the grid is critical to development of renewable energy projects. Two recent decisions in this area are outlined below.

Firm Access Methodology

We looked at EirGrid's proposal for a new Firm Access methodology here. It suggested giving projects dates by which they will get Firm Access, which is relevant to their entitlement to be compensated for being dispatched down, rather than linking Firm Access to completion of grid reinforcement, which is not within the control of individual projects.

The SEM Committee has now published its decision paper (SEM-23-004), largely supporting EirGrid's proposals. Answers to many of the questions raised by industry participants are to be considered in a more detailed methodology to be developed by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities ("CRU") in coordination with EirGrid.

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This article contains a general summary of developments and is not a complete or definitive statement of the law. Specific legal advice should be obtained where appropriate.

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