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The operator of the national grid has urged students to choose engineering as a career

The operator of the national grid has urged students to choose engineering as a career choice to help tap into Ireland's potential as a source of green energy.

Chief executive of Eirgrid Dermot Byrne said it would be investing €4bn in upgrading the national grid, which would require trained engineers to be implemented.

Addressing the Dail Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security, he said transforming the Irish power system to ensure reliable power would require large numbers of trained engineers.

"Young people will be considering their CSO applications and I would invite them to consider engineering as a career with good prospects," he said.

"In order to deliver on the energy sustainability agenda, Ireland will need a pool of trained engineers. The investment planned in infrastructure, in general, will provide career opportunities for engineering graduates right across the energy sector and beyond."

The company's strategy, Grid25, will involve doubling the capacity of the national bulk transmission grid by 2025. The plan intends to minimise mew line construction; instead it will build high-capacity transmission lines. Total investment will amount to €4bn.

Paul Melia