Galway graduate helping shape Ireland's energy future through AI and innovation at EirGrid

18 September 2026 - For Galway native Dara Golden, a fascination with technology and a desire to understand how complex systems operate led him towards a career at the forefront of Ireland's energy transition. Today, as part of EirGrid's Graduate Programme, he is using his expertise in artificial intelligence, data analytics and software development to help support the future of Ireland's electricity grid.

As the operator and developer of Ireland's electricity grid, EirGrid is playing a key role in delivering Ireland's renewable energy ambitions. Through its recently launched Group Strategy 2026, the organisation plans to invest €18.9 billion in transforming the electricity transmission system by 2030, supporting growing electricity demand, enabling more renewable energy and delivering the largest programme of grid development ever undertaken in Ireland.

For graduates like Golden, this presents an opportunity to apply cutting-edge skills to projects of national importance while building a career in one of Ireland's fastest-evolving sectors.

"I've always been interested in understanding how things work, especially the systems that sit in the background of everyday life and keep everything running," he explains.

That curiosity led him to pursue a degree in electronic and computer engineering at the University of Galway before completing a master's degree in artificial intelligence.

"What I enjoy most is using technology to solve real problems," he says.

"Working in the energy sector is particularly exciting because the impact is so tangible. EirGrid plays a big role in how Ireland moves towards a more sustainable electricity system, and being able to contribute is something I'm really proud of."

As Ireland's energy system becomes increasingly digitalised, technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced analytics are playing a growing role in helping organisations make better decisions, improve performance and prepare for future challenges.

Golden joined EirGrid's Graduate Programme through a specialist non-rotational pathway within the organisation's Data and AI Lab.

"The main thing that attracted me to the programme was the opportunity to learn while working on real projects from the start," he says.

Unlike traditional rotational graduate programmes, Golden remains within the Data and AI Lab while collaborating with teams from across the organisation on a wide variety of projects.

"My team works with lots of different parts of the business, so even though I've stayed on one team, I've still been exposed to a wide variety of work and people across EirGrid," he explains.

"It's been a great environment to learn in, and everyone has been incredibly supportive from the moment I joined."

Earlier this year, EirGrid climbed 47 places to reach number 50 in GradIreland's 100 Leading Graduate Employers ranking, reflecting its growing reputation as an employer of choice for graduates.

As EirGrid continues to expand to deliver on its ambitious strategy, the organisation expects its workforce to grow significantly, creating opportunities for graduates across Ireland.

"The programme has allowed me to develop my technical skills while gaining experience in a sector that is helping shape Ireland's future," says Golden.

"It's exciting to be part of a team that's working on challenges that really matter."

Applications for EirGrid's Graduate Programme are open from 18 September 2026 for graduates interested in building careers across engineering, IT, cyber security, business, finance, economics and more. Further information is available at www.eirgrid.ie/graduates.