Helen O’ Sullivan
Chairperson, Ireland Electrified
Over the past few decades, Ireland has moved from relying almost entirely on fossil fuels to getting more of our energy from renewable sources like wind and solar.
Our use of renewable electricity has also increased, reaching around 40% of demand in 2024. The goal is to double that by 2030 under the Government’s Climate Action Plan. As Ireland generates more renewable electricity, it is vital that we use it. Electrification means heating our homes and powering our industries and transport with increasingly clean Irish energy.
Building a competitive economy
Electrifying our heating and transport systems is essential to building a resilient, low-carbon and competitive economy. However, Ireland ranks among the poorest performers in Europe when it comes to renewable energy use in the heating and transport sectors.
As a result, most homes and businesses remain dependent on imported fossil fuels, leaving them vulnerable to volatile energy prices driven by international factors outside of Ireland’s control. This is despite the fact that we have a valuable and abundant local renewable energy resource.
Electrification is about more than just using clean electricity to power our businesses, homes and transport. It makes sense to benefit from one of our best indigenous resources and reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels. It saves money, protects the environment and creates green jobs and investment at home.
The technology is here, the benefits are real, and every step we take to electrify makes Ireland healthier, safer and more energy secure.
Electrifying our heating and transport
systems is essential to building a resilient,
low-carbon and competitive economy.
Electrification Action Plan
To bring this vision to life, Ireland needs a clear roadmap, which is why we are advocating for an Electrification Action Plan for Ireland to identify the policies, investment and infrastructure needed to rapidly scale up the use of clean electricity across all sectors.
By investing in our electricity grid and supporting consumers to electrify, we can unlock the potential for electrification in Ireland. With the right support, every household and business can be part of this national effort.
