Ireland’s Future Power System and Economic Resilience

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The transition to a decarbonised power system is an essential element of Ireland’s action to address the climate and biodiversity emergencies. Every step to assist the delivery of that transition must be taken. In addition to its legally binding carbon budgets, Ireland has committed to reducing harmful emissions by 2030, and to becoming a climate-neutral economy by no later than 2050. Central to delivering on these commitments are ambitious national targets for the power sector.

According to multiple national policies and statements, the energy transition will not only help address urgent environmental concerns but will also deliver substantial economic co-benefits by creating enterprise opportunities, by improving reliability of energy supply, by lowering energy costs, and by enabling Ireland to become a net energy exporter.

The Council has explored in more detail the link between the delivery of targets for the power sector and the realisation of these economic co-benefits. NESC undertook a broad literature and policy review, international engagement, and an extensive consultation process with over 40 key actors in the power sector.

This Council Report is further supplemented by the following:

• A Secretariat Paper, Ireland’s Future Power System and Economic Resilience – Research Background Paper; and
• Two Research Papers: A Gravity Model Specification for Irish Green Energy Goods and Services, and Future of the Gas Sector in Ireland.