ESB to recruit 1,500 new staff and invest €10 billion in new energy strategy

ESB Networks aims to recruit 1,500 new staff as part of a long-term energy strategy which will involve an estimated €10 billion investment.

Recruitment for the jobs will take place over the next five years. The first 900 new employees are expected to be in place by 2025.

ESB Networks launched its Networks for Net Zero Strategy on Monday which outlines its commitment to futureproofing Ireland’s electricity network and making the country’s goal of net zero by 2050 a reality.

This will require deploying innovative solutions today which are scalable to meet the electricity needs of the nation by 2040.  The Networks for Net Zero Strategy will underpin an energy transition that will enable electricity customers to adopt new technologies, products and services in the decade ahead, changing how they generate, store and consume electricity. 

In order to meet the changing needs of society and to achieve climate action targets, ESB Networks has set out an estimated €10 billion investment to 2030 to develop a smarter and more flexible electricity network.

The transformative plan will be a key component of delivering a clean electric future and supporting the connection of renewables. 

It will also meet the anticipated increased demand for electricity in Ireland as a result of growth in industry, new housing projects and the electrification of transport and heating. 

ESB Networks will be recruiting a significant number of people over the next five years to drive delivery of the Strategy. The Strategy will also mean further developing global supply chain and contractor partner relationships.  

The Networks for Net Zero Strategy will: 

Enable 9 gigawatts (GW) of onshore wind, 8 GW of solar, and at least 5 GW of offshore wind. 

Deliver capability to manage up to 30% of all electricity demand flexibly. 

Deliver a smart distribution network through ESB Networks’ National Networks, Local Connections programme.  

Connect renewable generation to enable up to 80% of decarbonised electricity. 

Support Government commitments under the Housing for All programme by connecting more than 300,000 new homes by 2030. 

ESB Networks Managing Director, Nicholas Tarrant said: "Our Networks for Net Zero Strategy highlights ESB Networks’ leading role and commitment to delivering on the Government’s Climate Action Plan Targets for 2025 and 2030.

"This Strategy also commits ESB Networks to delivering a Net Zero Ready Distribution Network by 2040. This will accommodate high levels of renewable generation to provide clean electricity which will be used to replace fossil fuels wherever possible and enable the decarbonisation of Irish society".

He said the strategy is about putting customers first and empowering everyone to be part of the journey to Net Zero.

"We are looking forward to leading the way, making transformational changes to address the climate challenge and supporting a vibrant modern Ireland for generations to come,” Mr Tarrant said.