Celebrating A Century of Siemens: Electrification in Ireland

Global technology company Siemens has recently celebrated 100 years in Ireland, standing at the forefront of Ireland's physical and digital infrastructure. 

Launching in Ireland in 1925, Siemens has continued to shape key sectors including: manufacturing, utilities, healthcare, infrastructure and rail. 

Siemens has laid the foundations for and continued to build upon Ireland’s electrification.

Siemens in Ireland

The company’s Irish journey began with ESB (Enterprise Service Bus – a software platform that connects applications and services within an organisation) and delivering a transformative project for Ireland, the construction of the Shannon Hydroelectric Scheme (SHS) in Ardnacrusha, County Clare. 

The SHS began construction in 1925 and was completed four years later, meaning the 86MW power plant was ready to harness the power of River Shannon to electrify Ireland.

This monumental project laid the groundwork for Ireland's first national energy network, which continues to benefit from the renewable energy produced at Ardnacrusha.

Paddy Hayes, ESB Chief Executive, commented: "The Shannon Scheme had a profound impact on Ireland at the time, providing the electricity essential for social and economic development.

“Since then, ESB has worked together with Siemens on many important, innovative and groundbreaking projects supporting resilience, energy security and low carbon electricity. Many congratulations to Siemens on their centenary in Ireland."

Since delivering the SHS, Siemens has continued to develop groundbreaking projects for and in Ireland.

In 1969 Siemens supported the delivery of Turlough Hill in Co Wicklow. This is still Ireland’s only pump-fed power storage plant and makes use of two water reservoirs separated by 300 metres in the Wicklow Mountains to generate electricity. 

Siemens supplied four 73 MW generators for the plant to provide a reliable and efficient way to store and generate electricity – the system can ramp up to full power of 292 MW in just 70 seconds, enough electricity for 300,000 homes.

The company also provided: 

• The overhead line system for the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) eco-friendly electric rail system in 1980s 
• Installed the nationwide rail signalling infrastructure which it has continued to maintain since the early 1990s
• Automated over 120 level crossings with CCTV technology.

Proving its flexibility, Siemens also supported hospitals by contributing to the first installation of a Computed Tomography (CT) scanner in Ireland in 1978 and the first Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system in Ireland in 1987.

Carl Ennis, CEO of Siemens UK & Ireland, added: "Ireland has always been a cornerstone of Siemens' success. The pioneering projects we have undertaken here have not only shaped the country's infrastructure but have also set the stage for our future endeavours. 

"As we look ahead, Ireland will continue to play a crucial role in our mission to drive innovation and sustainable growth globally."

Ireland’s electrification  

Ireland has made remarkable progress in electrification and sustainability. 

In 2023, renewable sources supplied 40.7% of the country’s electricity, with wind energy leading at 33.7%. 

Northern Ireland is contributing as well, with 45.8% of its metered electricity consumption sourced from renewables by mid-2024.

Solar power has also contributed significantly to Ireland electrification, accounting for 1.9% of electricity supply – enough to power the nation for an entire week. 

Between 2005 and 2020, electricity emissions in Ireland dropped by 45%, reflecting progress in decarbonising the sector. 

As part of its Climate Action Plan 2023, Ireland aims to generate up to 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and reduce carbon emissions by 51% by the end of the decade, with a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The country also boasts the highest wind generation contribution to any power system globally and continues to invest in energy storage solutions, with several battery projects in development. 

Ireland’s Rural Electrification Scheme, launched in 1946, connected 99% of homes to the grid by 1975, laying the foundation for today's advancements. 

Despite these achievements, challenges persist, Ireland is not currently on track to meet its 2030 renewable energy targets, with forecasts indicating potential delays until 2032. 

Century long sustainability

Siemens' century-long journey in Ireland has been pivotal in shaping the nation's physical and digital infrastructure, from electrification to sustainable energy solutions. 

Joe Walsh, General Manager of Siemens in Ireland comments: "As we look back on Siemens' 100 years in Ireland, we are celebrating a century of innovation, resilience and partnerships. Since our incorporation in 1925, Siemens has evolved significantly, adapting to the ever-changing global markets through mergers, acquisitions and strategic transformations.

“Our heritage is built on a foundation of courage and trust. These values have driven bold decisions and fostered strong, enduring business relationships across the Island of Ireland."

The company's landmark projects, such as the Shannon Hydroelectric Scheme and Turlough Hill, have laid the foundation for Ireland's renewable energy capabilities and advanced its energy resilience. 

As Ireland strives to meet its ambitious renewable energy and decarbonisation targets, Siemens continues to play a critical role in supporting these efforts through cutting-edge technology and sustainable solutions. 

This enduring partnership underscores Siemens' dedication to fostering Ireland's growth while advancing global sustainability goals. 

Siemens continues to drive innovation in Ireland, delivering advanced digital solutions and sustainable technologies for utilities, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, data centres and smart buildings. 

Together, Siemens and Ireland are building a future rooted in innovation, resilience and a shared vision for a sustainable tomorrow.

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