Minister O’Brien sets out vision for electrification as Ireland assumes EU Presidency

Ardnacrusha hydroelectric power station hosts Irish and European energy experts for electrification conference

As Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, energy, transport and industry experts gathered at Ardnacrusha in County Clare to discuss the ambitious drive towards electrification across the continent. Reflecting on the role the Shannon Scheme at Ardnacrusha played in Ireland’s initial electrification 100 years ago, attendees heard from Irish and European experts on the transformative impacts of clean, home-grown electricity.
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien set out Ireland’s energy priorities for our EU Presidency and Ireland’s drive towards becoming an electrostate.
Commenting on the significance of Ardnacrusha’s legacy, and on Ireland’s role as we assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Minister O’Brien said:
“Ardnacrusha stands as a powerful reminder that when Ireland chooses to think boldly, we can change the course of our own history. Today, Ireland once again stands at the threshold of a transformation as profound as any moment in our national story.
“The journey toward a fully electrified society is not simply a technical project. It is not just about wires, grids, turbines, batteries or infrastructure. It is a reimagining of how Ireland will live, how we will thrive, and how we will lead.
“This moment takes on even greater significance as Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The challenge before us is different from the challenge of Ardnacrusha, but the opportunity is even greater.
“A fully electrified Ireland and a fully electrified Europe is not merely an energy system. It is a new social contract: one built on resilience, fairness and shared prosperity. It is a chance to create a Europe that is cleaner, smarter and more connected than anything we have known before. A Europe where communities are empowered, where homes are warmer, where industries are more competitive, where energy is more secure, and where the transition works for people in every region.
“Almost a century ago, the visionaries who built Ardnacrusha and drove Ireland’s first national electrification programme saw electricity as the engine of a modern, independent and more prosperous nation. This Government is now seeking to match that ambition for a new era. We are using clean, home-grown electricity to transform transport, homes and enterprise – accelerating electric vehicles, heat pumps, storage and industrial electrification, while preparing the grid and economy for the deeper electrification of energy-intensive industry in the decades ahead. Put quite simply, we are going to electrify Ireland.”
Paddy Hayes, CEO of ESB said:
“ESB was delighted to welcome Minister O'Brien and energy, transport and industry delegates to Ardnacrusha today.
“Ardnacrusha has been generating clean electricity for almost 100 years. Today, building on renewable electricity, electrification provides a massive opportunity; an opportunity to empower customers, to improve energy independence, to decarbonise heat, transport and society, and to support a secure energy future for Ireland and for Europe.”
Priorities for energy, climate and the environment – during Ireland’s Presidency
Minister O’Brien has previously highlighted priorities for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in relation to energy security, sustainability and affordability – where we will see a particular focus on key EU workstreams. These include the European Grids Package (to strengthen the EU’s energy infrastructure) and the AccelerateEU Communication (to address rising energy costs and further reduce the EU’s dependency on volatile fossil fuel markets).
On climate topics, Minister O’Brien will play a lead role as the bloc deals with proposals for revisions to the ETS (Emission Trading System). The Minister will also lead the EU’s  prepares for COP31 – the next United Nations Climate Change Conference, which will take place in Antalya, Türkiye this November.
Environmental protection and the transition to a Circular Economy will also be key topics for Minister O’Brien and  the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment – during the six-month Presidency. A particular focus will be on the EU’s Circular Economy Act File. Due for adoption this year, the Act aims to establish a Single Market for secondary raw materials, increase the supply of high-quality recycled materials and stimulate demand for these materials within the EU.