We're stepping up.
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.
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, we've created four draft approaches to reach the 2030 clean electricity target.
Our public consultation is open until Monday 14 June. We want to hear what you think about these four approaches. Based on your feedback, we will then develop a final plan.
Submit your views nowIt’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.
Upgrading the electricity grid is essential for Ireland to have a clean and reliable supply of electricity for the future. When we choose routes for new overhead lines or underground cables, we try to create as little disturbance as possible. However, we know this work has an impact on landowners and neighbouring communities.
That’s why we compensate landowners, their neighbours and the local community when we develop new infrastructure. This recognises the local support, co-operation and knowledge we depend on to secure power for everyone in Ireland.
When we upgrade the grid, we always consider underground as well as overhead - but underground cables have more limitations. The question of which option is best for a particular project is complex, and depends on several technical issues. This means we have to consider the strength of the existing grid in the area of the project, and the particular needs that prompted the upgrade.
What works well for one project may not be a viable option for another: there is no “one size fits all” answer when it comes to overhead vs underground. We always look for solutions that are best for the area, and that secure Ireland's grid for the future.
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.