Ireland Electrified launched its first Electrification Action Plan for Ireland at its annual conference, which was held recently.

The action plan lays out a roadmap of 23 targeted actions, with clear timelines and delivery partners to transition Ireland’s energy use from fossil fuels to clean electricity, with a key focus on the heat and transport sectors.

Key actions outlined in the plan include:

• Reforming energy cost structures, such as network tariffs, the PSO levy, market charges, and time of use factors to incentivise electrification and flexible consumption;
• Accelerating the rollout of infrastructure to support electrification including more EV chargers, grid upgrades, and smart metering, and providing incentives and regulations to support widespread adoption;
• Enhancing our existing grid infrastructure to allow for a rapid scale up in renewable connections and integrated storage solutions;
• Enacting private wire legislation to enable the use of private lines to directly connect demand with clean electricity and allow self-supply for energy consumers;
• Accelerating the electrification of our public transport networks including bus fleets and rail (currently a mere 3% of Ireland’s rail network is electrified, versus almost 60% of the EU rail network);
• Continued roll-out of heat pumps, though targeted supports including grants and low interest loans.

Head of Ireland Electrified, Anna Conlan, said: “Electrification of our energy systems isn’t just the right thing to do for our planet; it makes economic sense: it cuts bills, reduces our dependence on fossil fuels and creates high quality jobs right across the country. Today’s launch of the Electrification Action Plan lays out a clear roadmap for policymakers to deliver a new Ireland, where we use clean, affordable, electricity to heat our homes, travel to work and run our businesses.

“Families and businesses across Ireland are already embracing an electric lifestyle – what we need now is to build on this momentum by introducing policy frameworks to enable a wider transition across society. This roadmap lays out clear, tangible actions to achieve this. We have the roadmap, and we know the benefits – what we need now is decisive action from government, to deliver an electrified future for an Ireland that is more competitive, more affordable, and less reliant on dirty fossil fuels.”