Minister O’Brien signs regulations clarifying information required for RTFO Certificates for supply of renewable electricity in transport
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From: Department of Transport
- Published on: 17 April 2026
- Last updated on: 17 April 2026
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has signed new regulations that clarify the information requirements for electric charge point operators (CPOs) applying for certificates under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO).
The regulations set out the specific data that CPOs must provide to the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) in order to be awarded RTFO certificates for renewable electricity supplied for transport consumption in electric vehicles at public charging points.
The regulations build upon new enabling legal provision under the NORA Act 2007 made last year, and are available to view at European Union (Certificates for Renewable Electricity) Regulations 2026 (S.I. No. 113 of 2026).
"These regulations are an important step in Ireland’s transition to a low carbon society and economy. The award of renewable transport fuel obligation certificates for supply of renewable electricity provides a meaningful incentive for further investment and development in electrification of road transport and the deployment of public charging infrastructure, supporting our climate and energy targets and giving confidence to consumers and industry as we continue the shift to electric vehicles and the decarbonisation of transport.”
Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien
Electromobility will play an essential role in decarbonising the transport sector. These new legal provisions will support the further development of electrification of transport.
The RTFO certificates awarded in respect of renewable electricity can be offset against the RTFO obligation on fuel suppliers within Ireland, thereby redirecting the value of the certificates to boost further infrastructure investment in transport electrification. Under the new legislation RTFO certificates for renewable electricity in road transport can be awarded at four times their energy content.
These new measures fulfil Ireland’s requirements under the European Renewable Energy Directive, aligned to the actions set out in the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy 2025-2027, as well as supporting the roll out of electric mobility transition for citizens by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, with the further expansion of Ireland’s EV charging infrastructure ahead of growing demand.
Moving away from fossil fuel dependence will involve a diverse range of energy pathways, including renewable electricity, and the award of RTFO certificates for renewable electricity at public charge points is adding to a generous range of incentives already available to support the transition to electric mobility in Ireland.
The NORA has consulted with electric charge point operators extensively over the past year concerning these new requirements.
Note to Editors
The Renewable Transport Fuel Policy 2025–2027 sets out a pathway for increasing renewable fuel use in transport to support achievement of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan and EU Renewable Energy Directive 2030 targets for an increased share of renewable energy in transport and transport decarbonisation. The Policy sets out a pathway to incentivise supply of renewable fuel in transport through annual increases in the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) rate to 2030.
The RTFO is a statutory obligation on suppliers of road transport (fossil) fuels to ensure that a proportion of the fuels they place on the market in Ireland is produced from renewable sources. The obligation is administered by the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA).
These Regulations follow on from provisions which came into force on 1 January under the European Union (Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation) Regulations 2025 enabling the award by the NORA of RTFO certificates for renewable electricity supply.
The European Union (Certificates for Renewable Electricity) Regulations 2026 (S.I. No. 113 of 2026) set out the information to be submitted to the NORA by charge point operators when applying for RTFO certificates for renewable electricity. This mirrors the long-standing information and verification requirements established under SI 33 of 2012 concerning the award of RTFO certificates for renewable fuel supply.
Actions concerning alternative fuel infrastructure and renewable energy across the transport sub-sectors are overseen and coordinated by the Interdepartmental Alternative Fuels for Transport Working Group. The 2025 report of the Working Group, published by the Minister for Transport on 21 March, is available here.