Grid Gets Gigantic Boost in €3.5bn Green Push

Ireland is set for the largest upgrade of its electricity grid in history, as the Government today approved a record €3.5 billion investment to modernise the network and supercharge the shift to renewable energy.

The funding, part of the National Development Plan and running from 2026 to 2030, includes €2 billion for EirGrid and €1.5 billion for ESB Networks. It will transform the country’s onshore and offshore grid, enabling it to power more homes, support growing industry, and handle the clean energy surge from wind and solar.

Minister Darragh O’Brien called it “a once-in-a-generation investment” that will “create thousands of jobs, attract global businesses, and ensure every home and business has a secure electricity supply.”

Minister of State Timmy Dooley said the grid overhaul is key to unlocking Ireland’s huge offshore wind potential. “With the right infrastructure, Ireland can go from energy importer to exporter,” he said.

The investment underpins plans to meet 2030 targets of 80% renewable electricity, including 9GW of onshore wind, 8GW of solar, and 5GW of offshore wind in development.

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities will make a final decision on the Price Review 6 process later this year, with the aim of ensuring affordable electricity and stable prices for consumers. A new Energy Affordability Taskforce and a Winter 2025 Grid Resilience Plan are also in the works.