Energy is one of Ireland’s key industrial sectors and is vital for growing and developing the future economy of Ireland. Despite the current economic difficulties this remains a priority area for the Irish Government.

Market overview

There are many facets to the energy sector in Ireland including, electricity, gas and renewable energies.

Much of the focus is now on the development of renewable energy sources especially in the areas of wind, wave and tidal technologies.

Key opportunities

One key opportunity is in the area of offshore wind technologies.

The major development in the Irish electricity market is the prospect of two way energy supply between Ireland and the UK. The official opening of the East-West Interconnector between the two Islands has opened up the possibilities for companies in the supply chain to service the two islands and be part of the potential growth in the expanding electricity market (especially in the prospect for increased renewable supplies). An interconnector joining Northern Ireland and Scotland is already in operation with Ireland importing energy to the UK. There are plans for the construction of further interconnectors between the two countries.

There are opportunities right across the supply chain network including in areas such as; training, health & safety, operation and maintenance, engineering and R&D services.

The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is responsible for the rollout of smart metering in Ireland. They are currently in the High Level Design phase.

A partial rollout or test deployment of around 10,000 to 20,000 smart meters is scheduled to begin in Quarter 2, 2015. Pending the success of this, the full nationwide rollout is scheduled to begin in Quarter 1, 2016 with a completion date of Quarter 2, 2019.

Latest export opportunities in the Renewable Energy sector

Latest export opportunities in Ireland

Getting into the market

British companies wishing to enter and or develop their business in the Irish market are advised to undertake as much market research and planning as possible. There are few barriers to entry with the same language, similar legal and regulatory structures as well as numerous cultural and business links.

UKTI’s team in Ireland, with its wide local knowledge and sector experience, can provide a range of services to British-based companies wishing to grow their business in the Irish market.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Provision of market information;

• Validated lists of agents/distributors and other contacts as required;

• Key market players or potential customers in the Irish market;

• Establishment of interest of contacts interested in working with you;

• Arranging appointments; and

• Organising seminars or other events for you to meet contacts and promote your company in the Irish market

More about doing business in Ireland

Contacts

Market intelligence is critical when doing business overseas, and UKTI can provide bespoke market research and support during overseas visits though our chargeable Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS).

To commission research or for general advice about the market, get in touch with our specialists in country – or contact your local international trade team.

Andrew Evans; UKTI Dublin; Tel: +353 (1) 205 3753; Email: [email protected]

Contact your local international trade team

UKTI Events

UKTI runs a range of events for exporters, including seminars in the UK, trade missions to overseas markets and support for attendance at overseas trade shows.

Latest events in the Renewable Energy sector

Major Events

The Energy Show

RDS Dublin

April 10th, 11th 2013

www.seai.ie/News_Events/Energy_Show

Irish Renewable Energy Summit

Crowne Plaza Hotel Santry Dublin

13th February 2013

www.energyireland.ie/events/resummit2013

Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) Annual Conference

27-28 March

Four Seasons Hotel

Dublin

Useful links

More about OMIS and other UKTI services for exporters