The Irish Government has announced plans for record investment in electricity grid infrastructure and clean energy programmes.
The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment’s new Sectoral Capital Plan provides for €3.5bn equity injections from the State in system operators Eirgrid and ESB, which Dublin says will help leverage capex of up to €18bn.
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien (pictured) said the unprecedented level of funding would future-proof Ireland’s electricity system and accelerate the transition to renewables.
“The Government’s decision to provide a total equity investment of €3.5 billion into ESB and EirGrid will future-proof Ireland’s electricity system and ensure it can meet the growing demands of our economy, our homes, and our climate targets,” said O’Brien.
“The transition to a renewables-led energy system is crucial to provide secure, sustainable, and affordable energy for generations to come.”
According to the plan, €3.7bn will be channelled into residential energy efficiency schemes under the National Retrofit Plan, supporting large-scale home upgrades and helping reduce fossil fuel dependence.
Further investments include up to €200m for a national biomethane programme, €100-200m for offshore site surveying, €200-500m for public sector retrofit projects, and funding for district heating infrastructure.
The plan underpins Ireland’s 2030 target to generate 80% of electricity from renewable sources and supports major expansion of grid capacity to connect new onshore and offshore renewable projects.
Minister of State Alan Dillon said the measures would also strengthen Ireland’s circular economy, while Minister of State Timmy Dooley added that the plan would advance environmental and marine sustainability.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities’ draft Price Review 6 outlines €18bn of investment in Ireland’s electricity system between 2026 and 2030, with more than 500 network projects expected to support grid reinforcement and renewables integration.