Ireland has published the Terms and Conditions for the sixth onshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS 6), setting the framework for the country's next renewable energy auction later this year. The new round is expected to attract strong competition as the government continues its commitment to holding at least one RESS auction annually.

RESS remains Ireland's main support mechanism for renewable electricity generation, providing long-term revenue certainty for developers while helping deliver new renewable capacity at competitive prices. The government said the scheme has already reduced Public Service Obligation (PSO) costs by more than €432 million since 2022, contributing to lower electricity costs for households and businesses.

A key feature of RESS 6 is the implementation of the non-price criteria required under Article 26 of the EU's Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA). For the first time, projects will need to comply with new pre-qualification requirements and winner selection criteria that go beyond price, encouraging greater supply chain diversification across the renewable energy sector.

The updated auction design also aims to promote the development of hybrid renewable projects, including those integrated with energy storage, reflecting the growing role of flexible generation in supporting Ireland's transition to a renewables-based electricity system.

The Terms and Conditions establish the qualification requirements, auction procedures and obligations for successful bidders, incorporating feedback received during the public consultation process held earlier this year.

As in previous rounds, all successful projects will be required to establish a Community Benefit Fund (CBF). Developers must contribute at least €2/MWh of electricity generated, with the funds dedicated to local initiatives such as energy efficiency upgrades, community facilities, educational programmes and social inclusion projects, as well as direct payments to households located near renewable energy developments.

According to the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, accelerating the deployment of onshore wind and solar generation remains essential to strengthening Ireland's energy security, increasing renewable electricity production and delivering greater price stability for consumers while supporting compliance with the EU's industrial decarbonisation objectives.