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CRU Consultation Paper on Sharing of Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) behind a Single Connection Point

Energy, Infrastructure & Natural Resources

CRU Consultation Paper on Sharing of Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) behind a Single Connection Point

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (the CRU) has published a consultation paper (the Consultation Paper) focusing on the sharing of maximum export capacity (MEC) behind a single connection point.

Wed 05 Mar 2025

4 min read

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (the CRU) has published a consultation paper (the Consultation Paper) focusing on the sharing of maximum export capacity (MEC) behind a single connection point. The Consultation Paper can be found here.

The CRU seeks input from stakeholders on a proposal to share MEC by multiple forms of technology or generators behind a single connection point, at an onshore co-located hybrid project, without necessitating an increase of MEC.

The proposal set out in the Consultation Paper aims to address one of the key barriers to the full implementation of hybrid projects in Ireland. That is the inability to dynamically share a contracted MEC between different technology types with a single connection point. The CRU aims, in turn, to increase the availability of electricity by facilitating a higher energy export at a connection point. This would facilitate more efficient use of grid infrastructure by allowing different technology types behind a single connection point to share a single MEC.

There are a number of key features of the Consultation Paper:

The CRU proposes that an implementation roadmap will be included in the CRU decision paper which will detail a comprehensive set of required actions and timelines.

The CRU has called for feedback on the Consultation Paper from stakeholders by 5.30pm on Monday 14 April 2025.

There is no doubt that the Consultation Paper will attract significant interest from stakeholders across the Irish energy sector.

For more information please contact John Dallas, partner, Robbie Nicholas, senior associate, Joanne O'Neill, solicitor, Louise Sharkey, knowledge lawyer, or a member of the Energy, Infrastructure & Natural Resources team.

Date published: 5 March 2025

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