Deal reached at COP28, but Minister leaves Irish renewables out in the cold – Doherty

A new electricity connection policy to replace the ECP-2 process, which acts as a significant barrier to prospective providers of renewable energy in Ireland can’t come soon enough, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Regina Doherty said: “Last week, I called for greater ambition from Minister Eamon Ryan in helping renewable energy producers get connected to Ireland’s national grid. As things stand under the ECP-2 process, there is only one, limited annual application window which opens every September and closes in October. It makes things unnecessarily difficult for prospective providers who want to start generating renewable energy.

“I said that this ludicrous red tape actually has a detrimental effect on Ireland’s drive to generate more renewable energy. Amid COP28 negotiations in Dubai, at a time when we’re looking for solutions that will help us cut down on fossil fuels, simplifying the process for grid connection is a no-brainer.

“To that end, I was pleased to receive confirmation from the CRU that it is seeking to develop new electricity generation and system services connection policy to replace ECP-2.

“A Decision Paper is expected to be published in relation to this policy in early 2024, but I would stress to the CRU, and to the Minister, that the changes can’t come soon enough. We can’t see a situation where this is put on the long finger.

“We need to get real about cutting emissions, and the deal reached at COP28 last week was rightly criticised as falling short of committing to a full phase-out of fossil fuels.

“The policies around renewable energy in Ireland, on the other hand, aren’t just a shortfall; they’re practically disincentivizing the transition to green energy. Given the potential for renewable energy production on our island, our Climate Minister needs to get the finger out and prioritise our green transition at home”, concluded Senator Doherty.