EirGrid has taken a significant step in its mission to modernise Ireland’s electricity grid, appointing Turner & Townsend as a key delivery partner for its multi-billion-euro investment programme. This initiative aims to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, enhance grid capacity, and boost energy security. The framework agreement, spanning five years with an option for a three-year extension, will support projects integrating new wind and solar generation into the grid.
Turner & Townsend will collaborate with WSP, combining programme management, engineering, and technical expertise to deliver what they describe as an end-to-end capability. This partnership is expected to drive efficiency and quality across the programme, building on a long-term collaboration between the two companies. Their joint efforts will support EirGrid’s work in onshore and offshore grid development, system reinforcement, and international interconnections.
Philip Matthews, managing director at Turner & Townsend in Ireland, highlighted the ambition of the programme: “EirGrid is leading Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon future and this is one of Europe’s most ambitious grid transformation programmes to date.” He emphasised the importance of the partnership with WSP, stating, “Working together with WSP we will bring additional capability and expertise to support EirGrid in realising this complex programme, aligned with national and international energy strategies.”
Matthews further explained the approach: “We will deploy our integrated, multi-disciplinary approach in the planning and delivery of this major capital investment programme to create a lower-carbon transmission network nationwide. The result will be a more robust energy network to create a better and more sustainable future for everyone in Ireland.”
This development signals a concerted effort to overhaul Ireland’s energy infrastructure, potentially setting a precedent for other European countries grappling with similar challenges. The success of this programme could influence how other nations approach their own transitions to renewable energy, particularly in terms of grid modernisation and the integration of diverse energy sources. As Ireland moves towards its low-carbon goals, the collaboration between EirGrid, Turner & Townsend, and WSP will be pivotal in shaping the future of its energy sector.