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Country report
Jul 2003
Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Ireland 2003
…and the move towards cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Market reform promises multiple economic benefits, although the government must ensure that the incumbent players do not enjoy undue advantages and that enough new competitors enter the market.
Ireland’s climate change policy is making progress. One uncertainty, however, involves the closure of the coal-fired Moneypoint plant. While this could provide 22% of the country’s required emissions cuts, replacement generation capacity would be required. This could also make the country 80% dependent on natural gas for its electricity, leading to energy security concerns. Ireland should take steps to better integrate… -
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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Country report
Jul 2012
Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Ireland 2012 Review
…single transit point in Scotland. In order to meet Ireland’s ambitious renewable targets and improve the island’s level of energy security, the country must successfully develop a range of gas and electricity infrastructure projects and market solutions while continuing to integrate its energy markets with regional neighbours. Ireland also has a pro-active energy efficiency policy, including a detailed National Energy Efficiency Action Plan outlining 90 measures and actions to be implemented in order to achieve the target of 20% energy savings in 2020. This review analyses the energy-policy challenges currently facing Ireland, and provides sectoral studies…
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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
Jun 2000
Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Ireland 1999
…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. The report also draws attention to the need to develop a comprehensive data base on greenhouse gas emissions. A new programme of energy efficiency measures is needed…
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Policy report
Jun 2026
Scaling Up Demand Flexibility
…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 smart technologies, inclusive policies, regulatory reforms and consumer engagement to scale flexibility and move away from emergency interventions, towards a more strategic and efficient system capability.
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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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Report
Apr 2025
IEA Support to Accelerating Renewable Energy Permitting (ARPE)
…providing multiple applicable insights for policy makers in focus countries and beyond.This webpage contains a summary of the main findings resulting from the ARPE action, as well as the summary reports containing the main findings of each workshop. It provides examples of solutions and can inform policy-making, as well as all other stakeholders engaged in renewable energy project development.The project was funded by the European Union (EU) via the Technical Support Instrument, which is managed by the Reform and Investment Task Force (SG REFORM) of the European Commission. The project is implemented by the International Energy Agency (IEA…
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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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Article
31 May 2022
Ireland Climate Resilience Policy Indicator
…lower than 0°C), and ice days (maximum daily temperature below 0°C) could decrease 68‑78%.Although the number of heating degree days (HDDs) and cooling degree days (CDDs) barely changed in the past two decades, climate projections anticipate a 12-21% decrease in HDDs by mid-century. The largest drop is expected in southern Ireland, and this change in HDDs is likely to lead to lower energy demand for heating. Even though the number of CDDs is likely to increase, and could therefore boost energy demand for cooling, the magnitude of the change will likely be negligible compared with the de...