EirGrid Warns of Electricity Supply Shortages in Ireland

The electricity grid operator EirGrid warned Irish homeowners of a potentially challenging outlook and a minor reduction in electricity supply over the next few years. In its All-Island Resource Adequacy Assessment 2026–2035, the operator identified an increasing tightness between supply and demand that persists through 2035.

This supply pressure is driven primarily by the proliferation of data centers, with almost all of this additional load contracted in the greater Dublin region. Other contributing factors include the decommissioning of older power plants, delayed growth in the new technology sector, and rising demand from new housing developments.

EirGrid stated that the electricity industry must find new ways to meet energy needs without relying mainly on burning fossil fuels. To manage capacity and maintain security of supply, the operator is coordinating with the Government of Ireland and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to align with environmental policies targeting heat pumps and electric vehicles.