en.Wedoany.com Reported - A recent industry conference in the Irish energy market attracted over 300 delegates, focusing on a comparison between the country's future energy market targets and historical data, highlighting the importance of clean energy support and IT systems in a geopolitical context. Ireland's Minister for Climate, Energy and Environment, Darragh O’Brien, outlined the government's core priorities, including the electrification of society, reducing household energy prices, investing in renewable energy, and enhancing energy resilience.
Data shows that Ireland and Northern Ireland maintain a leading position in the renewable energy sector. In 2025, renewable energy supply reached 26 terawatt-hours (TWh), with wind power accounting for 46%. Over the past 20 years, installed wind power capacity has grown from 651 megawatts (MW) to over 5,000 MW, an increase of 681%; the share of renewable electricity (RES-E) has risen from 9% to 41%. Ireland's first carbon budget (2021–2025) has been successfully achieved, but the next phase requires a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) confirmed its strategic priorities of supporting the net-zero transition, achieving efficient energy markets, and building resilient critical infrastructure. To provide the necessary grid capacity, EirGrid's investment plan will expand from €7.6 billion (2021–2025) to €18.9 billion (2026–2030). The conference also addressed the geopolitical dimension, with speakers noting that the current era is one of "geoeconomics," where clean technology has become a highly strategic industry. For a small open economy like Ireland, energy security and industrial positioning are particularly crucial. Major investors highlighted significant capital inflows into renewable energy, including anaerobic digestion and biomethane projects.
Unicorn has worked closely with EirGrid and SONI since 2010, providing and supporting critical market and grid systems based on the Damas MMS:E product. These systems play a role in the daily operations of the electricity markets in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The collaboration is consolidated through a 20-year framework agreement, making Unicorn a strategic partner in the transformation of Ireland's energy industry.
EirGrid and SONI are the transmission system operators for Ireland and Northern Ireland, respectively, responsible for maintaining the operation and security of the grid. They align with EU targets, particularly the 2050 climate neutrality goal. To achieve these targets, EirGrid and SONI facilitate the integration of a high proportion of non-synchronous energy resources, with a focus on offshore wind; strengthen interconnection to promote renewable energy sharing and enhance supply security; and are committed to reinforcing grid infrastructure.
