Galway’s electricity grid has taken a major step towards accommodating more renewable energy, following the completion of the final phase of works at the Galway City 110 kV substation.

The redevelopment involved transferring circuits from the old Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) station to a new Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) facility, completing a significant upgrade of the city’s transmission network. This work included the transfer of circuits from Knockranny, Salthill and Cashla substations.

The project has enabled the connection of an additional 65 megawatts of wind power and created access to 229 megawatts of capacity for new generation projects in the region.

Energy from wind farms in west Galway can now be exported more efficiently across the wider network, reinforcing local electricity supply and supporting national climate targets.

The work was carried out by ESB Networks in collaboration with ESB Engineering and Major Projects.