Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald introduced the Renewable Electricity Generation Bill to the Northern Ireland Assembly.
The legislation is intended to provide greater investment and create the framework needed to increase renewable electricity generation across the region.
The announcement comes alongside new electricity grid connection charging arrangements, which came into effect this week.
Under the revised approach, the costs of reinforcing the electricity network will be shared across all network users.
Access to the electricity grid has long been recognised as one of the key challenges facing renewable energy development.
Under previous arrangements, developers could be required to cover substantial reinforcement costs before connecting new generation projects to the network.
The new charging model is expected to lower these upfront costs, making it easier for businesses, farmers, community organisations and renewable energy developers to invest in technologies such as solar, wind and battery storage.
Together, the new legislation and grid charging reforms are intended to encourage investment while supporting Northern Ireland's longer-term ambitions to decarbonise its electricity system.
Renewable energy company Solmatix has welcomed the announcements, describing them as an important step towards strengthening investor confidence and supporting the transition to a lower-carbon economy.
Neville Bell, Managing Director of Solmatix, said the combination of legislative reform and changes to grid connection charging sends a strong signal that Northern Ireland is committed to expanding renewable energy.
According to the company, demand continues to grow from businesses, manufacturers, farmers and homeowners seeking greater energy security, reduced operating costs and improved long-term resilience through renewable energy technologies.
Supporting the Net Zero Transition
While welcoming the reforms, industry representatives acknowledge that further progress will be needed to maximise the opportunities presented by the new policy framework.
Increasing electricity network capacity, improving planning processes and developing the skills required to support a growing renewable energy sector remain important priorities if Northern Ireland is to accelerate the deployment of clean energy infrastructure.
The Renewable Electricity Generation Bill and revised grid connection charging arrangements represent another step in creating the conditions for increased renewable energy investment, supporting economic growth while contributing to Northern Ireland's transition towards a more resilient, secure and low-carbon energy system.
