 IEA report demonstrates Ireland is a global frontrunner in integrating renewables; strategic choices lie ahead to ensure energy security in the coming decade
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien has welcomed the publication of a landmark report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) ‘Building a Secure Energy System for Ireland’ which assesses Ireland’s energy security into the 2030s. Minister O’Brien met with IEA Executive Director Dr Fatih Birol in Paris to mark the launch of the report. The analysis notes that as Ireland’s energy, climate and socio-economic goals align around the electricity system, this could lead to demand potentially doubling and require faster delivery of infrastructure and renewables. There are significant challenges and opportunities ahead to align planning and policies across key sectors of the economy – to support a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system. Today’s developments also included a landmark pledge from Ireland of €5 million over five years towards the IEA’s Clean Energy Transition Programme (CETP). The CETP is the IEA’s flagship programme for achieving a clean energy transformation worldwide. This Voluntary Contribution will help to address global issues of significant importance, including the urgency of universal access to clean cooking, the imperative of people-centred energy transitions, and the exigency of rebuilding Ukraine's energy sector. Four key questions are addressed by the analysis in the IEA’s ‘Building a Secure Energy System for Ireland’ report:
The study provides an independent technical assessment of the role of the power sector in achieving Ireland’s policy objectives of decarbonisation and energy security. It examines the emerging power system security challenges in the context of the energy transition and provides an authoritative, independent assessment on the stability of the electricity system, and the wider role of the power sector in the decarbonisation of transport, heating and industry. Minister O’Brien welcomed the publication of the report by the IEA today, saying: “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. 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.” IEA Executive Director Dr Fatih Birol said: “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. 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.” The analysis provides recommendations across five key areas:
This is a link to the report: https://www.iea.org/reports/powering-irelands-energy-future. Comments are closed.
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NEWSArchives
January 2026
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