Northern Ireland is set to launch a contracts for difference-style renewables auction in early 2027, its economy department has announced. It described the renewable electricity price guarantee (REPG) "a significant milestone in delivering cheaper energy prices for consumers". The first auction will aim to procure 750-1,250GWh of electricity per year. “Increasing investment in renewables is essential to reduce our reliance on high-cost fossil fuels and deliver on our net-zero ambitions,” said Northern Ireland’s economy minister, Caoimhe Archibald. To reach this goal, the government states that another auction will be needed with a procurement volume of 3,250- 3,750GWh/year.