Ireland unveils plan to overhaul electricity sector by 2050

The Irish government announced a comprehensive review of the national electricity system, setting out a strategy to fully electrify the economy by 2050. The plan, presented by Climate, Energy and Environment Minister Darragh O'Brien, targets rising demand from electric vehicles, heat pumps, industry and rapidly expanding data centres, and calls for coordinated development of generation, transmission and regulation.

A new "White Paper on the Energy Sector" will underpin future legislation, investment decisions and grid upgrades as Ireland seeks to shift away from imported fossil fuels. The initiative coincides with Ireland holding the EU Council presidency and highlights the broader European pressure on fuel costs following Middle‑East supply disruptions.