Policy Forum

Join us in the Kingsley Hotel in Cork from 2pm – 5pm on Tuesday the 25th of June for our second policy forum of 2024. Our theme for this policy forum is “Developing a Grid for Irelands decarbonisation".

Modernising Ireland's electricity grid is essential for achieving decarbonisation goals and integrating renewable energy. An outdated grid can struggle with integrating the increasing level of renewables that are required to achieve our Net-Zero power system goals, and as such, we must look at how we bring our electricity grid into the 21st century.

During this policy forum, we will hear from experts in the industry as they discuss important areas of grid where developments are underway to modernise the grid system. The event will commence with an introduction from Dave Linehan, our Head of Policy and Research with a brief update from industry. Margaret Nee, who is Head of Grid at Statkraft, and Chair of our Grid Committee will give a brief introduction to the forum and chair the panel discussion.

To kick off the presentations, we are delighted to welcome National Grid, the UK TSO, who will discuss their Beyond 2030 report published earlier this year. Next, Niall Byrne from EirGrid will present the results from the Tomorrow's Energy Scenarios analysis and provide an update on the System Needs Assessment. Following this, Donal Smith with Switched In Consulting will share the latest developments in Future Connection Policy. Laura Mehigan, Grid Services Manager at Orsted, will then provide an overview of the effects of constraints on projects from development to operation.

The session will wrap up with a short Q&A and panel discussion with our speakers, ending at 5pm. WEI will be hosting a summer barbeque where we can enjoy some food and drinks in the sunshine, hopefully!

This event is being held for WEI members only and is free to attend. However the venue capacity is limited so be sure to reserve your place in advance. To register, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.