'Potentially challenging situation' in meeting Ireland's electricity demand

THE OPERATOR OF the national grid has warned of “a potentially challenging situation” in meeting electricity demand between 2026 and 2028.

Since 2016, EirGrid has warned of an increasing tightness between supply and demand.

In it’s latest analysis of electricity demand and supply in Ireland over 10 years, the grid operator found that additional capacity is required to meet Ireland’s electricity demands between 2026 and 2028.

The state body said the connection of data centres and other new technology loads is a “key driver” for electricity demand over the next few years.

It predicts that from 2030 electricity demand will continue to increase, followed by a “slower but sustained growth” until 2035.

Total Electricity Requirement for Ireland sector breakdown EirGrid

EirGrid said Ireland will have to find new ways to meet the need for energy without relying on burning fossil fuels. 

Marc Senouci, Head of Power System Insights and Research Design Authority at EirGrid, said: “The electricity industry will need to identify new ways to meet growing demand for energy.”

“As the landscape of demand and generation supply changes, and as electricity demand increases, government policy will help guide the transition, but a coordinated effort to manage both the volume and type of new capacity will be needed.”

“In addition, it’s crucial that the capacity market delivers new capacity efficiently, and the type and volume of capacity needed to underpin the energy transition.”