Grid connection permit process

• ECP-2 Decision
• ECP-2 Decision Ruleset

Grid connection procedure for onshore wind and ground-mounted PV is defined by the ‘Enduring Connection Policy’ (ECP). CRU issues a decision that supports Eirgrid (the TSO) and ESB Networks (the DSO) to issue the terms and conditions for grid connection. Currently, the second ECP (ECP-2) is in place. Under ECP-2 Submission batches are formed. The first batch opened for new applications in September 2020, approving 115 connection offers while the batch processing will be carried throughout 2021. A similar process is foreseen for the second batch in 2021 and the third batch in 2022 (section 2.1 ECP-2 Decision).
Under ECP-2, two basic categories are identified (Ch. 2 ECP-2 Decision Ruleset):
• Category of existing applicants with the following sub-categories:
o Sub-category A: Applicants with a Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) >500 kW
o Sub-category B: Autoproducers, i.e., applicants with an MEC >11 kW and ≤ 500 kW
o Sub-category C: Community-led Energy Projects with MEC ≥ 500 kW and ≤ 5 MW
• Category of new applicants (with the same sub-categories).
The process is almost identical for both categories (Ch. 5 ECP-2 Decision Ruleset). Firstly, ESB Networks/ Eirgrid issue a call for applications (for the respective batch). Then the application with the necessary documents is submitted (Ch. 5 ECP-2 Decision Ruleset).
Applications for projects with MEC <40 MW are submitted to ESB Networks. Applications for plants ≥40 MW should be submitted to Eirgrid. (Ch. 3.1 ECP-2 Decision Ruleset).
For the eligibility declaration, the planning permission is a prerequisite (Ch. 3.2 ECP-2 Decision Ruleset), while new applicants pay an initial fee (Ch.3.3 ECP-2 Decision Ruleset).
The accepted grid connection offers have a duration of 24 months (longstop date) (Ch. 10 ECP-2 Decision Ruleset). The first 85 offers (with MEC above 500kW) were distributed by the following procedure (ECP-2 Decision):
• First 25 offers were based on the electricity generation (the largest ones)
• The rest were offered according to the planning permission grant date.
15 offers were given to small projects (projects up to 500kW) and 15 offers to community-led projects, not successful in the previous ECP-1. In both cases, offers were granted on a-first-come-first-served basis.
In case of further grid connection works, the project developer applies for a planning permission for the construction of those works. This means that the plant should follow the same permitting procedure as in the case of a project.
Regarding offshore wind, grid connection is expected to follow these steps:
• Grid connection offer
• Grid connection acceptance: This will be contingent upon the financing of the offshore wind plant (secure support under the RESS).
• Applying for grid connection planning.

• Eirgrid
• ESB Networks