Wind Energy Ireland launches roadmap to Irish ‘electrostate’ at 2026 Annual Conference

21 January 2026

New strategy sets for an energy-independent Ireland, powered by clean, affordable, wind energy

21^st January 2026, Dublin: Ireland’s wind energy industry today launched its new 2026-2030 Strategy, Delivering Energy Independence, Powering Growth, setting out a clear and ambitious plan to transform Ireland into one of Europe’s first true electrostates — a country powered by secure, affordable and home-grown clean electricity.

The strategy was launched at the organisation’s Annual Conference in the Clayton Burlington Hotel in Dublin, which also featured contributions from Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien TD and EirGrid CEO Cathal Marley.

The strategy outlines how Ireland’s world-class wind resources can be deployed at scale to strengthen energy independence, protect consumers from volatile fossil fuel markets and drive sustainable economic growth in every region of the country.

Two key deliverables underpin this roadmap: building wind farms – on and offshore – faster, and at the best possible value for Irish consumers, and accelerating the transition to a resilient, electrified economy by growing clean electricity demand in the heat, transport and industrial sectors.

The strategy is structured around five strategic goals:

• Delivering wind power at scale by removing grid, planning and regulatory bottlenecks;
• Growing clean energy demand through electrification, storage and flexibility;
• Telling Ireland’s clean energy story to build public trust and support;
• Making the industry ready by developing a skilled, adaptable, world-class workforce and enabling emerging technologies through targeted research;
• Leading Ireland’s clean energy future through strong, agile and influential sector leadership.

Electrostate

Launching the strategy, Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said:

“Becoming an electrostate involves far more than generating electricity, it is about ensuring we use that power to build a resilient, electrified, economy where Irish families and businesses can thrive.

“An electrostate means energy independence, cleaner air in our towns and cities; homes that are warmer, cheaper to run, and ready for the future; stronger communities and infrastructure that is built to last, not short-term fixes.

“By building wind farms faster, strengthening our electricity grid, adding more storage and electrifying our economy, Ireland can secure clean, affordable power while creating new opportunities right across the economy.

“The future is electric, it is Irish, and it starts now,” Cunniffe added.

Annual Conference

The strategy is being launched at Wind Energy Ireland’s Annual Conference 2026, which takes place today and tomorrow at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin.

The conference brings together senior policymakers, electricity system leaders, developers, investors and innovators to examine how Ireland can accelerate the deployment of wind energy and unlock the next phase of its clean energy transition.

Discussions will focus on grid delivery, planning reform, onshore and offshore wind development, electrification and the policies needed to support a secure, competitive and wind-powered economy.

Speaking about the conference, Noel Cunniffe said:

“This year’s conference comes at a pivotal moment for Ireland’s energy future. With major grid investment under way, offshore wind moving from ambition to delivery and the electrification of our economy accelerating, the decisions we take now will shape Ireland’s energy system for decades to come.

“Bringing policymakers, industry and system leaders together in one place is critical. If we get this right, Ireland can deliver cleaner, more affordable electricity, strengthen our competitiveness and secure the foundations for our future.”