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Investing in Zero Carbon Infrastructure

In line with our Net Zero to 2040 strategy, we are developing and connecting renewable energy to decarbonise the electricity system. We are investing in the development of new renewable generation, including onshore and offshore wind and solar, and significantly increasing in the amount of renewable generation connected to our electricity networks.

 

Developing Renewable Energy

We are committed to delivering more than a fivefold increase in our renewable generation portfolio to 5,000MW by 2040, reducing the carbon intensity of generation fleet from 414 to 140gCO2/kWh by 2030. We will also decarbonise 63% of our generation output by 2030 and 100% by 2040 (up from c20% now).

Investing €50m in Ireland's first major grid stabiliser video
Investing €50m in Ireland's first major grid stabiliser

As part of phase one of transforming Moneypoint into a renewable generation hub, we installed Ireland's first synchronous compensator with its flywheel one of the largest of its kind anywhere in the world.

This technology enables higher volumes of renewables on the system and provides a range of electrical services to the electricity grid which would previously have been supplied by fossil fuel-fired generation.

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Oweninny Wind Farm - Phase 2 video
Oweninny Wind Farm - Phase 2

In partnership with Bord na Mona, we completed phase two (83MW) of Oweninny Wind Farm in Co Mayo in 2023.

Representing an investment of more than €160m by both organisations, this project will add a further installed generating capacity of 192MW to Ireland's green energy future.

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Developing our Hydrogen Future

We plan to use our existing capabilities and future renewable growth to become a leading player in large scale renewable hydrogen production, thereby enabling renewable electricity, in the form of electrons or green modules, to meet the energy requirements of Ireland’s future zero carbon economy.

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Connecting Renewable Energy

ESB Networks is transforming our electricity network to accommodate higher levels of renewable generation and enabling increased electrification, so that clean electricity can displace carbon from heat, transport, and the economy.

Connecting Mini-Generation

ESB Networks is currently running a pilot on a new simplified Mini-Generation application process so that more customers can safely and easily connect electricity generators up to 50kW to the electricity network.

ESB Networks is reviewing the progress of this pilot on an ongoing basis, in conjunction with the CRU, to ensure feedback and learnings are taken into account in the development of a longer-term solution.

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National Networks, Local Connections

Part of ESB Networks €4bn plus network investment programme to 2025, this innovative programme will transform how energy on Ireland’s electricity network is managed and consumed at a local level by customers and communities across the country, and will be a key enabler to Ireland achieving its climate change ambitions.

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1GW of solar PV now energised on Ireland’s electricity network

This 1GW includes 500 MW of utility-scale solar connections, 369 MW of which is from larger projects connected to the transmission system, managed by EirGrid as well as 300 MW of microgeneration (mainly domestic rooftop solar) and 200 MW of non-exporting solar generation.

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