Accelerating energy transition

According to our research, over three-quarters (76%) of respondents support renewable energy projects near their homes, with even stronger backing from 18-24s (85%) and over 65s (82%). 

For the 1 in 10 who opposed renewable projects where they live, they cited the impact on the local landscape (60%), the impact on the local wildlife (50%) and the impact on their property (40%) as their main reasons for not supporting such projects. 

Most (79%) support offshore wind energy projects, and nearly three-quarters (74%) endorse onshore wind and solar energy initiatives. This robust backing for renewable energy is encouraging but at odds with the slow progress of projects through planning and into construction.

It emphasises the influence individuals, small groups, and campaigners opposing projects have in the planning phase. In addition, it highlights the inadequacy of Ireland’s planning laws and planning delays. We believe policymakers and landowners should consider how these large-scale infrastructure projects would benefit the greater community and how this can be best communicated. 

On the other hand, enthusiasm wanes for high-voltage power lines at 34%. This is concerning as we require significant grid investment to transport energy across the island involving a network of pylons and high-voltage lines that are crucial for the security of Ireland’s energy infrastructure. 

During the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, more than 20 countries launched the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy. The Declaration recognises the key role of nuclear energy in achieving global netzero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Endorsing countries include some of our nearest neighbours France (who we will be electrically interconnected within 2026), the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. However, our report shows over half of respondents (51%) claim they would not support nuclear power plants in Ireland. 

Over 7 in 10 people are more likely to support disruptive infrastructure projects if they create local jobs (75 per cent) and support local businesses (72 per cent). Support for such projects is evenly spread among various generations, with those over 65 slightly more likely to be motivated by the creation of local jobs and the support of local businesses. 

Colm O’Neill, Head of Energy, Utilities & Telecoms at KPMG, says, “While the support for large-scale energy infrastructure projects is encouraging, introducing a national energy prosperity bond would give every Irish citizen a stake in the future. It pays out in ten or 20 years and allows citizens to be part of this energy transition. Embracing such infrastructure projects in your local area has to begin at home, where opportunities and growth intersect.” 

According to Colm O’Neill, “Ireland has everything required to become a global green energy powerhouse. Our position on the northwest corner of Europe offers some of the best available offshore wind resources, while the strength of our skill base and our strong collaborative research community mean that we also have the ingenuity to capitalise on it.

Ireland has offshore wind generation capacity far in excess of what we will require for domestic power, so the potential is clear. If we act quickly and with purpose, Ireland could achieve energy independence and become a hub for energy-intensive industries and a net exporter of energy.”

Irish people can also support our development as a major European energy powerhouse by backing large-scale energy infrastructure projects in their communities. Communicating the potential benefits and long-term advantages, such as job creation, improved services, and economic growth will be essential to the successful implementation of disruptive infrastructure projects. This will require in effect a national conversation on support for the construction for example of major projects such as high-voltage power lines.

James Delahunt, Corporate Finance Partner, Sustainable Futures at KPMG, believes, “Ireland could be a leader in Europe’s energy transition. Although some elements of Ireland’s renewable ecosystem are already at capacity, a mobilisation of government and industry stakeholders is required to extend this capacity to deliver Ireland’s abundant renewable potential. Collaboration with stakeholders will be key.”