The Large Energy User Action Plan (LEAP) is a medium-term plan that seeks to enable Ireland to attract next generation investment in energy-intensive sectors associated with future strategic economic opportunities across our regions. These could include semiconductors, very large manufacturers, pharmaceuticals and digital technology enablers such as data centres. It will likewise ensure that continued industrial development is robustly aligned with Government’s renewable energy and climate objectives, as well as other strategic priorities such as the provision of housing.
A key pillar of LEAP will be to provide a framework for the establishment of green energy parks, in which to co-locate the most energy-intensive sectors with the supply of Ireland’s indigenous renewable energy resource and other enabling technologies. To achieve this, the implementation of LEAP will aim to ensure that green energy park developments provide for the integration of 'additional' new renewable energy. This is anticipated to take place through a combination of establishing corporate power purchase agreements with new renewable energy projects, and by strategically locating green energy parks in locations that otherwise may be subject to high levels of renewable energy dispatch down.
Further clarity on planning policy with regard to green energy parks, including requirements regarding renewable energy will be forthcoming through the preparation of an associated National Planning Statement. The preparation of this statement will be led by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and supported by an across Government working group to include my own Department and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.
Data centres that locate within a green energy park will still be required to comply with the CRU’s associated connections policy published in December 2025, or future iterations of this policy, as relevant. This decision establishes a pathway for new data centres to seek connection to the electricity system, while safeguarding security of electricity supply and promoting Ireland’s renewable energy ambitions. It includes already a requirement to procure at least 80% of annual demand through new additional renewable energy located in Ireland.
