Farmers and members of the public are being urged to take part in a new nationwide consultation aimed at shaping the future of Ireland’s electricity system.

EirGrid, national operator of the electricity grid, and the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan launched the consultation this week

EirGrid is seeking feedback on a new report titled Shaping Our Electricity Future, which details the approaches to developing the electricity grid in order to meet 2030 renewable electricity targets.

Targets

EirGrid has been tasked by the Government to transform the electricity system in anticipation of increased renewable electricity generation.

Specifically, it must redevelop the grid to manage 70% of Ireland’s electricity coming from renewable sources by 2030.

EirGrid’s strategy to achieve this comprises of four approaches:

  • 1. Generation-led: Government policy would influence where renewable energy is generated, favouring locations where the grid is already strong.
  • 2. Developer-led: in this approach, EirGrid continues to connect new sources of renewable electricity as requested in any location.
  • 3. Technology-led: This approach uses technical solutions to make the grid more resilient so it can better handle the variable nature of renewable energy.
  • 4. Demand-led: Government policy determines where large energy users locate in Ireland.

    • Each of the four approaches requires numerous investments in network development projects throughout the country, with costs ranging from €500m to €2bn.

    Have your say

    Over the next 14 weeks, EirGrid will hold a series of workshops, meetings and fora across the country, online and possibly in person to inform people and gather feedback that will directly influence the final roadmap.

    EirGrid’s consultation material and more information can be found on its consultation portal at consult.eirgrid.ie