Ireland signs energy cooperation agreements with UK and Spain

Ireland has signed Memorandums of Understanding with Spain and the UK, which set out frameworks for energy cooperation.

Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien signed the MoUs at the WindEurope conference in Madrid, where he said the agreements would ensure a “secure, sustainable and resilient energy future” for Ireland.

“Our cooperation with Spain opens up new possibilities for interconnection that could unlock significant renewable energy potential, while our continued partnership with the UK remains vital to maintaining stability and progress across our shared energy systems,” O’Brien commented.

‘Shared ambition’

The MoUs reflect a “shared ambition” to enhance electricity interconnection across Europe, and enable the countries to collaborate on supporting decarbonisation, strengthening energy security, and integrating renewable energy sources.

With regard to Spain, this will involve cooperation between transmission system operators, analysis of technical and economic factors, and possible alignment with wider European energy planning processes. In terms of the UK, meanwhile, the agreement extends collaboration between the two countries on offshore renewable energy, electricity markets and security of supply.

The agreements come as Ireland prepares to take on the presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of this year.

“As Ireland prepares for its EU Presidency, we are determined to play a leading role in progressing key European initiatives such as the European Grids Package, helping to build the infrastructure needed to deliver clean, affordable energy for citizens and businesses across Europe,” O’Brien added.

“The signing of these MoUs at WindEurope highlights Ireland’s proactive role in advancing regional energy cooperation and supporting the development of a more integrated and decarbonised European energy market.”

Energy transition

Separately, data released by SEAI indicated that Ireland’s push towards sustainable energy is accelerating, with more than €75 million in grant funding approved last year.

This supported more than 4,500 businesses in upgrading their energy systems, while residential retrofits also reached a ‘record high’ in 2025, the SEAI noted at the annual SEAI Energy Show, which took place at the RDS in Dublin last week.

“Ireland’s sustainable energy transition is a major business opportunity,” said William Walsh, CEO of SEAI. “There is huge demand for scalable solutions for retrofitting and clean energy technologies, growing markets at the heart of Ireland’s resilient and competitive future.” Read more here.