Ireland opens door to private electricity lines in major energy market shift

The Irish Government has approved plans to allow private companies to build and own electricity lines under specific scenarios, ending ESB Networks’ long-standing monopoly on connecting generators to customers.

The move is a major step towards unlocking private sector investment in renewable energy and storage infrastructure. Outlined in a new policy led by Minister for Energy and Climate Darragh O’Brien, the reform enables “private wires” in four defined use cases, creating new pathways for energy independence, grid flexibility and faster deployment of clean power solutions.

With regulatory backing and rising demand for renewables, this policy signals a strategic shift towards decentralised energy systems and competitive infrastructure development.

Read the full article for a deeper dive into the scenarios and what they mean for energy investment in Ireland.