Renewable Electricity Generation Bill Introduced in the Assembly

On 30 June 2026, the Economy Minister, Caoimhe Archibald, introduced the eagerly awaited Renewable Energy Generation Bill to the Assembly, establishing the legislative basis for NI’s Renewable Energy Price Guarantee (REPG) scheme. This marks a pivotal step in reestablishing a revenue support mechanism for renewable generation in this jurisdiction and is widely regarded as the critical policy intervention needed to unlock investment through restored investor confidence, enhance energy security and provide long-term price stability for consumers and industry in Northern Ireland.

Modelled closely on GB’s Contracts for Difference (CfD) and ROI’s Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS) which have driven significant deployment in those jurisdictions, the REPG offers long-term, two-way fixed price contracts to generators allocated by way of competitive auction, and is considered essential to NI delivering its legally binding target of 80% renewable electricity consumption by 2030 and net zero by 2050 as set out in the Climate Change Act (NI) 2022.

While politically and strategically significant, the Bill is only at the First Stage of the Assembly legislative process, with enactment anticipated early 2027. Once enacted, the legislation will provide a high-level framework with commercial and regulatory detail to follow through secondary legislation and the REPG Terms and Conditions. These are expected to be developed in parallel to enable an accelerated implementation. We are hopeful the secondary legislation and Terms and Conditions will be in place by 2027 with first auctions to be held in early 2028. As the legislative process progresses, we will continue to communicate the details and impact to stakeholders.

For further information in relation to this topic, please contact Mark Stockdale, Partner, Adam Magill, Solicitor or any member of the Energy and Natural Resources Belfast team.

Date published: 2 July 2026