EirGrid has unveiled its Group Strategy 2026, outlining a plan to reshape Ireland’s electricity grid so that homes, businesses and communities are powered by secure, clean and affordable energy.

The transmission system operator will continue to run the grid safely and reliably while delivering future capacity.

The strategy follows regulatory approval for an €18.9 billion programme of investment running to 2030, with a strong emphasis on building infrastructure at pace and scale. EirGrid has identified 29 priority projects, including the flagship Powering Up the North West initiative.

Existing transmission infrastructure in the North West is close to its capacity limit, necessitating new assets to maintain a dependable and sustainable electricity supply for residents, schools, farms and businesses. Powering Up the North West is designed to meet rising demand, integrate more renewable generation and support social and economic development. The programme will deliver two new 220 kV circuits spanning counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon.

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Powering Up the North West is currently at Step 4 of EirGrid’s six-step grid development process, during which the project team will decide the exact routes, following last year’s Step 3 consultation that gathered public feedback on potential constraints.

Speaking about the strategy, Cathal Marley, Chief Executive of EirGrid, said: "We are launching this strategy at a defining moment for Ireland and for Donegal.

"While electricity demand is increasing at pace due to population and economic growth and the electrification of society, there is huge growth in renewable generation.

"A modern fit-for-purpose grid opens the country up to more possibilities. And Powering Up the North West will support the development of the grid of the future, one that supports regional development, housing and economic growth.

"Our ambition is clear, to build and operate a grid that can power Ireland's future. By delivering infrastructure at pace and at scale, we are not only supporting the energy transition, we are also supporting long-term social and economic progress in communities across Donegal."

The plan is built around four pillars: Keeping Ireland Powered — ensuring a safe, secure and resilient system at all times; Building the Backbone: A Grid for Growth — delivering infrastructure quickly to support balanced growth and a low‑carbon future; Transforming for Clean Energy — enabling much higher levels of renewable electricity and a more flexible power system; and Unlocking New Frontiers: Offshore and Interconnection — progressing offshore wind and interconnectors to strengthen long‑term energy independence.

To deliver the strategy, EirGrid will significantly expand its workforce to execute major infrastructure programmes nationwide. Over the past five years, staff numbers have grown from 500 to 1,500, and are expected to exceed 2,000 over the strategy period. Alongside building capacity, the company is placing strong emphasis on collaboration, including meaningful engagement with local communities.