FOR THE PAST 25 years, keeping Ireland powered has been a core pillar of EirGrid’s mission.

During this time, the operator and developer of the electricity grid has transformed Ireland’s energy infrastructure, ensuring the safe supply of electricity to homes and businesses across the country.

Now, EirGrid has launched its Group Corporate Strategy 2026, a five-year roadmap designed to take Ireland’s electricity system to the next level and support a future powered by secure, clean and affordable electricity.

At the heart of Ireland’s energy system is the National Control Centre, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year — making sure that we all have energy we can rely on, whenever we need it.

Michael Kelly, Chief Operations Officer at EirGrid Orla Murray / Coalesce Orla Murray / Coalesce / Coalesce

“Since EirGrid was founded in 2001, the work of the National Control Centre has evolved significantly. Back then, there was very little wind generation on the system and there was no solar energy or battery storage,” said Michael Kelly, Chief Operations Officer at EirGrid.

“We’re now operating a power system with electricity generated from high levels of variable renewables, as well as dealing with various new technologies and increasing electricity demand.”

This increasing electricity demand is one of the key challenges facing Ireland’s energy infrastructure, and EirGrid is rising to this challenge by expanding Ireland’s energy capabilities. 

“This is no longer just about maintaining what exists. The power system is changing at unprecedented speed due to rising demand, evolving electricity markets, cleaner generation and more volatile weather patterns,” said Kelly.

“As Ireland continues to grow and electrify its economy, the power system and markets which underpin everything will also need to grow and evolve at pace. EirGrid’s role is to hold stability at the centre of this change. We need to continue to keep the electricity system secure today, while building the grid of tomorrow.”

Renewable energy is central to advancing Ireland’s energy ambitions, and major progress has already been made. Ireland’s power system can now allow up to 75% of electricity to be generated from variable renewable sources such as wind and solar and brought onto the grid at any one time . There is a programme in place to eventually raise this capacity to 95%. 

Records are being broken

Over the past few years, Ireland has experienced a greater need for energy, driven by factors such as an increasing population, and the electrification of society. Ireland recorded a new peak demand of 6,024 MW in January 2025, the first time that peak electricity demand passed the 6,000 MW mark. 

To meet this demand, new milestones are being reached as Ireland continues to improve its capacity. In May of this year, a new record for grid-scale solar was achieved, with 1.22GW of electricity provided by solar — enough to power roughly 600,000 customers. 

In February, a new record for wind generation was set , reaching 3.89 GW.  

“EirGrid’s Strategy 2026 sets out our ambition to deliver a more secure, clean and affordable energy future for Ireland,” said Kelly.

“Under the Keeping Ireland Powered pillar, our priorities are clear – operating and enhancing the power system while optimising for low carbon generation.”

Learn more about how EirGrid is Powering Up Ireland at eirgrid.ie/strategy.