Cork powering the delivery of EirGrid’s new strategy
EirGrid representatives onboard the cable laying vessel Calypso
Ireland’s energy transition is gathering pace, and Cork is the setting for the launch of EirGrid Group’s new Corporate Strategy 2026. The strategy marks a significant new chapter for the organisation, setting out how EirGrid will deliver a secure, clean and affordable electricity system while supporting Ireland’s economic growth, regional development, competitiveness and transition to a low-carbon future.
At its core, the strategy has a clear purpose: to power up Ireland’s electricity grid for a clean energy future, balancing the need to operate today’s system while building the grid of tomorrow.
Ireland’s energy transition is accelerating, bringing increasing complexity, rising demand and a rapid shift towards electricity becoming a greater enabler for our economic growth, the growth in society and a clean energy future. EirGrid’s role sits at the centre of this change and to meet this challenge, EirGrid’s new strategy is built around four clear pillars: keeping Ireland powered; building the backbone, a grid that enables growth; transforming for clean energy and unlocking new frontiers - offshore and interconnection.
Cathal Marley, chief executive at EirGrid, highlighted the scale of the challenge and the opportunity ahead. “Our purpose as outlined in this strategy is powering up Ireland’s electricity grid for a clean energy future. This means ensuring a secure and resilient electricity system balancing supply and demand in a complex and fast-changing environment, while managing the transition to a future where every home, business and community is powered by secure, clean and affordable electricity.
“All of this will require an unprecedented programme of grid upgrades, reinforcements and new infrastructure right across the country so that clean electricity produced from renewables can be reliably brought to where it’s needed,” he said. “The southern region has always played an important role in Ireland’s energy system, but this is only set to increase as the transition gathers pace.”
For Cork and the wider southern region, this strategy is already being embedded. The Celtic Interconnector and the Powering Up Offshore – South Coast programme directly reflect EirGrid’s strategic priorities to build the backbone of a grid that enables growth and to unlock new frontiers in offshore and interconnection. In practical terms, that means creating the conditions for new investment in the region, supporting supply chains, strengthening regional competitiveness and helping the southern region play an even greater role in Ireland’s clean energy future.
A defining feature of the new strategy is EirGrid’s expanding role in offshore transmission infrastructure. This marks a major step in how Ireland will connect large-scale offshore wind and build the system needed for a cleaner energy future. Projects on the east and south coasts will help ensure this resource can be brought ashore efficiently, integrated securely and used to power homes, businesses and communities across the country.
Alongside offshore development, the Celtic Interconnector will directly link Ireland’s electricity grid with France through a 575-kilometre subsea cable, making landfall in east Cork. This connection marks a major step forward in strengthening Ireland’s energy security, enabling the exchange of electricity with continental Europe, while supporting the integration of renewable energy.
The strategy emphasises the importance of people, digital innovation, strong financial foundations and stakeholder engagement as key enablers of that delivery. These will support EirGrid in managing the scale and complexity of the energy transition and delivering balanced economic growth for Ireland.
“Customers and stakeholders are central to delivering this strategy and a key enabler of progress. We’ll continue to work closely with Government, regulators, industry, communities and partners to deliver infrastructure at the scale and pace needed, while building trust through what we do. By working openly and bringing a whole-system perspective, EirGrid is focused on turning ambition into practical delivery and ensuring the benefits of the energy transition are shared across the economy and society.”
EirGrid’s growing presence in Cork reflects this ambition. Its expanding footprint in the region supports the planning and delivery of major projects.
“Our new strategy acknowledges our people are our power. Having a strong presence in the region, including a dedicated Cork office, allows EirGrid to grow that capability through the strength of talent and academic institutions in the region and to work more closely with local communities, industry and stakeholders, ensuring that development is both effective and responsive to the needs of the region,” said Marley.
“This local engagement is a critical part of delivering the strategy, ensuring that infrastructure projects are developed in a way that supports both national objectives and regional priorities.
“The launch of our new strategy in Cork is both recognition of that role and a clear signal of what comes next. Our strategy is about keeping Ireland powered, building the backbone grid needed for growth, transforming for clean energy and unlocking the opportunities of offshore and interconnection. As Ireland continues its transition to a clean energy future, the infrastructure, expertise and innovation being developed on the south coast will help shape the country’s energy system for generations to come.”
That innovation and expertise is key, being digitally driven underpins how EirGrid delivers its strategy - embedding data, digital and AI to enable smarter decisions, faster responses and a more resilient, efficient system.
“We are and will continue to explore new technologies and turn insights into practical improvements, ensuring we continuously reimagine the power system and deliver real impact.”
EirGrid’s Corporate Strategy 2026 sets a clear path for delivering Ireland’s energy future, recognising the scale of the challenge ahead. By taking a practical, joined-up approach, focused on delivery and working with others, EirGrid is committed to building a secure, clean and resilient electricity system that supports communities and enables growth.
“Our focus is on leading with ambition and acting with urgency, making sure we deliver the grid Ireland needs for the future,” Marley added.
Learn more about how EirGrid is Powering Up Ireland at eirgrid.ie/strategy
