EirGrid launches new 5-year strategy to transform Ireland’s electricity grid

EirGrid has today launched its Group Strategy 2026, setting out an ambitious roadmap to transform Ireland’s electricity grid for a future where every home business and community is powered by secure, clean and affordable electricity. 

Launched by EirGrid CEO, Cathal Marley, the strategy outlines how EirGrid will deliver the most extensive programme of work ever undertaken on Ireland’s electricity system, to transform the economy and society through electrification. 

Following an allocation of €18.9 billion by Government and the regulator, for investment in the electricity grid, EirGrid will deliver an ambitious programme of work over the strategy period to 2030, with a clear focus on building grid infrastructure at pace and at scale.

Ireland’s electricity system is entering a period of rapid and unprecedented change, with demand set to grow significantly, more than doubling by 2050, and large volumes of new renewable generation, including offshore wind, onshore wind, solar and battery storage expected to come onto the system in the years ahead.

To meet this challenge, EirGrid will significantly grow its delivery capability by expanding its workforce, strengthening its digital systems and ensuring the financial strength required to deliver major infrastructure programmes across the country, including 381 transmission projects.

Over the past five years, EirGrid has grown from a workforce of 500 to 1,500 and over the period of the strategy that will reach over 2,000 to facilitate and drive growth.

Speaking at the launch, Cathal Marley, Chief Executive of EirGrid, said:

"We are launching this strategy at a defining moment for Ireland. A secure, clean, affordable electricity grid is at the heart of the country’s economic and social ambition. There is huge growth in clean and renewable energy generation, while demand is also increasing at pace due to population and economic growth and the electrification of society. 

"A modern fit-for-purpose grid opens the country up to more possibilities. Electricity is an enabler of investment, regional development, housing, innovation and better lives for the people and communities we serve.

"Our ambition is clear, to build and operate a grid that can power Ireland’s future. By delivering infrastructure at pace and at scale, we are not only supporting the energy transition, we are also supporting long-term social and economic progress."

Speaking about the new strategy, Chairman of EirGrid’s Board, Brendan Tuohy, said: “Electricity is no longer simply one part of the economy, it is becoming the foundation of society, and this strategy sets out how EirGrid will play its part.”

The strategy is built around four key pillars:

A significant focus of the strategy is on offshore wind and interconnection, which are critical to Ireland’s future energy system. 

EirGrid will build new capability in this area, taking on an expanded role in delivering and operating offshore infrastructure to connect large-scale renewable generation. This includes setting up a new business unit to focus on delivering offshore infrastructure. 

Building towards the goal of 80 percent of our electricity coming from renewable sources in the coming years, as set out by Government, the grid must connect 9 GW of onshore wind and 5 GW of offshore wind.

The organisation’s purpose – powering up Ireland’s electricity grid for a clean energy future, remains at the heart of the strategy, while putting strong emphasis on meaningful collaboration with all stakeholders.

Marley added: “Over the next five years, EirGrid will work closely with Government, regulators, industry and communities to deliver an unprecedented level of investment in energy infrastructure, supporting national climate targets, while unlocking economic opportunity across the country.”