Ireland Renewable Energy Regulations: S.I. 147 Guarantees of Origin Guide (August 2026)

Key Takeaways

• S.I. No. 147 of 2011 established Ireland's Guarantees of Origin framework.
• The standard size for a Guarantee of Origin is one megawatt hour (1 MWh).
• Guarantees of Origin are valid for 12 months from generation and are cancelled upon use.
• The Regulations mandate priority dispatch for renewable energy sources.

Understanding S.I. No. 147 of 2011

S.I. No. 147 of 2011, officially titled "European Communities (Renewable Energy) Regulations 2011," is a statutory instrument that transposes Directive 2009/28/EC into Irish law. These regulations establish a comprehensive framework for renewable energy in Ireland. They define the statutory Guarantees of Origin (GO) supervisory framework, mandate renewable priority dispatch, and outline grid curtailment minimization requirements. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU, formerly CER) oversees this framework, with the Single Electricity Market Operator (SEMO) administering key operational aspects.

Guarantees of Origin (GOs) Framework

The Regulations establish a clear system for Guarantees of Origin. SEMO is mandated to issue Guarantees of Origin in accordance with the supervisory framework established by CER and these Regulations. This framework includes the design, establishment, and publication of processes for the issuance, registration, transfer, and cancellation of GOs by electronic means.

A Guarantee of Origin is of the standard size of one megawatt hour (1 MWh). No more than one guarantee of origin shall be issued in respect of each renewable energy unit. A key provision states that any use of the guarantee of origin shall take place within 12 months of the generation of the corresponding renewable energy unit. Once a Guarantee of Origin has been used, it shall be cancelled.

To prevent double counting, the Regulations specify that where a Public Service Obligation (PSO) generator receives a Guarantee of Origin for a renewable energy unit, no support scheme payment for the same unit of electricity shall be made. SEMO is also required to establish an electronic register of issued Guarantees of Origin. The issuance, transfer, or cancellation of a Guarantee of Origin may be accompanied by a reasonable and proportionate fee, if any, as determined by SEMO and approved by CER to cover administrative costs.

Renewable Energy Dispatch and Curtailment

S.I. No. 147 of 2011 includes provisions to support the integration of renewable energy into the electricity grid. The transmission system operator and distribution system operator shall ensure that electricity generated from renewable sources may be transmitted and distributed.

A core mandate is for renewable priority dispatch. When dispatching generating units, the transmission system operator shall give priority to generating units using energy from renewable sources in so far as the secure operation of the electricity system permits. Furthermore, a generator of electricity from renewable sources that is connected to the electricity system shall be able to sell and transmit such electricity at all times, whenever the source becomes available.

The CER is tasked with ensuring that the transmission system operator or the distribution system operator takes appropriate grid and market related operational measures to minimise the curtailment of electricity from renewable sources on the electricity system. The transmission system operator is also required to report to CER on those measures and indicate which corrective measures it intends to take to prevent inappropriate curtailments.

Scope and Administration

The Guarantees of Origin framework applies to electricity generated from eligible renewable technologies, including solar photovoltaic installations and wind energy. The CRU (formerly CER) maintains oversight of the supervisory framework, while SEMO operates the electronic register and issues the certificates.

The regulations ensure transparency and accountability in the renewable energy market, providing a mechanism for consumers to demonstrate their consumption of renewable electricity.