Ireland: Oil, Gas & Electricity

Matheson's quarterly construction bulletin examines recent developments in Ireland's construction and infrastructure sectors, including the introduction of a simplified Building Energy Rating scale, the practical implications of force majeure clauses amid global conflicts, and key court decisions on construction contract amendments.

The European Union continues to refine its energy and climate regulatory framework through significant amendments to electricity market rules, methane emissions standards, and the Emissions Trading Scheme. Recent developments span critical infrastructure resilience, carbon border adjustments, and enhanced oversight of energy supply chains, reflecting the EU's commitment to achieving its 2040 emission reduction targets while maintaining market competitiveness.

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The European Commission has unveiled AccelerateEU, a comprehensive energy strategy built on five pillars to address the ongoing energy crisis through enhanced coordination, consumer protection, clean energy acceleration, infrastructure strengthening, and investment mobilization. Key legislative proposals include network charge reforms, an ambitious Electrification Action Plan with fossil fuel subsidy phase-outs, and an ETS Investment Booster targeting €100 billion for industrial decarbonisation.

The European Commission adopted the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework to support the EU economy in light of the Middle East crisis. The framework enables Member States to provide targeted support to sectors most affected by increased input and energy costs, particularly agriculture, fisheries and transport.

Ireland is implementing a new Building Energy Rating (BER) system from 24 May 2026, introducing zero emissions building categories and simplified certification scales.

The European Commission is calling for evidence until 20 April 2026 in the context of its review of Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (EU) 2023/1804.

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (“CRU”) has issued two decisions which are supportive of development of biomethane production in Ireland.

The National Biomethane Strategy, published in May 2024, sets out the policy framework for an agri-led biomethane sector.