EirGrid Unveils €18.9 Billion Strategy to Transform Ireland's Grid by 2030

EirGrid has launched a new strategy to deliver a secure, clean, and affordable electricity system for Ireland by 2030, managing rising demand and the transition to renewables. CEO Cathal Marley stated the focus is on maintaining current reliability while rapidly expanding and transforming the grid.

Electricity demand in Ireland grew 30 per cent over the past 20 years (from 27GW to 35GW) and is projected to increase by another 130 per cent in the next 20 years. The government and regulator have allocated €18.9 billion to EirGrid and ESB Networks for electricity system investment over the next five years, a significant increase from the €7.6 billion allocated in the previous five years.

The strategy is built on four pillars: keeping Ireland powered, building the backbone, transforming for clean energy, and unlocking new frontiers (offshore and interconnection). Keeping Ireland powered ensures the existing system runs safely. Building the backbone involves one of the State’s largest infrastructure programs, with 381 transmission projects nationwide over five years, including 29 priority projects.

Transforming for clean energy means building a larger, faster, and more flexible system to handle renewables like onshore/offshore wind, battery storage, and solar. Unlocking new frontiers addresses EirGrid’s role in offshore wind and interconnection projects, such as the Celtic Interconnector between Ireland and France, which provides resilience and market access. EirGrid is also establishing a new business unit for offshore transmission infrastructure. The company plans to grow its workforce from 1,500 to over 2,000 to deliver on these goals, emphasizing collaboration with stakeholders.