RenewableNI and A&L Goodbody have delivered the latest in their energy seminar series, this time discussing the hotly anticipated Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee (REPG) scheme.
Delegates from across the energy ecosystem listened with interest as Zoë Crowe, Head of Onshore Renewable Electricity, at the Department for the Economy (DfE) and Niamh Collins, Senior Associate at A&L Goodbody, shared the very latest on the REPG, from key design features and anticipated timelines to delivery challenges and the scheme’s ultimate purpose.
Here, RenewableNI Director Mark Richardson shares his takeaways from the seminar with Policy Unpacked, offering some much-needed clarity on a policy area that’s still far from finalised.
RenewableNI Director Mark Richardson
What is the Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee?
This is a government-backed renewable electricity support scheme intended to encourage more renewables projects in Northern Ireland. The idea is that developers will be guaranteed long-term price certainty in return for the electricity they produce so investment is less risky. This will make investment more attractive, and it’s expected that over time, as renewable electricity provision increases, reliance on volatile fossil fuels will ease off.
What does that mean for ordinary people?
Ultimately, greater investment in renewables will mean cleaner and greener energy, a more reliable, sovereign supply, and is expected to stabilise and contribute to lower costs over time for NI consumers. The REPG is also intended to come with economic and social benefits, including the possibility of reduced electricity costs for people living close to developments supported by the scheme.
What stage of the process are we at?
The REPG is not over the line quite yet. While the Final Scheme Design was published by DfE in September 2025 with, including details of the proposed legal framework and governance structure eligibility criteria and an overview of the funding mechanism, industry awaits the Terms and Conditions.
RenewableNI Director Mark Richardson with DfE’s Zoe Crowe and Niamh Collins from A&L Goodbody
What’s next?
The Primary Bill is currently in draft. The T&Cs will then be compiled following direct DfE engagement with stakeholders across the sector. Public consultation time, as well as moving legislation through Stormont and later Westminster, must also be factored in. With that in mind, it’s hoped that the first auction will take place in the early part of 2027.
Which projects will be eligible?
It is expected that projects above 5MW with planning permission, a grid connection and evidence of financial commitment will be eligible for REPG. The scheme is limited to wind, solar and hybrid projects (these are projects defined as multi-technology sites like wind, solar and / or battery storage) in the first auction, with contracts to last 15 years. Developers would also be discounted if they received support from any similar or equivalent scheme.
When will REPG-backed projects start making an impact?
According to the final scheme design, there is a proposed three-year longstop date – that’s a final and non-negotiable deadline by which a particular contractual obligation must be complete. That would ensure projects awarded contracts in 2027 would be operational by 2030.
What is your overall take on the potential impact of REPG?
While this scheme isn’t a silver bullet, it’s a crucial part of the wider puzzle when it comes to unlocking Northern Ireland’s potential. The region has led in this sphere before, and I truly believe it can again. Along with improvements in planning, policy and all-important grid infrastructure, supporting investment in renewables development could be transformational. The successful implementation of an effective support scheme is key.
As the REPG moves closer to implementation, staying informed and engaged will be key for developers and communities alike. RenewableNI will continue to provide updates as the scheme evolves.
