‘Change is coming fast’: Entering the clean power era

There is a lot of good news on the mass adoption of renewable energy both from the perspective of Ireland and the world.

A tectonic shift is happening as businesses, communities and individuals in great numbers are finally cutting carbon emissions associated with their activities, while wishing to embrace genuine sustainability. Their mindset suggests people have moved from “the why” it should be done to “the how” it can be done.

This change is reflected in the latest edition of Sustainable Ireland with its emphasis on solutions while featuring exemplars pushing on with decarbonisation. It is fair to say an unlikely solar revolution is hitting Ireland – with every indication solar installation costs, and resulting solar power, will progressively become cheaper.

The energy crisis has been the catalyst as homeowners are looking to reduce energy consumption and tackle rising bills.

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For Ireland there is considerable potential for an even bigger return in the form of offshore wind development that is set to begin scaling up from this year, though it will have a longer lead-in time. The missing element is a sufficiently robust and flexible power grid and supply chain infrastructure, notably in the form of servicing ports.

The latest global electricity review from the energy think tank Ember confirms that, in this decisive decade for climate action, there are signs of the beginning to the end of the fossil age; “we are entering the clean power era” – despite best efforts by the oil and gas sector which has made vast profits on the back of the Ukraine war.

Solar generation increased by 24 per cent in the EU during 2022, the fastest growing source of global electricity for the 18th year in a row. Moreover, analysis suggests last year may be the final year of fossil power growth and its sectoral emissions have probably peaked.

The story in Europe is a little uneven as wind generation only grew by 9 per cent, behind the global average of 17 per cent. As the US is driving up wind with the right blend of incentives – especially offshore – the EU’s stop-start wind policies have stifled growth.

This is compounded by high materials costs and slow approvals for new wind power projects which drag back profitability for developers and major turbine manufacturers, despite rising demand for renewable energy. Such a scenario threatens Ireland’s fledgling offshore industry.

Citizens approach to sustainability

Everywhere there are indications people want to pursue sustainability in how they live. At least 60 per cent Irish people have considered or have already taken measures in making their home more sustainable, according to a recent survey by insurance company Royal London Ireland – though it should be acknowledged one-fifth have put plans on hold due to the rising cost of living.

The next most popular move towards living sustainably lies in reducing dairy and meat consumption, it suggests, with 50 per cent of the 1,000 respondents either having done or citing plans to do this. Respondents also cited improving sustainability with better home insulation through the replacement of windows (40 per cent).

Last year more than 27,000 property upgrades received Government grants through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) with 37,000 predicted for this year. But achieving Ireland’s retrofitting targets hinges on much more homeowners shifting behaviours, adopting new technologies and investing in energy efficiency.

The SEAI has identified potential behavioural barriers homeowners might face along that journey and set out how retrofitting can be scaled up. This includes addressing financial barriers by expanding and expediting green financing options; reducing hassle by further enhancing a one-stop-shop scheme; increasing awareness and normalising uptake by making retrofitting more visible – for instance through standardised signage outside homes undergoing work; and promoting the training of skilled installers by linking apprenticeship training to one stop shops.

Notwithstanding current problems in the energy transition, positive trends should be the basis for pushing on towards the transformation required.

The stage is set

As Ember’s electricity analyst Małgorzata Wiatros-Motyka noted: “The stage is set for wind and solar to achieve a meteoric rise to the top. Clean electricity will reshape the global economy, from transport to industry and beyond.

“A new era of falling fossil emissions means the coal power phase-down will happen, and the end of gas power growth is now within sight.

“This should add further confidence to calls to phase out all fossil fuels ahead of Cop28 later in 2023. Change is coming fast.”

However, it all depends on the actions taken now by governments, businesses and citizens to put the world on a pathway to clean power by 2040, she highlighted – echoing the demands of UN secretary general António Guterres.

This is because that landmark will be the trigger for net-zero emissions across economies and societies everywhere. A cold assessment would lead to the conclusion that, despite tangible progress, Ireland has yet to position itself for that to happen.