Electricity network operators strengthen cooperation to accelerate decarbonisation

The electricity transmission system operators of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, have strengthened their cooperation with a new agreement to bolster efforts to decarbonise their respective grids and deliver net zero power systems across these islands.

The Memorandum of Understanding between EirGrid, the System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI) and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) signed on Thursday evening in Cork, deepens cooperation and knowledge-sharing on managing grids integrating high levels of renewables on the road to clean power.

It also fosters understanding about the growth of large energy users like ports and data centres, as industry moves towards greater electrification, as well as future modelling and scenario planning to help strengthen system resilience between the network operators.

The agreement comes as Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reinforced energy security between Ireland and the United Kingdom at a Summit between the two countries in the city. 

The agreement, signed by NESO’s Fintan Slye, EirGrid’s Cathal Marley and SONI’s Alan Campbell builds on a partnership framework agreed in 2024, and underscores the critical contribution of energy cooperation to delivering greater economic security.

It follows the Government of Ireland and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland agreeing to further cooperate on the clean energy transition, offshore renewables and electricity interconnection in recent years.

 Chief Executive of Ireland’s EirGrid, Cathal Marley, said: “EirGrid, SONI and NESO face similar challenges and opportunities as we seek to decarbonise our grids while supporting social and economic growth. We already work closely together, and this Memorandum of Understanding, that builds on the one we signed in August 2024, seeks to formalise and grow those relationships. Beyond the shared learning on technical issues and innovation we can also benefit from sharing our experiences around building infrastructure and the importance of stakeholder engagement and social acceptance in our delivery.”

 Chief Executive of SONI, the System Operator for Northern Ireland, Alan Campbell, said: “As electricity transmission system operators, we all face shared challenges and opportunities in managing grids integrating high levels of renewables on the road to clean power. This agreement will deepen further the collaboration, knowledge sharing and best practice exchanges between our organisations. In strengthening this strategic partnership, we can accelerate the integration of renewables and support the delivery of secure, net zero power for consumers. We look forward to continuing to collaborate closely with EirGrid and NESO on this critical journey.”

Chief Executive of Britain’s NESO Fintan Slye said: “I’m proud to be back in Ireland to sign this important agreement with our neighbours, strengthening our cooperation on sharing knowledge and expertise on our transition to renewable based electricity grids and the increasing demand from industry that comes with electrification.

“Regional cooperation and effective electricity market trading arrangements between the players of the Single Electricity Market is vital for our collective energy security and I look forward to working closely with EirGrid and SONI as we continue our respective transitions to clean power.”