The Single Electricity Market Committee (SEMC) today launched its new strategy for 2026-2031 in Dundalk. The new strategy sets out how SEMC will help ensure the all-island wholesale electricity market continues to deliver secure, competitive and sustainable outcomes for consumers as the energy transition gathers pace.
The strategy comes at a key time for the electricity sector. Growing demand, increasing renewable generation, the need for greater flexibility and security of supply, and rapidly evolving European energy market arrangements are reshaping how electricity markets operate across Europe and on the island of Ireland.
At the heart of the strategy there are four strategic priorities:
- Investment Signals and Market Design
- Market Integrity and Competition
- EU Alignment and Cross-Border Coordination
- Governance
Together, these priorities focus on creating the right conditions for investment, ensuring competitive and transparent market outcomes, maintaining effective alignment with European and neighbouring markets, and ensuring SEMC’s governance remains robust and responsive.
The strategy also places a strong emphasis on the cross-cutting themes of decarbonisation, security of supply and consumer protection, supported by enhanced communications and policy advice.
Rosamund Blomfield-Smith, Chair of SEMC, said:
" The Single Electricity Market has been delivering since its inception nearly 20 years ago and will need to evolve and develop to meet the needs of the decade ahead.
The transition to a low-carbon electricity system requires unprecedented investment, greater flexibility and a strong focus on security of supply. Through this strategy, the SEMC is setting a clear direction for how the market must evolve to meet those challenges. Our priority is to ensure the market continues to deliver confidence for investors, robust competition and tangible benefits for consumers across the island."
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The SEMC is the independent decision-making authority for the Single Electricity Market (SEM), the wholesale electricity market for the island of Ireland. The SEM covers both Northern Ireland and Ireland and is responsible for delivering an integrated wholesale market that supports competition, security of supply and efficient outcomes for consumers.
The ex-ante value of the SEM is €6.7 billion. During 2024/25 36.8% of generation in the SEM was from renewable sources. In the same year, 6445MW of new generation capacity was procured.