Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
297. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether any estimate has been made of the additional renewable electricity generation capacity that could be delivered through wider use of private wire connections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9714/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe General Scheme for the Private Wires Bill, approved in December 2025, includes provisions for private electricity wires in four specific circumstances. The intention is to unlock private investment in Ireland’s electricity infrastructure to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and storage. This purpose is reflected in the General Scheme based on the guiding principles of the Private Wires Policy Statement which was published in July 2025.
Additional renewable electricity generation capacity will be permitted in various circumstances including:
• A direct connection between a generator, for example a wind farm or solar farm, and an electricity customer, perhaps a factory that wants to decarbonise.
• A wind farm or solar farm owned by one company will be able to share a grid connection with another generator or a battery installation owned by another firm.
• To allow a firm that self-supplies electricity to provide electricity to neighbouring customer where the line does not have to cross land owned by a third party.
It is expected that new renewable capacity will be facilitated through each of these categories. The degree of private wires uptake will depend on the specific provisions in the legislation and regulations.
