Solar Ireland Press Statement: CRU Grid Connection Policy Update

Solar Ireland Press Statement: CRU Grid Connection Policy Update – Solar Ireland Welcomes Step Forward, Stresses Need for Enduring Reform

Dublin, 9 June 2025 – Solar Ireland welcomes the CRU’s decision to ensure a fair and pragmatic pre-engagement process for the September 2025 batch of onshore renewable projects. By removing the requirement for a High-Level Technical Assessment (HLTA) and introducing a more accessible Pre-application Notification process, the CRU has taken a meaningful step toward aligning grid and planning timelines — a long-standing recommendation from Solar Ireland and its members.

From 16 June, system operators will publish the Pre-application Notification form. All RED III and non-RED III projects must submit this form by 30 June 2025, along with a non-refundable deposit of €7,000 or 50% of the application fee (whichever is lower). A reduced rate of €2,000 will apply for community-led projects. To remain within RED III timelines, projects must submit a valid grid application by 30 September 2025.

Ronan Power, CEO of Solar Ireland, said:

“We see this decision as a positive signal that the connection process is evolving. Enabling planning and grid consents to proceed in parallel is a practical step that will help bring more renewable projects forward with greater efficiency and speed. The new deposit model provides a fairer balance between encouraging readiness and enabling broad participation.”

While this adjustment applies only to the upcoming batch, it reflects progress in response to industry feedback — particularly the call for a process that enables earlier engagement while reducing unnecessary administrative barriers. Developers now have a clearer, more manageable path into the process — and the responsibility to act quickly.

Looking ahead, Solar Ireland urges the CRU and system operators to maintain this momentum by providing early clarity and ongoing engagement on the structure of pre-engagement for future batches. A stable, future-ready connection policy will be essential to delivering Ireland’s 2030 renewable targets — one that ensures certainty for RED III projects, fair access across technologies, and alignment with the scale of deployment required.

“We’re encouraged by the responsiveness shown in this decision,” said Power. “Now we need to continue to work together to build a connection framework that’s as ambitious and forward-looking as the industry it supports.”

Solar Ireland remains committed to supporting members, engaging with system operators, and shaping the connection policy that will underpin Ireland’s clean energy future.