EirGrid, the developer and operator of the national electricity grid, has unveiled a substantial procurement package worth several hundred million euros to support the delivery of offshore wind infrastructure.

The "Powering Up Offshore – South Coast Tonn Nua Substation Package" represents the first major transmission procurement of its kind under this framework. It is considered a vital step in the practical delivery of the Irish Government's target to achieve 5 GW of offshore wind capacity in the near future.

The extensive scope of the contract includes the design, fabrication, installation, and commissioning of offshore substations and associated high-voltage equipment. It also covers onshore compensation compound works and related engineering requirements.

This move follows Ireland's 2021 decision to transition to a plan-led model for offshore renewables and infrastructure, with EirGrid tasked as the transmission system operator to lead the technical rollout.

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The procurement process is set to launch via the Achilles Supply Line Platform on Thursday, 23 April 2026. This integrated packaging strategy has been developed following significant market engagement to ensure scalability.

Speaking at the 2026 WindEurope conference in Madrid, EirGrid CEO Cathal Marley said: "It is estimated that the substation package procurements being launched today will be valued in excess of hundreds of millions of euros, demonstrating the progress being made to deliver offshore renewables at scale, a critical step towards a cleaner energy future."

He added: "I encourage the entire supply chain across these areas to engage with EirGrid and support us to harness the significant offshore wind resource that exists in Irish waters."

Minister of State Timmy Dooley also welcomed the announcement, noting that the national policy architecture is now in place to move from ambition to delivery.

"Ireland is at a pivotal moment for offshore development, with the scale of the opportunity now clear and the right national policy architecture in place. Through the National DMAP and a shift from ambition to delivery, we are moving towards a planned, long-term offshore sector underpinned by collaboration across Government, agencies, industry and communities," Minister Dooley stated.

"Today's event, alongside the successful Tonn Nua auction and EirGrid's ongoing south coast surveys, shows this collaborative model is delivering real momentum, and we thank all stakeholders for their continued commitment."