EirGrid says Irish power grid facing challenging situation

• 15 hours ago (2026-02-26)
• David Flin

Distribution 154 Europe 1160

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EirGrid , the operator of the Irish national grid, has warned that it faces “a potentially challenging situation” in meeting electricity demand between 2026 and 2028.

EirGrid said it expects there to be a steep growth in demand out to 2030, with a “steadier increase” in growth between 2030 and 2035. It said the demand growth will come from data centres and the increased electrification of transport. It also said that there were delays in bringing new generation online.

Marc Senouci, Head of Power System Insights and Research Design Authority with EirGrid said that emergency generation facilities are likely to be increasingly called upon in the event of a shortfall of market-based capacity, and they will provide critical back-up over the next few years.