Ireland: EirGrid has launched its Group Strategy 2026, setting out a five-year plan to transform Ireland’s electricity grid and support a cleaner, more secure and affordable energy system.
The strategy was presented by EirGrid CEO Cathal Marley and outlines the most extensive programme of work ever undertaken on Ireland’s electricity system. It follows the allocation of $21.5 B (€18.9 B) by the Government and the regulator for investment in the grid.
EirGrid will focus on delivering infrastructure at pace and scale through to 2030, including 381 transmission projects across the country.
Ireland’s electricity system is entering a period of major change. Demand is expected to more than double by 2050, while large volumes of renewable generation, including offshore wind, onshore wind, solar and battery storage, are expected to connect to the system.
To meet this challenge, EirGrid plans to expand its workforce, strengthen digital systems and build the financial capability needed to deliver major infrastructure programmes. The organisation has grown from 500 employees to 1,500 over the past five years and expects to exceed 2,000 during the strategy period.
The strategy is based on four pillars: keeping Ireland powered, building grid infrastructure for growth, enabling clean energy, and advancing offshore wind and interconnection.
A major focus will be offshore infrastructure. EirGrid will create a new business unit to support the delivery and operation of offshore grid connections.
The strategy also supports Ireland’s target of generating 80 % of electricity from renewable sources in the coming years, including connecting 9 GW of onshore wind and 5 GW of offshore wind.
Source: EirGrid
