AICEP, the Portuguese Trade & Investment Agency, in collaboration with Ireland's ESB Group (Electricity Supply Board) and Achilles/Supply-Line, is organising a webinar on 9 November 2026 to explore supply chain opportunities in Ireland's energy sector, followed by virtual B2B matchmaking meetings between Portuguese and Irish companies.
Ireland is undertaking an ambitious infrastructure investment programme under Project Ireland 2040 and the National Development Plan. In the energy sector, ESB Networks' 2026–2030 business plan outlines potential investment of up to €13.4 billion, subject to the relevant regulatory framework, to expand and modernise the electricity network, strengthen distribution capacity and support renewable energy integration.
This investment creates opportunities for Portuguese companies to join Ireland’s energy supply chain, either by supplying ESB directly or by partnering with Irish contractors, distributors, and other established suppliers.
Key supply chain opportunities
ESB has identified a range of supply requirements, including:
- Electrical cables and materials: low-, medium- and high-voltage equipment, components and accessories for overhead and underground networks;
- Substations and transformers: transformers, switchgear, protection equipment, control and automation systems;
- Electricity infrastructure: steel structures, poles, towers, ducts and materials for network construction and maintenance;
- Smart grids: smart meters, sensors, monitoring systems and digital network technologies;
- Renewable energy: equipment and solutions for solar and wind infrastructure and associated grid connections;
- Electric mobility: EV charging equipment and grid connection solutions.
Webinar programme
The event will feature representatives from ESB and Achilles/Supply-Line and will focus on three key areas:
- ESB | Supply Chain Opportunities in Ireland
An overview of ESB's key projects, procurement requirements and the types of suppliers and technical capabilities being sought.
- Achilles/Supply-Line | Supplier Registration and Qualification
An introduction to the supplier registration and qualification process, including documentation, certification requirements and associated costs. Registration may be required for certain tenders, although qualification does not guarantee contract awards.
- Business Matchmaking | Portugal–Ireland
Following the webinar, AICEP aims to facilitate virtual B2B meetings between Portuguese suppliers and potential Irish buyers and partners, including contractors, system integrators and distributors operating in the energy sector.
Meetings will be arranged following registration and a review of company profiles, based on identified business opportunities and mutual interests.
Who should attend?
The event is aimed at Portuguese companies supplying products, equipment and technical solutions to the energy sector, as well as Irish companies interested in identifying new Portuguese suppliers and business partners.
Registration
Interested companies are invited to register by 04 November 2026, providing details of their business activities and indicating whether they wish to participate in the B2B matchmaking meetings.
To register, send an email to Denil.Pinto@portugalglobal.pt
Participation in B2B meetings is subject to company profile screening and the identification of mutual business interests.
