Northern Ireland has published the final design for its long-awaited renewables support scheme.
The country’s debut Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee (REPG) – a Contracts for Difference-style auction – is proposed for launch in the first quarter of 2027, with contracts to be awarded later that year.
Onshore wind and solar projects above 5MW will be eligible to participate, subject to having planning permission, an accepted grid connection offer and evidence of financial commitment.
Existing sites that are to be fully repowered will also be able to compete, according to the framework.
Belfast will issue 15-year contracts and strike prices will be fully linked to inflation.
A second REPG auction will be run subsequently, although officials have not provided details of the timeline, which “will be released at a later date”.
Legislation to enable the auction process is expected to be introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly this year.
The Department for the Economy stated the REPG is “a significant milestone in delivering more stable energy prices for consumers”.
It added: “It will incentivise an increase in renewable electricity generation and position Northern Ireland as a competitive and attractive destination for investment.”
Trade association RenewableNI welcomed the final design framework as “the much-needed key to unlock investment in renewables” that will provide “long-term price certainty for operators”.
RenewableNI chair Tamasin Fraser said the announcement is “one of, if not the, most directly beneficial actions the Executive has taken to power economic growth here, particularly in rural areas”.
“Ambition must now be matched by delivery and there can be no delay in the implementation of the REPG,” Fraser added.
“Progressing the legislation required to hold the first auction in Q1 2027 is critical if we are to realise the benefit of the announcement.
“Barriers remain when it comes to achieving the legislative target of at least 80% renewable electricity consumption in Northern Ireland by 2030 as set out in the Climate Change Act.
“Issues such as grid constraints, planning system delays and the lack of a policy framework for long duration energy storage also need to be urgently addressed as well as support for small projects which can make a mighty difference to our green economy.
“We are keen to support the department and work with everyone involved to ensure there is a clear, timely implementation plan that includes support for these enabling factors.”