What you need to know
- Multiple generation assets can now share one grid connection point
- The policy applies to co-located generation and storage projects
- Total exports must remain within the contracted capacity
- Adding new units may cause the loss of priority dispatch status
- Applications are processed through the connection offer modification process
Introduction
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has published its decision on the sharing of Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) at a single connection point. This marks a significant step in supporting the development of hybrid electricity projects in Ireland.
Overview of the decision
Under the new policy, a single contracted MEC at a grid connection point may be dynamically shared between multiple generation and/or storage units located behind that connection point. The decision represents the next phase in the CRU’s hybrid technology programme, following the earlier removal of the Installed Capacity Cap. Ultimately, it aims to optimise the use of existing grid infrastructure, accelerate renewable deployment, and support Ireland’s decarbonisation objectives.
Scope and project types
The decision applies to onshore “Hybrid Co‑located Projects”. These are projects that combine different generation and/or storage types behind a single defined onshore connection point. Each technology is sub‑metered, separately registered, and operates independently for market, settlement, and dispatch purposes.
By contrast, “Integrated Hybrid Projects”, where multiple technologies are registered and operated as a single market unit, are expressly out of scope of this decision. Although this distinction was expected, it limits the immediate potential for some co‑location benefits to be realised. In particular, current arrangements do not permit dispatched‑down energy from generation units to be redirected into co‑located storage. The CRU acknowledges extensive stakeholder feedback on energy sharing and confirms that this issue will be explored further with the System Operators (SOs) under separate workstreams.
Key elements of the decision
The key operational change is that additional technologies may be added behind an existing connection point without increasing MEC. Importantly, this removes the previous requirement to apply for additional MEC, or to allocate fixed MEC shares between units.
In operational terms, total export must remain within the contracted MEC, supported by appropriate site‑level control or tripping mechanisms. Each unit remains separately registered and classified in the Single Electricity Market. The market participant is responsible for allocating MEC, managing availability declarations and ensuring market commitments remain compliant. The combined Physical Notifications of all units must remain physically feasible within both the MEC at the connection point and the declared availability of the individual technologies.
Priority dispatch and technology limitations
A key issue arising from the decision is priority dispatch (PD). Pending further technical clarification, the CRU indicates that MEC sharing is likely to result in the loss of PD status. This reflects current operational difficulties in managing mixed priority‑ and non‑priority‑dispatch units behind a single connection point. The CRU acknowledges this may deter some existing renewable projects and expects the System Operators to continue work on potential solutions.
While intended to be technology‑neutral, the decision does not yet accommodate MEC sharing across synchronous and non‑synchronous units. Further technical development will be required before these configurations can be facilitated.
Application routes and process
Existing projects seeking to share MEC without increasing export capacity must apply through the Modifications to Generation Connection Offers process.
New Hybrid Co‑located Projects, or existing projects seeking an MEC increase, must apply for capacity under the Electricity Connection Policy – Generation and System Services (ECP‑GSS).
All new or modified connections remain subject to the full suite of technical studies and code requirements.
The participant is ultimately responsible for determining and declaring the availability of each unit at a Hybrid Co‑Located Project and for ensuring that the combined availability of the project does not exceed the contracted MEC at the connection point. A breach of the MEC constitutes a breach of the connection agreement and may lead to appropriate action by the SO.
Implementation and next steps
Implementation will be progressed through a System Operator Implementation Roadmap, to be published by the SOs. It will set out the required workstreams and timelines. The CRU will monitor delivery and has required quarterly progress reporting to ensure transparency and accountability.
Arrangements to enable multiple legal entities to share a single connection point are not addressed in this decision. It is anticipated that this will be considered separately following enactment of the proposed Private Wires Bill.
Conclusion
Despite its limitations, the decision marks a practical step forward in Irish grid policy. Crucially, it aims to enable MEC sharing to improve capacity factors, reduce connection costs and support system efficiency. Subject to further progress on priority dispatch, it also aims to facilitate energy sharing and wider hybrid arrangements.
For more information and expert advice on how this decision may ultimately impact your business, contact a member of our Energy team.
The decision is available here: CRU Decision on Sharing of Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) behind a Single Connection Point.
The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other advice.