The Government and Opposition have welcomed the announcement that up to 3,700 new jobs are to be created by the ESB.
The electricity company says the new contract posts will come from the development of new energy technologies.
At a media briefing today, the company said it was developing new infrastructure such as smart metering and a system to allow for the recharging of electric cars.
ESB also plans to recruit 250 engineers and train 800 apprentices over the next five years.
The Taoiseach Brian Cowen welcomed the news saying it was refreshing to see the company's commitment to the area of green technology.
The Green members of Government warmly welcomed the development.
Fine Gael said it wanted to see more work from the Government in the area of job creation.
Today, Dundrum Town Centre in Dublin announced 104 new jobs in retail, but 71 jobs were lost in Shannon after UK company Agilisys decided to close its Irish call centre.
