CRU Publishes Information Paper on Ireland’s First Flexibility Needs Assessment

As Ireland continues to increase levels of renewable electricity generation, flexibility will play a critical role in maintaining system security and supporting efficient market outcomes. The FNA provides a forward‑looking assessment of the types and volumes of flexibility that the Irish electricity system is expected to require over the next ten years.

What Is the Flexibility Needs Assessment?

The Flexibility Needs Assessment is a requirement introduced under EU electricity market legislation and further reinforced through the Electricity Market Design Reform adopted in 2024. Its purpose is to ensure that electricity systems are adequately prepared to integrate higher shares of variable renewable generation, such as wind and solar, while maintaining reliability and affordability for consumers.

The assessment looks ahead to identify future system needs rather than focusing on individual technologies. It considers a wide range of potential sources of flexibility, including demand‑side response, energy storage, and flexible generation, to inform policy and regulatory planning.

Supporting National Energy Policy

The FNA supports the implementation of Ireland’s National Energy Demand Strategy and will contribute to the development of indicative national objectives for non‑fossil flexibility. These objectives are intended to guide future decisions while remaining technology‑neutral and consistent with EU law.

By setting out anticipated flexibility requirements, the assessment provides an important evidence base for policymakers, regulators, and market participants as Ireland progresses its energy transition.

System Operator Analysis

The Information Paper is based on detailed technical analysis carried out by EirGrid and ESB Networks. Their work examines how the electricity system is expected to evolve over the coming decade, taking account of projected changes in demand, generation mix, and network development.

This analysis supports CRU’s ongoing regulatory oversight and helps ensure that future market design and network planning decisions are aligned with system needs.

Next Steps

The publication of this Information Paper is an initial step in a broader process. The findings of the Flexibility Needs Assessment will inform future CRU work, including engagement with stakeholders, policy development, and regulatory decisions related to flexibility and system transformation.

The Information Paper is available on the CRU website and can be accessed here.