News

EMBER's 2025 European Electricity Review has solar as the star of Europe’s clean energy revolution, with Ireland as a vital contributor.

A Programme for Government (PfG) is not a contract, but if it’s not in there it’s far less likely to be done. A line item in a PfG has a greater chance of being implemented by the State than something not in there. While there are justifiable concerns about the State’s capability to deliver everything on the shopping list, it’s worth asking the question: what does the final list tell us about the renewable electricity relevant priorities of the new Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael/Independent Government?

Ireland is at a crucial juncture in its journey toward a sustainable energy future. The recently published SEAI Energy in Ireland 2024 report celebrates notable achievements, with solar energy shining as a beacon of progress. However, the report also underscores the urgency for more decisive and accelerated actions across all sectors.

The Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) has welcomed the launch of the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS), which opens for applications on 27 January 2025.

The ISEA acknowledges the recent extension of key deadlines under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme 3 (RESS 3). This move provides developers with additional time to navigate the administrative and logistical challenges of delivering critical renewable energy projects that contribute to Ireland’s climate and energy goals.

As we close 2024, Ireland has firmly cemented its place as a leader in Europe’s solar story. For the first time, we entered the ranks of GW-scale solar markets—a milestone that underscores the extraordinary potential of our sector and the collective efforts of policymakers, businesses, and communities.

New planning guidelines for the delivery of solar farms in Ireland have been published today by the Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA). The best practice guidance, which has been drafted following extensive consultation with industry and planning officials, aims to bring greater clarity and certainty to planning around this form of essential energy infrastructure.

2024 was an exciting year for planning law and policy. On 17 October, President Higgins signed the Planning and Development Act 2024 into law. Once commenced, this whopping 906-page Act with its 26 parts and 7 schedules will update long-established planning practices.

As Ireland continues its transition to a low-carbon economy, businesses have a unique opportunity to harness the power of solar energy with support from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Their newly streamlined Rapid Approval Grant process ensures businesses can access funding for solar thermal projects quickly and efficiently.

As Ireland’s solar energy sector continues to expand, reaching new milestones, the question arises: what does the future hold for solar energy in Ireland? In this final article of our four-part series, Declan Cullinane, ISEA Board Chair, provides a forward-looking perspective on the trends, challenges, and opportunities that will shape the industry as we move towards 2025 and beyond.

The Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) has outlined a series of critical priorities to support Ireland’s transition to a climate-neutral economy by 2050. These requests, aimed at the incoming Government, reflect the actions needed to ensure Ireland meets its renewable energy and climate goals.

The Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) notes with deep concern the findings of SEAI's National Energy Projections 2024, which show Ireland is currently on track to miss crucial national and EU climate targets.