Ireland’s wind energy industry has welcomed a new electricity connection policy published by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) that sets conditions for data centres and other large energy users seeking access to the power grid.
Under the policy, data centres will be required to meet at least 80% of their annual electricity demand from additional renewable energy projects developed within the Republic of Ireland, the CRU said.
Industry participants said the measures are expected to support investment in new renewable capacity by improving demand certainty. The policy could also benefit wind farm developers by increasing opportunities to secure long-term power offtake agreements, which are often needed to underpin financing.
Noel Cunniffe, chief executive of Wind Energy Ireland, said the framework would provide greater clarity for both energy users and developers.
“This new policy gives certainty to large-energy users and to the renewable energy industry,” Cunniffe said. “It will unlock investment into Ireland, support new wind farms and help to accelerate the electrification of our energy system.”
The CRU said the policy is aimed at balancing growing electricity demand from large users with the need to maintain system security while supporting Ireland’s renewable energy and decarbonisation goals.
