This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Last Published: 8/6/2019

Overview

The Irish electricity market has been fully liberalized since February 2005 in line with the European Union (EU) energy framework.  The $2.6 billion Irish market for electrical power generation equipment is very receptive to U.S. technology.  In the face of strong international competition, U.S. companies have achieved success in supplying technology, equipment, and systems to Irish power generation operators.   Since 2011, ESB Networks has been undertaking a smart networks initiative around renewable energy integration in conjunction with the U.S.-based Electrical Power Research Institute (EPRI).

Fully dispatchable generation capacity in Ireland was 7,913 MW in 2018.  Around 786 MW of this capacity will be decommissioned between 2022 and 2023 because of emissions restrictions related to the EU’s Industrial Emissions Directive 2010/75/EU.  Total wind generation capacity is over 3300 MW.  There is presently over 600 MVA of demand capacity that is contracted to the 53 datacenters based in Ireland.   The typical load drawn by these customers is approximately 50% of their contracted Maximum Input Capacity.  This is expected to rise as these customers build out to their full potential.  Demand from datacenters is forecast to account for 31% of all energy demand by 2027.

Leading Sub-Sectors

Key areas of opportunity encompass smart grids, gas-fired generation, and renewable energy.  Sub-sectors offering good potential for U.S. suppliers of innovative and leading-edge solutions include:

•              Smart meters and advanced metering infrastructure
•              Communication and data management software
•              Grid optimization and automation technologies
•              Demand response and control systems
•              Energy management for distributed generation and storage
•              Cyber security software and services
•              Consumer engagement platforms and services

Opportunities

Ireland’s largest energy company, ESB, has ongoing investment plans for upgrading its power generation assets, transmission, and distribution networks through 2027.  Planned network transmission projects by EirGrid (Ireland’s TSO) together with investments in generation capacity by independent power producers will also offer potential market opportunities.  Finally, sustainable energy developments being fostered by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) will offer sales prospects going forward.  Both the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) and the SEAI have taken the lead in advancing key components of Ireland’s smart grid strategy.  They are being actively supported by the Irish energy community [companies, energy research centers and academia] as well as by Ireland’s enterprise development agencies (IDA Ireland & Enterprise Ireland).

Web Resources

Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment (DCCAE): http://www.dccae.gov.ie
Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU): https://www.cru.ie
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI): http://www.seai.ie
Electricity Supply Board (ESB): http://www.esb.ie
Electric Ireland: https://www.electricireland.ie
ESB Networks: https://www.esbnetworks.ie/
EirGrid: http://www.eirgridgroup.com
Public Procurement Portal (eTenders): http://www.etenders.gov.ie

For more information about Ireland’s powergen and smart grid sector, please contact:

Padraig O'Connor
Commercial Advisor – Energy Sector
U.S. Commercial Service Dublin
Tel: +353 1 2375848
Email: Padraig.O’Connor@trade.gov
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.