Policy record, national
Ireland: EirGrid DCCOPP v3 and ESB Networks LEU application process (implementing CRU/2025236)
EirGrid and ESB Networks published their processes for data centre connections on 20 May 2026. EirGrid version 3 of its Data Centre Connection Offer Process and Policy covers new transmission applications of 1 MVA or more received on or after 12 December 2025. An application package has at least three linked parts: the data centre application, a nominated dispatchable generation or storage application, and a nominated renewable application. The nominated plant must hold a connection agreement or live offer, be in process, or apply through the ECP-GSS generation process, and must be new capacity without a capacity market position or other support. ESB Networks applies equivalent rules for distribution connections, with its document stating the CRU decision prevails in any discrepancy.
Current status
Both documents effective 20 May 2026. CRU had set 31 March 2026 for publication. The published dates are later than that deadline, and no CRU extension notice was reviewed for this record.
Who it applies to
EirGrid: new data centre transmission applications (1 MVA and above) received on or after 12 December 2025. ESB Networks: all distribution applicants after the CRU decision.
Exceptions: Applications already in process before 12 December 2025 remain under the previous policy. ESB Networks offers subject to CRU approval of connection agreement changes.
What it means for cooling and power
Connection timing now depends on the status of linked generation and renewable projects in ECP-GSS, so generation and storage suppliers become part of the critical path for data centre delivery in Ireland.
Editorial: business implications, not legal advice.
History
- 20 May 2026: Effective date
Related policy
Markets
Technologies
Lifecycle
- Proposed or announced20 May 2026
- Consultationdate not recorded
- Adopted20 May 2026
- In effect20 May 2026
Both documents effective 20 May 2026. CRU had set 31 March 2026 for publication. The published dates are later than that deadline, and no CRU extension notice was reviewed for this record.
Sources (3), last checked 18 Oct 2026
- Data Centre Connection Offer Process and Policy Version 3 (opens in a new tab), EirGrid, published 20 May 2026, accessed 18 Oct 2026
- LEU Pre-Engagement and Application Process (DOC-310326-ILF) (opens in a new tab), ESB Networks, published 20 May 2026, accessed 18 Oct 2026
- Large Energy Users Connection Policy decision paper (CRU/2025236) (opens in a new tab), Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), published 12 Dec 2025, accessed 18 Oct 2026
Last checked 18 Oct 2026 by CoolPower Index research (automated, sourced). Report a correction.
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