Renewable Energy and Environmental Leaders Unite to Call for Aligned Action on Climate and Nature
Wind Energy Ireland and Solar Ireland, Ireland’s main renewable energy industry associations, have joined forces with the Environmental Pillar — the country’s leading environmental network — to call for a step-change in the Government’s approach to accelerating the delivery of renewable energy and electricity grid infrastructure, while safeguarding Ireland’s natural environment.
The new joint declaration, developed by the three organisations, outlines a series of targeted policy measures designed to ensure Ireland builds a zero-carbon electricity system as quickly — and as sustainably — as possible.
As Ireland works to meet its legally binding climate targets, the declaration calls for a coordinated national effort to deliver new wind and solar energy projects alongside vital measures to protect and enhance biodiversity across land and sea. The groups stress that climate action and nature protection must go hand in hand.
The joint declaration identifies five key priority areas where Government leadership and investment are urgently needed:
Nature-Inclusive Acceleration of Renewable Infrastructure
Transparent, Up-to-Date and Accessible Environmental Data
Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement
Enhanced Permitting and Planning
Investment in Environmental Education and Skills
Voices from Across the Sector
Ronan Power, Chief Executive Officer of Solar Ireland, said:
"Ireland’s solar industry is committed to powering a cleaner, greener future in harmony with nature. By working together with environmental organisations and policymakers, we can ensure that renewable growth and biodiversity protection go hand in hand."
Justin Moran, Director of External Affairs at Wind Energy Ireland, said:
“Irish people want the affordable, clean, secure energy that wind farms provide. We need to build more, and faster, but also sustainably in a way that protects, and even enhances, our natural biodiversity.”
Karen Ciesielski, Coordinator of the Environmental Pillar, said:
“As Ireland accelerates its renewable energy resources, it must be done in a balanced way, prioritising nature restoration while ensuring that environmental laws are upheld as we meet our climate obligations. This joint declaration offers a clear blueprint for how the Government can respond more effectively and urgently to the climate and biodiversity crises.”
Read the full declaration
Download the joint declaration here.
About this initiative
The joint declaration was facilitated by Friends of the Earth Ireland and stems from the Our Energy Future project — a three-year collaboration between Friends of the Earth, EirGrid and the Renewables Grid Initiative to explore how Ireland can deliver clean energy solutions in partnership with people and nature.