Our research reveals considerable and steady support for renewable energy projects with over three-quarters (77 percent) of adults supporting renewable energy projects near their homes, a slight increase from 76 percent in 2023.
There is an even stronger backing for local renewable energy projects among 18-24s (89 percent) and those living in Dublin (81 percent).
For the 9 percent of respondents who opposed renewable projects where they live, they cited the impact on the local landscape (60 percent), the impact on the local wildlife (49 percent) and safety concerns (42 percent) as their main reasons for not backing such projects.
Investing in infrastructure
There is very little change in the significant support for large-scale infrastructure projects with most (78 percent) supporting offshore wind energy projects, compared to 79 percent last year. Nearly three-quarters (72 percent) endorse onshore wind and solar energy initiatives, compared to 74 percent last year.
According to Rodney Doyle, Managing Director, Energy Transition, at KPMG, “Ensuring Ireland reaches its net zero energy targets requires the building out of large-scale energy infrastructure and renewable energy projects. While the support for disruptive energy infrastructure projects is encouraging, one of the most important elements in powering Ireland’s energy transition will be our ability to bring citizens on the journey with us.
To secure Ireland’s energy future, we need a compelling vision of what this will mean to people regarding their homes, communities, and job prospects. It’s important that our citizens understand that putting the right infrastructure in place is what guarantees our future.”
Enthusiasm for high-voltage power lines increases slightly to 36 percent, compared to 34 percent last year. This is concerning as we require significant grid investment to transport energy across the island, involving a network of pylons and high-voltage lines crucial for the security of Ireland’s energy infrastructure.
On the other hand, most (71 percent) would likely support the construction of the railway, bus, and cycle lanes. In comparison, nearly 3 in 5 (56 percent) would support the construction of electricity substations.
Exploring nuclear energy
At the COP29 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan in late 2024, six more countries joined the declaration to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050, bringing the total number of countries endorsing the declaration to 31. The declaration recognises the key role of nuclear energy in achieving global net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Endorsing countries include some of our nearest neighbours, France (who we will be electrically interconnected with Ireland in 2026), the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, our findings show no change since last year with over a quarter (28 percent) claiming they would support nuclear power plants in Ireland and half (49 percent) opposing.
Backing local
Providing opportunities for local workers and businesses and investment in education, infrastructure, and the local community are the key factors encouraging adults to support disruptive projects in their area.
Year on year there is little change in the overall positive attitudes to employment related development. Over 7 in 10 (74 percent) are more likely to back large-scale infrastructure projects if they create local jobs, compared to 75 percent last year and support local businesses (72 percent).
Young adults in particular are more likely to support projects that create local employment opportunities (88 percent), and those over 65 are slightly more likely to be motivated by the support of local businesses (80 percent). Over 7 in 10 (72 percent) back disruptive infrastructure projects if they provide investment in community facilities like schools and leisure facilities, local infrastructure and education.
Ireland’s energy transition will lead to a more decarbonised energy system.
A unified approach to sustainability
Our research shows that most respondents also approve large-scale projects that help Ireland reduce carbon emissions (61 percent) and help achieve reach net zero goals (58 percent).
James Delahunt, Corporate Finance Partner, Sustainable Futures at KPMG says, “Ireland’s energy transition will lead to a more decarbonised energy system. However, it must also continue providing energy security and supporting the economy’s growth. Educating and engaging citizens is vital so that people fully understand how the energy transition will provide us with decarbonised electricity, secure and resilient energy supply, and empowered customers.”
Attitudes to renewable energy transition
Our research also found that one-third (32 percent) feel that Ireland should shift to a combination of low-emission fossil fuels and renewable energy sources. Meanwhile, 3 in 10 think Ireland should invest in and prioritise renewable energy sources but also keep fossil fuel sources. While 6 percent said Ireland should stop moving to renewable energy sources altogether.
Over half (57 percent) are not willing to pay higher taxes to facilitate an energy transition; in contrast, just over 2 in 5 (45 percent) look forward to potential new job opportunities the energy transition could bring to Ireland, while the same proportion is willing to invest money to generate renewable energy from their home.
Forty-three percent of 18 to 24-year-olds are willing to pay more for power to facilitate the energy transition, have a lower standard of living while the energy transition is taking place and pay higher taxes to facilitate the energy transition. In addition, nearly half (49 percent) believe the government is the most important body for assisting in a faster and secure energy transition.
According to KPMG’s Colm O’Neill, “Securing Ireland’s energy future requires a clear vision showing how large-scale infrastructure and renewable energy projects benefit people, communities, and jobs. Public buy-in is vital, and our research shows strong continued support for change, but education and engagement remain key to unlocking our energy potential. Mobilising Irish people, government, and industry stakeholders will also be crucial.”
Securing Ireland’s energy future requires a clear vision showing how large-scale infrastructure and renewable energy projects benefit people, communities, and jobs.
Unlocking green energy potential
Colm O’Neill highlights Ireland’s potential to become a global leader in green energy, thanks to its prime offshore wind resources, skilled workforce, and strong research community. Colm O’Neill says, “Ireland has offshore wind generation capacity far exceeding domestic needs; by moving swiftly and decisively, Ireland could achieve energy independence, become a hub for energy-intensive industries like data centres, and a net exporter of energy.”
Public support for large-scale energy projects is crucial. A national conversation emphasising benefits like job creation, improved services, and economic growth will be key to successfully delivering critical infrastructure, including high-voltage power lines, pylons and transmission lines.
Ensuring Ireland reaches its net zero energy targets requires the building out of large-scale energy infrastructure.
A positive future
Ireland has ambitious targets for the build out of renewable energy that are far beyond our own domestic needs. KPMG’s Rodney Doyle adds, “It’s therefore important that we have electricity demand on the island that can consume more of our renewable resource when we are not exporting it or using it for other purposes. Efficient and flexible energy demand from industry can be part of Ireland’s plan for the energy transition. An increase in electrification to support the growth of the economy while becoming more energy efficient overall can help us reduce carbon emissions and increase flexibility.”
Through all of this it will be vital that the wider community understands that by decarbonising the overall energy system, Ireland can provide for the increased electricity demand required to support jobs and future economic growth, while at the same time meeting our renewable targets.
On a positive note, the KPMG Energy transition investment outlook: 2025 and beyond found the appetite for investment in energy transition assets is increasing rapidly, with 84 percent of Irish respondents saying they believe investment in the space is growing significantly and will continue to do so in the coming years, compared to 72 percent globally.
According to KPMG’s James Delahunt, “A combination of drivers, including energy price volatility and new sustainability reporting requirements, is driving this change, with investments in energy storage, energy efficiency and renewable energy sources being most in demand.”
Get in touch
Our Powering Tomorrow report shows that there is real support for the right large-scale energy projects in Ireland.
If you have any queries about how your business could seize this opportunity, please contact Colm O'Neill of our Energy, Utilities and Telecoms practice. We'd be delighted to hear from you.
