Overview
The Community Enabling Framework is designed to support communities in developing grid-scale renewable energy projects. This initiative forms part of Ireland’s response to its obligations under the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II), specifically Article 22(4) of Directive (EU) 2018/2001, which requires Member States to establish an enabling framework that promotes and facilitates the development of renewable energy communities.
As part of this framework, SEAI has created a comprehensive information hub consisting of guidance materials for community groups. This toolkit covers all essential aspects of project development, including grid connection procedures, planning processes, solar photovoltaic systems, onshore wind development, the functioning of the electricity system, project financing, governance for community groups, stakeholder and community engagement, business planning, and procurement.
In addition to these resources, SEAI offers access to trusted technical advisors who provide guidance throughout the full development cycle. This support covers the formation of community groups, site identification, feasibility studies, project design, and preparation of grid and planning applications.
To further support communities, SEAI offers financial assistance through grants that cover early, mid, and late-stage development costs. These grants help projects advance through design, permitting, grid connection, planning submissions, and financial structuring.
Summary of regulations
To qualify for support, projects must meet the REC definition, including:
- Application jointly with a SEC;
- Project size between 0.5 MW and 5 MW;
- 100% REC ownership;
- Open and voluntary participation;
- Local residency-based participation.
The SEC must be identified in the Declaration of a Community-Led Project.
The Community Renewable Electricity Grant covers 80% of eligible costs up to €180,000. Funding is staged:
- Early-stage: up to €75,000 (entity formation, site control, design, planning).
- Mid-stage: up to €130,000 minus early-stage drawdown (grid and development costs).
- Late-stage: up to €180,000 minus previous drawdowns (remaining grid and financing costs).
Entry requires a feasibility assessment by an SEAI-appointed Trusted Advisor. Funding is released in €25,000 tranches upon reaching milestones; a public engagement event is mandatory before the second tranche.
Eligible costs include design, planning, market access, grid applications, land access, corporate setup, environmental studies, financial advisory, project management (max €500/day, up to 7%), and internal staff (max €400/day, up to 10%).
Ineligible costs include retrospective expenses, unrelated or revoked project costs, administrative and overhead expenses.
Most community projects are expected to seek eventual support under the Small-Scale Generation (SSG) scheme, typically ranging from 1 MW to 6 MW for communities and SMEs (DECC document link).
Competent authorities
- SEAI
- Eirgrid
- ESB Networks
