EirGrid, the organization responsible for managing Ireland’s electricity grid, has forecasted a significant increase in power demand over the next decade. According to its latest All-Island Resource Adequacy Assessment report, electricity consumption is expected to grow by 45% from its 2023 levels by 2034, with peak demand rising by 24% during the same period.
The report highlights a “challenging outlook” for the national grid between now and 2027, until additional power sources become available. Much of this surge in electricity demand is attributed to the growing number of data centres, the increased electrification of heating and transportation, and the expanding role of new energy-intensive technologies in the IT sector.
EirGrid has put temporary emergency generation capacity in place to address potential shortfalls. This includes power stations in Dublin’s North Wall and Huntstown, as well as facilities in Tarbert, Co Kerry, and Shannonbridge, Co Offaly, which can be activated within 15 minutes if required. Additionally, Moneypoint in Co Clare will remain an energy source until March 2029.
The upcoming Celtic Interconnector, a power link between Ireland and France, is expected to enhance energy security when it becomes operational, alongside new gas capacity anticipated in 2027 and 2028.
According to EirGrid’s projections, data centres and emerging technologies will account for 27% of the country’s electricity use in 2024, increasing to 31% by 2034. Meanwhile, the proportion of electricity demand from heat pumps is forecasted to rise from 3% in 2025 to 10% by 2034, with electric vehicle-related demand climbing from 1% to 8% in the same period.
The report underscores the urgent need for the electricity sector to transition away from fossil fuel dependence to meet rising demand sustainably. It also highlights that the government’s emphasis on accelerating housing development will further drive up electricity consumption.
On January 8, 2025, Ireland recorded its highest-ever electricity demand, reaching 6,024 megawatts. This marked the first time demand surpassed 6,000 megawatts, exceeding the previous record of over 5,000 megawatts set during the extreme cold snap in December 2010. EirGrid’s analysis predicts that by 2034, peak demand will exceed 7,000 megawatts.
As Ireland moves towards a greener energy future, the electricity industry faces a crucial challenge in ensuring supply keeps pace with rising demand while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The coming years will be critical in shaping the country’s energy infrastructure to meet both economic and environmental goals.
