Ireland has taken a decisive step in its energy transition with a major announcement from EirGrid, the national electricity transmission system operator.
Speaking at the WindEurope 2025 conference in Copenhagen, EirGrid confirmed the launch of a 1 billion procurement programme to develop the offshore electricity grid needed to integrate large-scale renewable generation into the national system.
The plan focuses on operations and maintenance (O&M) works required to connect offshore wind projects first on the east coast, then extending to the south coast aligning with Ireland"s 2021 decision to adopt a plan-led approach to offshore infrastructure development.
"We estimate that today"s procurement launches will exceed 1 billion, clearly showing our intent to deliver offshore renewables at scale, states Michael Mahon, Chief Infrastructure Officer at EirGrid.
He adds: "We encourage the entire supply chain to engage and help us unlock Ireland"s vast offshore wind potential.
Eight key O&M service categoriesThe procurement initiative will include at least eight specialised service areas to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the future offshore grid:
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Inspection and maintenance support
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Marine logistics
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Warehousing and handling
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Subsea inspection, repair and maintenance
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Asset health, security and operational monitoring
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Training and support services
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Health, safety and environmental support
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Helicopter support (personnel winching and light cargo transport)
Each category represents a critical pillar in establishing and sustaining the operational capacity of Ireland"s future offshore energy grid, a key infrastructure enabler in achieving full decarbonisation of the power sector.
In parallel, EirGrid also launched a new tender under the Powering Up Offshore South Coast Enduring Connection Policy (ECP), focused on the high-voltage equipment required to integrate southern offshore projects into the national grid.
Strong performance of wind energy in 2024The timing of EirGrid"s announcement coincides with a record year for wind energy savings in Ireland.
According to data from Strategic Energy, wind power saved Ireland 1.2 billion in 2024 by displacing fossil fuels and reducing exposure to volatile wholesale electricity prices.
Wind generation accounted for 34% of the total electricity supply during the year, confirming Ireland"s position among Europe"s leading renewable energy adopters and underscoring the value of further grid infrastructure investment.
A coordinated national offshore strategyEirGrid"s procurement plan is not an isolated development but part of Ireland"s long-term strategy to centralise offshore development under a coordinated public model.
The 2021 policy shift moved away from fragmented developer-led approaches in favour of a structured, government-mandated rollout.
As the national TSO, EirGrid is responsible for planning, delivering and operating grid infrastructure aligned with Ireland"s climate targets, ensuring technical reliability and investor confidence.
This centralised model also fosters alignment between energy policy, local communities and industrial capabilities, critical for deploying large volumes of clean power while managing social and environmental impacts.
Boost for the supply chain and industrial growthThe procurement plan offers not only technical solutions but also a huge opportunity for supply chain mobilisation across Europe.
"We want suppliers of all sizes from marine contractors to specialist technology providers to actively engage with us, urges Mahon.
This open call is expected to attract a wide range of participants who are ready to bring innovation, scalability, and offshore know-how.
With an initial investment exceeding 1 billion, this is one of the most significant grid-related tenders in Europe for 2025 and a cornerstone in enabling Ireland"s offshore wind ambitions.