ESB Networks has commenced works on a major upgrade of Dublin’s Poolbeg 220 kV Substation, a critical transmission station that plays a key role in supplying electricity to the capital.
Poolbeg is one of Dublin’s most iconic locations, instantly recognisable by its chimneys, and long associated with electricity generation in the city.
The replacement and upgrade of the substation is part of EirGrid’s Powering Up Dublin programme, which will see 50km of cables installed across the city, as well as the addition of new stations and upgrades to existing stations.
Planning for the project was secured by EirGrid in December 2023 following consultation with stakeholders and local communities and the project has now been handed over to ESB Networks for delivery.
This project is one of 29 priority transmission projects brought forward by EirGrid and being delivered by ESB Networks under its Price Review 6 (PR6) investment programme.
As Transmission Asset Owner, ESB Networks is responsible for funding, delivering and maintaining transmission infrastructure projects such as Poolbeg.
Together, these 29 projects represent over half of planned transmission investment and will play a key role in supporting national policy objectives, including housing delivery, economic growth and climate action.
The existing substation is approaching end of life and operational limits, with limited ability to accommodate future demand or new connections.
This project will replace and enhance the existing infrastructure, significantly increasing capacity and strengthening the security and reliability of electricity supply for Dublin.
Once complete, the upgraded substation will enable the connection of approximately 1.6 GW of new generation capacity to meet the electricity needs of hundreds of thousands of homes, and support future electricity demand across the Dublin area. The development will also support the integration of renewable energy and act as a key onshore hub for renewable energy generated by offshore wind.
Site mobilisation has taken place and civil works have commenced to prepare for the construction of the new station. The new substation is expected to become operational in Q4 2028, followed by the phased connection of additional circuits through to 2030.
Noel Lafferty, Lead Project Manager, Engineering and Major Projects, ESB Networks, said: “For over five decades, Poolbeg Substation has supported Dublin and Ireland’s electricity system, underpinning economic growth, energy security and the development of the national power system. This project will replace ageing infrastructure and ensure the network can support future electricity demand in the capital, while enabling the connection of new generation as the energy system continues to evolve.”
Head of Network Projects Ireland with EirGrid, Jason Kenna, said: “A strong, resilient electricity grid is the backbone of a thriving city like Dublin. That’s why we are making a significant investment in transforming and modernising the city’s transmission system through the Powering Up Dublin programme. This work, including the development here in Poolbeg, will help us continue to provide a reliable electricity supply to homes and businesses across the city, as well as integrating more renewable energy to the grid to bring us closer to reaching Ireland’s renewable energy targets. We also look forward to sharing details of the associated community benefit fund, to recognise the value we place in local communities as we deliver this programme.”
This project will transform Poolbeg into a modern, high capacity, future ready hub that strengthens Dublin’s electricity supply and enables major growth in generation and demand.