Ireland has welcomed the publication of a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) that assesses how the country’s energy system may develop between now and 2035, saying it will act as a “starting point” for future investment.
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien welcomed the publication of the report, entitled Building a Secure Energy System for Ireland, which notes that as Ireland’s energy, climate and socio-economic goals align around its electricity infrastructure, demand could potentially double, requiring accelerated delivery of new projects and renewable generation.
Coordinated approach
As the IEA notes, coordinated planning and policy across various sectors of the economy will be required to ensure energy security, affordability and emissions reduction, along with a ramping up of available services.
The report addresses questions related to the role of the power sector in enhancing decarbonisation and energy security in Ireland, potential adequacy, stability and flexibility challenges that may be on the horizon, and the cross-sectoral considerations most relevant to energy security.
“I warmly welcome the publication of this timely and detailed review of Ireland’s energy system as we continue to transition towards a renewables-led and decarbonised future,” Minister O’Brien commented. “I would like to thank all those who contributed to the review across government, the energy sector, and technical experts, as well as the IEA for their expertise in leading the analysis.
“This technical assessment by the IEA will serve as a starting point for a cross-government programme of work in 2026 to consult on the role of the energy sector in delivering security, competitiveness, and sustainability across Irish society into the 2030s.”
To coincide with the publication of the report, Ireland announced a financial commitment of €5 million over five years towards the IEA’s Clean Energy Transition Programme (CETP), a voluntary contribution that will address global energy challenges, including the rebuilding of Ukraine’s energy sector.
Making progress
“Ireland has shown that an island-based power system can successfully integrate very high shares of variable electricity generation, while maintaining a focus on energy security, commented Dr Fatih Birol, IEA executive director.
“As electricity demand grows strongly in the coming decade, this report highlights how coordinated planning, timely investment and continued innovation in power grids can help Ireland make progress on its electrification ambitions, as well as on its energy security, affordability and emissions reduction goals.” Read more here.
