Through both good and trying times relations between Ireland and the UK on energy co-operation have remained strong. It meant that Ireland was often cushioned from energy shocks, such as pressures on electricity supply or tight gas supplies. UK gas came with a bonus, arising predominantly from the North Sea rather than unstable autocratic countries such as Russia. It also led to the building of power and gas interconnectors, enhancing flexibility and security of supplies.
Co-operation was consolidated over the years on the fringes of EU summits and ministerial council meetings in Brussels. Brexit could have threatened the efficient workings of the relationship, though to date it has remained solid. With the Ukraine war and the related energy crisis, for instance, both countries battled to ensure the lights stayed on, while Ireland’s transmission operator EirGrid worked in close co-operation with its UK equivalent, ESO, in balancing power between the two jurisdictions.
The signing of agreements between Ireland and the UK this week provides a framework for the future. Co-operation on offshore wind and green hydrogen production is welcome. In addition, Britain is supporting efforts to maintain Irish gas supplies including a commitment to “pain-sharing” with cuts applied proportionally to all of the UK and Ireland should they be required, continuing commitments made in earlier agreements.
Increasing interconnection will allow electricity trading between countries with the ability to serve a number of markets. With the right conditions this would ultimately fit into the development of a European “supergrid” with the ability to transmit power rapidly to where it is needed, which Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan indicated was challenging but essential to the Continent achieving net zero emissions. In the first instance, however, Ireland’s aspirations to become an energy exporter on the back of its vast offshore wind resources now look more achievable, even if much work remains to be done.