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EirGrid Group plc

EirGrid Group is the TSO operating and developing the electricity grid in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Lobbying Activity

Meeting with Barry Andrews (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

10 Nov 2025 · Connecting Europe Facility

Meeting with Joachim Balke (Head of Unit Energy)

4 Mar 2025 · To discuss Ireland’s offshore wind ambitions and the crucial role of grid infrastructure, interconnection, and electricity markets in achieving these targets

Response to Guidance to facilitate the designation of renewables acceleration areas

22 Feb 2024

EirGrid is the Irish Transmission System Operator (TSO), responsible for developing, managing, and operating the onshore electricity transmission system in Ireland, including exploring and implementing opportunities for interconnection. In 2021, EirGrids role as TSO was expanded to incorporate the operation and ownership of Irelands offshore electricity transmission grid. As such, EirGrid has a significant and central part to play in the facilitation and delivery of Irelands renewable energy targets. We welcome the opportunity to provide input to this Call for Evidence. We support the European Commissions plans to publish guidance on designating renewables acceleration areas and recognise that, if implemented correctly, this has the potential to fast-track the deployment of renewables in areas which present the most immediate opportunities for achieving scale. The guidance should reflect the need for Members States to adopt a holistic approach, giving consideration to technical, environmental and societal aspects in relation to designating renewables acceleration areas. Whilst the guidance is aimed at deployment of renewables, it is essential that consideration is given to the electricity grid, to identify synergies and avoid inefficiencies or conflicts in developing renewable generation and the grid. Critically, renewable acceleration areas should be aligned with existing infrastructure and plans already in place for grid development i.e. renewables development should be prioritised in areas whether there is existing grid capacity (or plans already underway to develop capacity). The existing grid should be optimised to maximise use of existing assets and capacity, thereby minimising the need for new infrastructure. Colocation of renewable generation and demand is another key consideration in facilitating effective and efficient deployment. A whole of system approach is essential for accelerating deployment; planning and regulatory authorities should be required to recognise renewable acceleration areas and prioritise these in their decision-making processes, including funding approvals as required. It is particularly important that locational prioritisation is adopted in regulatory connection policies. Public support is a critical enabler for delivering renewables deployment and grid infrastructure projects. The guidance should reflect the importance of this and highlight the need for timely and meaningful engagement with communities, and other stakeholders. The introduction of provisions for renewables acceleration areas should not in any way reduce or compromise stakeholder engagement requirements; any negative impact on public support has a knock-on impact on overall renewables deployment (and grid infrastructure development). Planning of renewables acceleration areas must also consider nature protection and restoration to minimise the impact of renewables deployment on the ecosystem and biodiversity. A holistic approach should be adopted so that acceleration areas avoid the most sensitive or highest risk areas in terms of biodiversity. The guidance should provide detail on nature protection and restoration, including outlining requirements for risk assessments and suitable mitigation measures. These principles are detailed in Shaping Our Electricity Future (www.eirgrid.ie/shaping-our-electricity-future), EirGrids roadmap for delivering an electricity grid fit for 80% renewable energy by 2030, in line with Irelands climate targets. A highly collaborative consultation process, involving extensive public and industry engagement, was key to developing this plan, which recognises the central role that the grid will play in the transition.
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Meeting with Deirdre Clune (Member of the European Parliament)

28 Nov 2023 · Offshore Energy

Meeting with Frances Fitzgerald (Member of the European Parliament)

28 Nov 2023 · Critical infrastructure and the green transition

Meeting with Ciarán Cuffe (Member of the European Parliament)

28 Nov 2023 · Offshore energy

Meeting with Kadri Simson (Commissioner) and Ibec and

2 Jun 2022 · REPowerEU Plan; EU Energy Platform

Meeting with Seán Kelly (Member of the European Parliament)

30 Mar 2022 · Fit for 55 Package

Meeting with Ciarán Cuffe (Member of the European Parliament)

18 Nov 2021 · TEN-E

Response to 2030 Climate Target Plan

15 Apr 2020

Dear Sir/Madam Please find attached the EirGrid Group submission to this initiative. Is mise le meas Padraig Slyne EirGrid Group
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Meeting with Helena Hinto (Cabinet of Commissioner Kadri Simson), Stefano Grassi (Cabinet of Commissioner Kadri Simson)

20 Jan 2020 · Energy priorities for the Commission, introduction to Eirgrid’s activities

Meeting with Joachim Balke (Cabinet of Vice-President Miguel Arias Cañete), Maria Cristina Lobillo Borrero (Cabinet of Vice-President Miguel Arias Cañete) and Penta

7 May 2019 · Celitc Interconnector

Meeting with Phil Hogan (Commissioner)

15 Mar 2019 · Agri Matters

Meeting with Joachim Balke (Cabinet of Vice-President Miguel Arias Cañete)

17 Jan 2018 · renewables grid intergration

Meeting with Phil Hogan (Commissioner), Phil Hogan (Commissioner)

26 Jan 2017 · Address Annual Conference

Meeting with Phil Hogan (Commissioner)

26 Jan 2017 · Address Conference

Meeting with Christiane Canenbley (Cabinet of Commissioner Phil Hogan)

4 Oct 2016 · Energy

Meeting with Miguel Arias Cañete (Commissioner) and Greenpeace European Unit and

13 May 2016 · EU energy and climate agenda for 2016

Meeting with Phil Hogan (Commissioner) and

17 Feb 2016 · energy developments in Ireland

Meeting with Phil Hogan (Commissioner)

17 Feb 2016 · Agri Matters