Delivering a cleaner energy future

We're stepping up.

Find out more about Shaping Our Electricity Future

How does the grid work?

What does EirGrid do?

EirGrid operates and develops Ireland’s electricity grid. This includes interconnecting to neighbouring grids and running the wholesale electricity market. We ensure that everyone has power when they need it, at the most economic price possible.

The grid safely brings power from generators to the ESB network that supplies every home, farm, community and business in Ireland. It also brings power directly to large energy users.

As we look to the future, we are making the grid ready to carry 70% of Ireland’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030. At present, only 36% of your power comes from clean generation.

Why is EirGrid important to climate change?

What needs to change

Ireland needs more energy, and it needs to be clean. EirGrid will play a key role to achieve this, but we’ll need to strengthen the grid to make it possible.

This means more pylons, more overhead lines, more substations, and more underground cables. We need your support for these projects.

Shaping Our Electricity Future

To achieve at least 70% clean electricity by 2030, EirGrid needs to add more energy from the wind and the sun to the power system. This means that Ireland’s electricity grid will need to carry more power from renewable energy sources that vary, depending on the weather, and this power will need to be carried over longer distances.

As a result, we need to make the grid stronger and more flexible. To help decide how best to do this, between Monday 08 March and Monday 14 June we consulted on four draft approaches to reach the 2030 clean electricity target. Based on the feedback we have received, we are developing a final plan which is due for publication in the autumn.

Your Questions

Are overhead wires a health risk?

It’s our responsibility to make sure that the power Ireland needs is always available and we do this in the safest way possible. The main danger with high-voltage transmission lines and cables is electrocution. That's why they're placed high up on pylons, or buried underground.

Some people worry about electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) found near electricity lines and cables. But, the EMFs from electricity are extremely low frequency. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states there is no evidence to conclude that exposure to low-level EMFs is harmful to human health.

What about compensation?

Why can’t we put everything underground?

“ When your grandkids ask what you did to save the planet, will you be able to tell them that you actually did something? ”

How can I help?

Ireland is going to need more electricity, and it must be clean. EirGrid needs your support to help us get there. Take our climate change quiz to measure how green you are, and to discover your tailored climate action tips.

Let's get started!