Minister O’Brien embarks on key White Paper – setting out long-term vision for power sector

• White Paper will chart our path to an electrified energy future – based on clean, secure, affordable electricity
• Power Sector White Paper will provide a framework for future policy, legislation and investment

Minister for Climate, Energy, and the Environment Darragh O’Brien today announced the commencement of a new White Paper on Ireland’s power sector – encompassing electricity generation, transmission, distribution and regulation. This White Paper will set out the long-term vision for Ireland’s power sector to 2050. It will provide a framework for future policy development, legislation and investment – towards achieving Ireland’s stated 2050 obligation of climate neutrality in the EU.
Ireland’s long-standing energy strategy is to electrify the economy. This is the model through which Ireland will seek to achieve clean, secure, affordable energy by 2050. The White Paper will address strategic issues and trade-offs in the power sector and will set out how we can develop a future energy system that is based on clean electricity, more energy security and affordability for all. It will be grounded in high quality systems-level analysis that will examine risks; scenarios; supply and demand; the grid; and governance. It will identify and evaluate the policy choices available to the Government – over the period to 2050.
Commenting, Minister O’Brien said:
“Ireland’s energy transition represents a momentous opportunity for us all, to help make our economy and industries more efficient and competitive, to open new opportunities for businesses, and create tangible benefits for our communities across Ireland.
“This White Paper will be a key part of guiding the energy transition to clean, secure, affordable electricity. It will set a path to deliver – for this generation and future generations.
“It will require national conversation and collaboration. Starting today, I invite all stakeholders across Government and the public, private and voluntary sectors to work with us on this initiative.”