Wind energy industry welcomes NDP grid funding

Wind Energy Ireland has welcomed the announcement today in the revised National Development Plan of an additional €3.5 billion to strengthen the electricity grid.

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: “Last year was the worst ever for wasted wind power, estimated to cost consumers €450 million last year.

“Despite the best efforts of EirGrid and ESB Networks our electricity grid is simply not able to cope with what our members produce today, let alone meet future demands from offshore wind, solar generation and the electrification of our economy. 

“Today’s investment will help transform our electricity system and accelerate the delivery of clean, affordable and secure power to Irish families and businesses.”

The revised National Development Plan says that “€3.5 billion in equity funding is being provided to ESB and EirGrid in 2025 to fund enhanced energy grid capacity to support the Government’s housing and competitiveness objectives”.