Northern Ireland has unveiled the final design for its anticipated renewables support scheme, marking a significant step in the region’s energy transition. The Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee (REPG), modeled after the UK’s Contracts for Difference auctions, is set to launch in the first quarter of 2027, with contracts awarded later that year. This initiative aims to bolster renewable energy generation and investment in the region.
Onshore wind and solar projects exceeding 5MW will be eligible to participate, provided they secure planning permission, a grid connection offer, and evidence of financial commitment. Fully repowered existing sites will also be able to compete. The 15-year contracts will offer price stability, with strike prices fully linked to inflation. A second REPG auction is planned, though the timeline remains unspecified.
The Department for the Economy heralded the REPG as a “significant milestone” in stabilizing energy prices for consumers and attracting investment. “It will incentivise an increase in renewable electricity generation and position Northern Ireland as a competitive and attractive destination for investment,” the department stated.
RenewableNI, a trade association, welcomed the final design framework, calling it “the much-needed key to unlock investment in renewables” that provides “long-term price certainty for operators.” Tamasin Fraser, chair of RenewableNI, emphasized the announcement’s economic impact, stating it is “one of, if not the, most directly beneficial actions the Executive has taken to power economic growth here, particularly in rural areas.”
However, Fraser cautioned that ambition must be matched with swift implementation. “Progressing the legislation required to hold the first auction in Q1 2027 is critical if we are to realise the benefit of the announcement,” she said. She also highlighted barriers to achieving the legislative target of at least 80% renewable electricity consumption by 2030, including grid constraints, planning system delays, and the lack of a policy framework for long-duration energy storage. Support for small projects was also noted as a crucial factor.
The introduction of the REPG legislation to the Northern Ireland Assembly this year is expected to pave the way for the first auction. The scheme’s success will hinge on addressing these challenges and ensuring a clear, timely implementation plan. As the region moves forward, the REPG could reshape Northern Ireland’s energy landscape, fostering growth in renewable energy and positioning it as a competitive player in the green economy. The coming months will be pivotal in determining how effectively these ambitions are translated into action.