Chief Executive Foreword
It is my pleasure to present EirGrid’s Group Corporate Strategy 2026.
At its core, our strategy is to operate a secure electricity system today while accelerating the delivery of the power system Ireland will depend on for a clean, secure and economically competitive future.
We have reached a pivotal point in the energy sector, and the next five years will see an unprecedented level of investment in Ireland’s electricity infrastructure and a transformative step-change in grid delivery. The electricity system is now at the heart of Ireland’s economic competitiveness, resilience and future prosperity. To realise this opportunity, we must move with urgency, remove barriers and turn ambition into meaningful action.
EirGrid has developed this strategy within the policy objectives and licence obligations set by Government and our Regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
These objectives are reflected in EirGrid’s Price Review 6 Business Plan, which sets out what we must achieve by 2030.
Our new strategy sets out the path ahead with clarity and ambition. It sets a clear framework for how we will deliver on these objectives so that we can accelerate Ireland’s clean energy transition.
Our key priorities are two-fold: to securely operate the grid of today while planning for the grid of tomorrow. That means balancing supply and demand in a complex and fast-changing environment, preparing the system to operate at very high levels of renewables, guiding future market investment and supporting economic growth.
We must deliver these priorities simultaneously with pace, focus and determination. In doing so we can help shape a cleaner, more secure energy future for Ireland.
The transition ahead will be one of the defining challenges of our time. For EirGrid, it will be shaped by new technologies, collaboration with customers, stakeholders and communities, evolving policy and delivery of the infrastructure required to support increasing use of electricity across society and the economy.
This will be underpinned by intelligent use of digital, our uncompromising focus on safety and by embedding sustainable practices in everything we do.
Guided by our purpose, vision, strategic pillars, key enablers and company values, EirGrid will play a central role in this transition with responsibility, confidence and resolve. At the same time, we will continue transforming our organisation and strengthening the capability, capacity and expertise needed to succeed.
Collaboration will be essential to delivering a joined-up and effective approach. During this critical period for the grid, we will work closely with Government, our Regulator, our customers, industry and communities to help deliver Ireland’s climate, infrastructure and economic objectives. Together we can drive real progress towards a more secure, clean and affordable energy future for everyone.
Our Role
EirGrid’s role, as Transmission System Operator (TSO) in Ireland, is to ensure electricity gets from where it is generated to where it is needed across Ireland. We operate the high‑voltage transmission system, the network that forms the backbone of the country’s electricity system, and are responsible for keeping it running safely, securely and reliably at all times. This means ensuring there is enough electricity to meet demand every moment of every day, and that the system can respond to changes or unexpected events.
Alongside operating the transmission system, EirGrid also operates the all-island wholesale electricity market (SEM), in partnership with SONI in Northern Ireland. The SEM is where electricity generators sell their power and retail sellers buy it to sell to consumers.
EirGrid also plans for the future of the electricity system. As demand grows and Ireland transitions to renewable energy, we identify where new infrastructure is needed and how the grid should evolve to support homes, businesses and economic growth. This includes major grid development and new connections for very large generation and demand customers.
A key part of our role is enabling offshore wind. Under Government policy, EirGrid is responsible for developing, owning and operating the offshore transmission system that connects wind farms at sea to the onshore grid. This will allow large volumes of clean energy to be brought onshore securely and integrated into the system.
We also safeguard Ireland’s security of electricity supply by monitoring the system, identifying risks, and advising on actions where needed. In addition, we develop and operate interconnectors that link Ireland to other countries, and facilitate the connection of other interconnectors to the system, improving resilience and supporting the transition to cleaner energy.
EirGrid also work with key stakeholders to ensure the overall electricity system operates as one coordinated network. In doing so, we support a secure, clean and affordable electricity system for Ireland.
Introduction to EirGrid Group Strategy 2026
As an organisation we occupy a dynamic space. A secure, modern electricity system is now fundamental not only to Ireland’s climate ambitions, but to national competitiveness, industrial growth, housing delivery and long-term economic resilience. Our new purpose, to power up Ireland’s electricity grid for a clean energy future, means we must play two essential, interdependent roles as we work to deliver on Government policy, support the achievement of the 80% renewable electricity target, and facilitate socio-economic growth.
On the one hand we supply a secure and resilient electricity flow in a fluctuating environment. On the other, we plan and develop the grid needed to support Ireland’s economy and society, prepare the system to operate at very high levels of renewables and provide advice to inform the future market to achieve the necessary investments whilst supporting economic outcomes. In doing so, we balance security, affordability and sustainability, contributing our expertise to support effective policy and planning.
These roles are interconnected and each brings complexity, risks and challenges. They depend on close collaboration across the energy ecosystem and cannot be delivered by EirGrid alone. Both must be done simultaneously and consistently. Our country depends on it.
It’s not easy. There are real trade-offs to navigate, shaped by wider market, policy and delivery challenges. But we take on the challenge with calmness and confidence because our purpose is set.
We are prepared and adaptable. We lead where we can, support where we should, and work with Government and other critical stakeholders to align ambition with what is practical and achievable.
Equipped with our new Strategy and the power of strong partnerships and collaboration, we overcome obstacles with steady care and discipline, forging a practical pathway to decarbonisation while enabling the infrastructure that supports Ireland’s social and economic growth.
Strategic Framework
Purpose
Powering up Ireland’s electricity grid for a clean energy future
Vision
A future where every home, business and community is powered by secure, clean and affordable electricity
Strategic Framework
Our Purpose, Vision, Strategic Pillars and Key Enablers, together with our Values, collectively shape a clear Strategic Framework. Each element plays a distinct role, but it is how they come together that gives our strategy its strength and direction.
Our Purpose defines who we are. It is our reason for being and the role we play for Ireland, supporting the country’s progress and leading the transition to a cleaner energy future.
Our Vision defines the future we are working to power. It sets out the outcomes we aim to deliver as part of the energy ecosystem, providing secure, clean and affordable electricity for the people of Ireland.
Our Strategic Pillars define what we will deliver. They set out the core priorities required to achieve our Vision, from keeping Ireland powered to enabling growth, transforming the system, and unlocking new opportunities in offshore.
Our Key Enablers define how we will power delivery. They provide the capabilities that allow us to succeed, through our people, digital strength, financial resilience, and close engagement with customers and stakeholders.
Our Values underpin everything we do. They guide how we work, how we make decisions, and how we deliver on our ambitions.
Together, this framework ensures our strategy works as one connected system, with each element reinforcing the other to deliver for Ireland.
EirGrid Group Strategy 2026
Purpose
Powering up Ireland’s electricity grid for a clean energy future
Vision
A future where every home, business and community is powered by secure, clean and affordable electricity
Strategic Pillars
Key Enablers
