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Policy report
Jun 2026
Scaling Up Demand Flexibility
From peak management to efficient system operation This report has been developed as part of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Digital Demand-Driven Electricity Networks (3DEN) initiative to examine the growing importance of demand flexibility in electricity systems amid rising demand, increased renewable energy integration and the electrification of power systems. Case studies in chronological order to examine the changing role of demand flexibility over time from South Africa (2025), Thailand (2030) and Ireland (2035) demonstrate how demand flexibility improves reliability, reduces costs, supports renewables integration and manages network constraints. To realise these benefits, the report emphasises the role for…
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Country report
Dec 2025
Powering Ireland’s Energy Future
…this transition, supported by a detailed security study on the electricity supply mix.The analysis sets out five pillars for policy action: Establishing a cross-sectoral energy security strategy for the 2030s; delivering the enabling infrastructure to accommodate the growth of electricity demand and supply; accelerating the delivery of generation capacity, storage and demand-side flexibility; enabling secure system operation under high renewable penetration; advancing workforce skills, strengthening partnerships and facilitating electrification. Ireland can build on its progress in power system transformation to set an example of secure integration of large shares of variable renewable generation while safeguarding energy security.
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Country report
Jun 2000
Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Ireland 1999
…growth in demand. Growth in demand for gas has given rise to concerns about the diversity of the fuel supply and security of supply. Peat will become the only domestic energy resource in a matter of years, unless new gas development occurs to replace the Ballycotton and Kinsale gas fields. There is no electricity interconnector other than to Northern Ireland, and the single gas interconnector is close to full capacity. Policies on peat have had social objectives. These objectives may not be compatible with economic efficiency and environmental objectives and could have implications for the future of the energy sector…
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Country report
Jan 2025
Ireland 2024
…Review was prepared in partnership between the Government of Ireland and the IEA. It draws on the IEA’s extensive knowledge and the inputs of expert peers from IEA member countries to assess Ireland’s most pressing energy sector challenges and provide recommendations on how to address them, backed by international best practices. The report also highlights areas where Ireland’s leadership can serve as an example in promoting secure clean energy transitions. It also promotes the exchange of best practices among countries to foster learning, build consensus and strengthen political will for a sustainable and affordable clean energy future.
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Country report
Apr 2019
Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Ireland 2019 Review
…to transform its energy sector, Ireland is not on course to meet its 2020 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target. The decarbonisation of heating in buildings, one focus of this report, is a particular challenge.
In a more positive development, wind power accounted for around one-quarter of total generation in 2017 – the third-highest share of all IEA member countries. Additionally, this report suggests that Ireland has considerable scope to further advance alternative means of transport and public transport infrastructure, especially in urban areas.
In this report, the IEA provides recommendations for further improvements of Ireland’s energy policy to…
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Country report
Jul 2007
Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Ireland 2007
…years had strong effects on the energy sector. Due to rapidly increasing demand, Ireland has become much more dependent on international energy markets than it was in the past. This review analyses the energy challenges facing Ireland and suggests solutions, focusing on moving ahead with market reform and increasing the energy efficiency of the Irish economy. Establishing the “All-Island” electricity market will be of critical importance. Sharper focus on energy efficiency in all sectors of the economy, but in particular in transport and buildings, must be a priority. Finally, to achieve its ambitious goals for renewables in energy supply…
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Report
Apr 2025
IEA Support to Accelerating Renewable Energy Permitting (ARPE)
…for renewable energy in the overall energy mix to 42.5% (with the ambition of 45%) – up from 40% in the 2021 proposal. Achieving this will require more than 1 200 gigawatts (GW) of installed cumulative renewable power capacity by 2030, almost double that of 2023.The key barrier to rapid renewables deployment in many EU Member states is lengthy and complex administrative procedures related to project permitting. In May 2022, the European Commission released recommendations on permitting, including on identification of renewable acceleration areas (RAAs) where shortened and simplified permitting can be applied.In November 2023, the revised Renewable Energy Directive…
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Country report
Jul 2012
Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Ireland 2012 Review
Energy Policy Review Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Ireland 2012 Ireland has suffered a significant economic downturn, but remains committed to its ambitious energy targets to bring the country towards a low-carbon economy. Ireland’s location at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean ensures one of the best wind and ocean resources in Europe, and Ireland has set the ambitious target of producing 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Ireland is highly dependent on imported oil and gas. While the push to develop renewable energies is commendable, this will result in an increased reliance on natural…
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Report
Oct 2018
20 Renewable Energy Policy Recommendations
Renewable energy has grown rapidly in recent years, especially in the electricity sector where renewables now account for the largest power capacity additions globally. However, renewables still account for only just above 10% of final energy consumption and the energy sector remains dominated by fossil fuels. Renewables need to increase further and faster to bring about an energy transition that achieves climate targets, ensures energy access for all, reduces air pollution and improves energy security. These 20 recommendations provide guiding principles for policy making, based on best practices observed across IEA member states and partner countries. They can be adapted…
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Report
Mar 2024
Clean Energy Transitions Programme 2023
…The Clean Energy Transitions Programme (CETP) is the IEA’s flagship initiative for accelerating progress toward a global net zero energy system. Launched at the 2017 IEA Ministerial to leverage the Agency’s expertise, insights and influence, the programme has provided world-class analysis, technical assistance and capacity building to support the most ambitious reorientation of the world’s energy systems this century. The CETP’s work is structured across three pillars of activity, with a particular focus on emerging markets and developing economies. The first of these focuses on supporting emerging and developing countries to establish clean energy transition…