Synopsis
These regulations amended the European Union (Renewable Energy) Regulations (2) 2022. These amendments increase targets on the average annual increase in the share of renewable energy used in heating and cooling across the Republic of Ireland.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is also required to assess the potential for energy from renewable sources and the use of waste heat and cold in the heating and cooling sector.
Summary
The European Union (Renewable Energy) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 amended the European Union (Renewable Energy) Regulations (2) 2022 on 29 January 2026.
The amendments made transpose Directive (EU) 2023/2413, which amended Directive (EU) 2018/2001 on the Promotion of the Use of Energy from Renewable Resources.
This legislation applies in the Republic of Ireland only.
What has changed?
Targets on heating and cooling using renewable energy
Targets are set on the average annual increase in the share of renewable energy used in the heating and cooling sector against a 2020 baseline:
Additionally, so far as is practicable, the share of renewable energy shall be increased by a further 2.3% (2021 to 2025) and 2% (2026 to 2030). An additional target on the resulting share including these top-up targets without waste heat and cold is set at 3.1%.
The targets are expressed in terms of gross final consumption of energy. Where measures adopted do not deliver these targets, this must be reported to the European Commission.
District heating and cooling suppliers
Under the European Union (Renewable Energy) Regulations (2) 2022, district heating and cooling suppliers are required to provide easily accessible information on the energy performance of systems and the share of renewable energy used.
The 2026 regulations specifically require that the above information must be provided as a percentage of gross final consumption of energy in heating and cooling, including how much energy was used to deliver one unit of heating to the customer or end-user.
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) obligations
The SEAI is required to assess potential of energy from renewable sources and of the use of waste heat and cold in the heating and cooling sector. This must include, where appropriate, an analysis of areas suitable for deployment at low ecological risk and the potential for small-scale household projects.
The SEAI must provide information for managers, owners or tenants and the respective authorised representatives of buildings and SMEs on cost-effective measures and finance to improve the use of renewable energy in heating and cooling.
Background
The European Union (Renewable Energy) Regulations (2) 2022 aim to promote the uptake and consumption of renewable energy in Ireland. Policies include targets on renewable energy share and rules for renewable energy support schemes or renewable obligations. Mandatory greenhouse gas and sustainability criteria for biofuels, bioliquids and biomass fuels are set for support schemes and renewable obligations.
Greenspace subscribers receive full monthly updates summarising new and forthcoming legislation applicable to their organisation.
To receive these free updates by email, please subscribe to our mailing list. For a free trial and demonstration of Greenspace or a quotation, please contact us by email.
