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Generator connection

My connections

Which type of generator connection do you need?

Application information and tools

The ECP process for grid connection applications is today’s pathway for generators, storage, and other system services technology projects, to connect to the electricity system. On 10th June 2020, the Commission of Regulation for Utilities (CRU) published its decision on ECP-2, which created policy for three annual batches of connection offers (ECP 2.1, ECP-2.2, and ECP-2.3). For further information, please refer to the ECP-2 decision paper (CRU/20/060) and ECP-2 ruleset.

On 4th April 2023, the CRU published the ECP-2.4 decision (CRU202326), a policy update to ECP-2, to address the volume of grid connection applications in a way that promotes the best use of the existing network, considering the system needs, national policy, and consumer interest. Changes from ECP-2 are detailed in the Decision Paper. 

The ECP-2.4 application window is now closed to all Category A (Batch) applicants. Categories B and C applicants can still apply at any time. Please click below to view the joint System Operator (SO) Category A ECP-2.4 Batch and ECP-2.4 Category B and C Batches.

ECP-2.4 category A batch ECP-2.4 category B and C batches

It is your responsibility

To ensure that a generator is installed by a registered electrical contractor to Safe Electric standards, and that it complies with all governing regulations.

ECP-2 Categories:

Category A (Batch): Generation, storage and other system services technology projects (MEC >0.5MW)
Category B (Non-Batch): Small projects (MEC>0.2MW and ≤0.5MW), DS3 system services trial projects (MEC≤0.5MW) and Autoproducers
Category C (Community-led): Community-led renewable energy projects (MEC ≥ 0.5MW and ≤5MW). Please note, a subsequent Clarification Note (CRU/21/069) to the ECP-2 Decision (CRU/20/060) was published by the CRU on 1st July 2021, to change the definition of Community-Led Renewable Energy Projects. In order to be processed under Category C in ECP-2.4 and subsequent ECP batches, Community-Led Projects must be now 100% community-owned.

Map of Ireland showing areas that are suitable to install generators.

Availability capacity heatmap

ESB Networks have developed an interactive availability capacity heatmap which contains capacity information on all our 3-phase LV, MV and HV DSO substations.
The availability capacity heatmap provides an interface that enables the easy identification of potential transformer capacity in the vicinity of your site.

Go to availability capacity map

Generator statistics

Connections made
Statistical information on all generators currently connected or contracted for connection to the distribution system may be found in our connected and contracted generators section.
Performance monitoring
A document, called Windfarm Performance Monitoring Process outlines the process that is adopted by EirGrid and ESB in monitoring the performance of Wind Farm Power Stations (WFPS) in terms of the categorisation of controllability assigned following regulatory decision SEM-062-11 for priority Dispatch. The document Windfarm Performance Monitoring Process is available for download here(PDF | 547 KB).

Go to Generator statistics