Meeting the challenge: Scaling up to make Ireland renewable ready

Over the next decade and beyond, we’ll see unprecedented changes to the electricity system in Ireland. As set out by Government targets, the ambition is that 80 per cent of our energy comes from renewables by 2030.

“At EirGrid, our role is to secure the transition of our electricity grid to low carbon renewable energy,” explains Doireann Barry Interim Chief Corporate Services Officer at EirGrid.

“Beyond 2030, our role will be to enable the transition to a net zero carbon future by 2050.”

This will involve major infrastructure developments across the country and in our seas, as well as innovation and new technologies.

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“Whether it’s the use of technology like AI or the delivery of major projects, we need to look at solutions that may not have seemed possible even a couple of years ago,” says Barry.

“At the heart of this change will be the people across the energy sector and beyond with the passion and skill sets to create a cleaner energy future.”

EirGrid is delivering a number of large infrastructure projects including the Celtic Interconnector, which will connect the Irish grid to France, as well as Powering Up Dublin, involving the installation of over 50km of electrical cables to strengthen key electricity infrastructure in Dublin, making the city renewable ready.

“We see in EirGrid that our people want to make a difference and support the effort across the economy and society to decarbonise,” explains Barry.

EirGrid is now able to allow up to 75 per cent of Ireland’s electricity generation to come from variable renewables, such as wind and solar, at any one time. This is known as the system non-synchronous penetration (SNSP) limit. While this is one of the highest in the world currently, the aim is to increase this to 95 per cent by 2030.

Things are moving quickly. Ireland already has onshore wind and solar power on the grid, and renewable generation from these sources will only increase.

The Government also published its latest plans for offshore this month and EirGrid will be building the grid connections to bring offshore power on to Ireland’s electricity system.

“The sector is growing and EirGrid is growing in response. I truly believe that now is an incredible time for anyone with an interest in a sustainable future and the relevant experience to pursue a career that can deliver real change,” says Barry.

Doireann Barry will be the keynote speaker at The Irish Times Positive Impacts Event on the 21st of May. For more information visit: events.irishtimes.com