Networks for Net Zero: Delivering the Electricity Network for Ireland's Clean Electric Future

Recording of Wednesday, May 07, 2025 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 6:01 .

ESB Networks Unveils Strategy to Achieve Net Zero by 2040 with Focus on Renewables and Customer Empowerment in Ireland

ESB Networks, the distribution operator in Ireland, employs nearly 4,000 people and serves 2.5 million customers. Their "Networks for Net Zero" strategy aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2040 through three strategic objectives: decarbonizing electricity with large-scale renewables like onshore wind, offshore wind, and solar; developing resilient infrastructure crucial for industrial and domestic reliance on electricity; and empowering customers via smart meter rollouts that enhance data visibility of energy usage. By 2030, Ireland plans to source over 80% of its electricity from renewables while achieving up to a 30% demand-side flexibility system. The network is expected to integrate significant renewable capacities—eight gigawatts of solar PV (including rooftop installations), nine gigawatts of onshore wind, five gigawatts offshore—and become smarter with increased grid devices connectivity across voltage levels. With government policies targeting one million electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030 alongside widespread heat pump adoption in homes, ESB Networks emphasizes customer engagement for informed participation in local flexibility markets amidst growing electrification demands balanced against affordability constraints during their next investment cycle planning from 2026-2030.

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Speaker

Karol O'Kane
Strategy Implementation Manager
ESB Networks
Ireland

Talk of session: Enhancing EU Industrial Competitiveness Through Large-Scale Electrification

This session will investigate innovative strategies and collaborative approaches between energy-intensive industries and utilities enhancing cost-efficiency and energy security. It will explore strategies for industries to regain their competitive edge through electrification and discuss collaborative efforts between industries and utilities to shape supportive regulations. Drawing on the Draghi report on EU competitiveness, this session will outline how innovative electrification strategies can help future-proof Europe's industrial sector. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to reduce energy bills, strengthen industrial productivity, and meet environmental targets, all while maintaining a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving global market.

Further Talks of this session: