Energy

The Irish energy system is still dependent on fossil fuels. While transformation of the energy system has already begun, it is not progressing fast enough and there is a lack of public awareness of what this process involves. In 2025 NESC will focus on focus mainly on a number of key issues in energy, primarily focused within the power and heat services. This will include work in the following areas:

• Ireland’s Power System and Economic Resilience
• Household and Energy Communities
• Systems Analysis
• Trade

This work will help inform a coherent strategy and narrative for the transformation of the whole energy system: to decarbonise while increasing well-being. The shared island will be a cross-cutting theme of the work. Work on this programme began in 2024 and will be ongoing throughout the rest of 2025.  The work will involve extensive engagement including workshops and online discussion fora.

 

Our first event related to this project was a working meeting of national stakeholders on the future of Ireland’s energy system, which you can read up on by clicking here.

Our second Energy event, a systems analysis workshop, was subsequently held in November 2024 – find out more by clicking here. A follow-on Systems Workshop will be held in April.

Online consultations with Energy Communities were held in February 2025.

A major conference will be held in Q4 2025 to consider how the transition is understood and can be progressed. This will draw on the NESC work, wider energy stakeholders, and experts from Ireland and aboard.