The Irish government has approved a new “private wires” policy that will allow renewable energy producers to directly connect to electricity users, in a move aimed at attracting private investment into energy infrastructure.
The reform will permit private entities to build and own electricity lines in specific cases, such as linking wind or solar farms directly to industrial facilities or enabling connections between generators and battery storage operators. It also covers on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and allows businesses to supply surplus power to neighbouring users without crossing third-party land.
“This is a very significant reform of the rules on electricity infrastructure,” said Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien. “I, and officials in my department, are now focused on the next steps – to implement this policy.”
The policy follows a consultation process involving 128 industry stakeholders and builds on guiding principles published in 2024, which called for greater mobilisation of private capital to support the delivery of new energy systems.
To implement the changes, the government plans to introduce primary legislation amending the Electricity Regulation Act. A general scheme is expected to be brought before cabinet in the autumn. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will also be given additional resources to manage the new framework.
O’Brien added that the department would continue monitoring developments in the green energy park sector and may consider further market liberalisation if required.
The policy is intended to support Ireland’s wider energy goals, including decarbonising the power system and improving energy security through more localised, renewable supply chains.
