EirGrid, restoring nature in move towards a cleaner energy future 

EirGrid, operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, is progressing with measures to protect and restore nature, as it works to decarbonise the electricity grid. 

In line with the Government’s Climate Action Plan targets for 80% of our energy to come from renewable sources, such as wind and solar, EirGrid is leading the transition to a renewable-led system.

However, in the face of a twinned biodiversity and climate emergency, this work to the electricity grid must be carried out in parallel with efforts to protect nature.

“While robust infrastructure must be delivered to bring us closer to the Government’s climate ambitions, biodiversity restoration must happen in parallel,” EirGrid’s Lead Senior Ecologist, Robert Fennelly, said.

“We at EirGrid have accelerated our actions for nature since the Government declared the joint biodiversity and climate crisis in 2019, with nature restoration now forming part of all our major projects.” 

Much of these nature protection efforts can be seen through the delivery of the Celtic Interconnector project, a strategic energy project developed by EirGrid and its French counterpart, Réseau de Transport d'Électricité.

This milestone development will see the creation of an electrical interconnection between Ireland and France to allow the exchange of electricity between the two countries.

Travelling 575km from east Cork to the north-west coast of Brittany, with 500km running under the sea, the project will be a major step towards creating a more secure and renewable energy system.

Upon completion, the 700 MW subsea link will have the capacity to power 450,000 homes, enhancing energy security and supporting our renewable energy ambitions.

With construction estimated to be completed next year, essential onshore cable ducting works crossing Claycastle Beach, Youghal were recently completed. The beach is the landfall point for the submarine cable. 

Works at the converter station site at Ballyadam, near Carrigtwohill, are also progressing apace.

Since 2022, consultants working with EirGrid are now required to implement ‘Nature Inclusive Design’ proposals across their work on grid projects, including the Celtic Interconnector.

“Nature is being integrated into the design of EirGrid’s projects across the country,” Fennelly continued.

“In recognition of the nature restoration happening in parallel with construction of the Celtic Interconnector, EirGrid was awarded the Irish Planning Institute Award in Climate Action and Biodiversity in 2023.

“A proactive response to this crisis urgently needs to be taken across industry and society, which is why we are putting nature protection measures to the fore of our projects as we work to decarbonise the electricity grid.” 

Nature protection measures can be seen at the Celtic Interconnector converter station at Ballyadam, where all landscaping was designed to function for biodiversity, rather than amenity or aesthetics.

For example, the landscape design restricts use of commercial seed, instead adopting a ‘green hay’ approach to meadow creation, using local seed from high quality semi-natural habitats. All shrub and tree species approved for planting within the site are native.

Threatened Greater knapweed plants were also moved out of the working area to a permanent meadow section on the site to be managed long-term by EirGrid.

Whilst temporarily disruptive to the Greater knapweed plants, this action will actually protect these plants long-term, as they are now managed under EirGrid’s ownership, and are not at risk from scrub encroachment as they were pre-construction Most recently, EirGrid’s ecology team implemented measures to safeguard vegetation at Claycastle Beach following works in the area.

Among the species safeguarded is Wild Clary, a rare and significant plant found growing in the dunes at Claycastle Beach.

Seedlings have been carefully raised off-site to aid conservation efforts, and the team has now initiated trials to plant the wild clary into dune areas away from construction works.

“This project is about more than just infrastructure — it’s about respecting and enhancing our local environment, and the communities which values it,” Fennelly said.

“The opportunity to restore and strengthen the dunes at Claycastle Beach aligns with our commitment to sustainability and responsible development.” 

With EirGrid’s offshore plans progressing in the south coast — which will see the development of new transmission grid infrastructure to bring power generated by offshore windfarms into our national grid — these nature inclusive design ambitions are now being taken offshore.

“Harnessing offshore renewable energy ensures access to an abundant source of clean energy, yet this must be done while ensuring not simply protection, but restoration of marine habitats,” Fennelly said.

“We are actively developing designs for offshore cables and substations which will attract marine life to our infrastructure, such as low-carbon reef cubes, 'fish hotels’, and marine mats that attract coldwater reef habitat, while protecting subsea cables and pipelines.” 

Since 2022, EirGrid’s community benefit policy has a standalone biodiversity strand, with equal funding assigned to biodiversity, sustainability, and community projects.

To date, EirGrid has shared €198,987 in funding for community biodiversity projects in areas hosting the Celtic Interconnector project, with two more phases of funding to come, midway through construction, and when the project is energised.

“At EirGrid, we are committed to creating a greener future for generations to come by not only delivering a cleaner energy system, but by actively protecting biodiversity,” Fennelly concluded.

“EirGrid remains dedicated to balancing progress with environmental stewardship as it delivers the Celtic Interconnector, ensuring that nature thrives alongside innovation.” 

To learn more about how EirGrid is delivering a cleaner energy future, visit eirgrid.ie