top of page

Cakeism vs Getting Big Things Done: the promise and risks of the new Irish Programme for Government for the Renewable Sector

Conall Bolger

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?


PROGRESS, Progress or progress?

From a macro climate perspective, there is an increase in climate commitments – 281 compared to 274 in the last PfG, as noted by Dr. Cara Augustenborg in her excellent analysis of the PfG’s sustainability credentials. Concerns about vagueness, lack of urgency and “climate cakeism” (potentially the breakout climate portmanteau for 2025) have been well raised in other quarters.


As CEO of the Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA), it’s gratifying to see the increased emphasis on solar PV. Solar is mentioned far more this time, reflecting the progress of the last three years which resulted in 1.5GW of solar connected at the end of last year.


What are we to make of the document’s pledges? In some regards, the answer won’t be clear until later this decade. Reading the PfG, there are a blend of the greatest hits (private wires), today’s concerns (price, competitiveness and infrastructure), and suggestions of a strategic shift towards clustering generation and supply. However, the market will need to see substance and urgency behind these proposed measures.


The equivocal language (a recent well known podcast episode discussing the PfG was entitled “Explore, Examine, Review”) reflects political and economic uncertainties. The physical realities of the climate emergency and Ireland’s existing commitments point to a need for far greater urgency and actionable timelines. For example, the government could commit to a detailed roadmap for grid infrastructure upgrades, including milestone dates for planning approvals, construction starts, and operational targets. Setting clear deadlines would help ensure accountability and keep projects on track to meet the 2030 targets.


Bare necessities – routes to market and regulation

The commitment to holding annual Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auctions is extremely welcome. The public statement of intent about the longer term auction programme is positive at a time the Government is consulting on the shape of the fifth RESS auction. The regular cadence of auctions has been one of Ireland’s key strengths as an onshore renewable market.


ISEA has often highlighted concerns over paper barriers in the market that obstruct real progress. The promise of a review of underpinning legislation of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) suggests some scope for this conversation, though the document notes that energy costs would be key to that updated mandate.


Energy costs and access impacting on people’s lives

One very positive suggestion is looking at whether the diversion of surplus renewable energy to homes in fuel poverty could be put on a legislative basis. Such a measure could boost initiatives like Energy Cloud (of which we are a very proud partner). The effects of high energy prices are felt in people’s daily lives; according to Energy Cloud 550,000 homes are in energy poverty. That would suggest (using CSO figures) that 29.9% of homes experience fuel poverty in their daily lives. Recent cold weather snaps should bring what that means for families into focus.


The intent to commission a review on the level of price passthrough between wholesale and retail is interesting as a measure to curb energy costs. It does neglect the role of state driven items in contributing to the generation costs, which would be worthy of a similar review. The taxation of energy particularly through VAT is in the crosshairs, the effects of which will need some detailed consideration.


Beyond reviewing energy cost reduction, the document talks about broadening access to energy by helping farmers sell their electricity back to the grid. This move would be very welcome change to what is currently permitted under the farm support structures.


Mission possible – delivering green energy and value

Woven through the document are concerns over the ability of Ireland to deliver infrastructure. Investment in the electricity grid is absolutely necessary but does raise the question of political will; does the political system recognise the implications of the truism that there is “no transition without transmission”? Fast tracking development under the Planning Act sounds promising and requires near term direction from the responsible Minister to impact projects to meet 2024.


The document repeats the Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2024 promise of introducing solar development guidelines. We’d suggest the guidance developed by ISEA would make a good starting point, ensuring a balanced approach to land use and regulatory clarity for developers and communities alike.


Production of a private wires framework is mentioned, as it has been in a number of Climate Action Plans. However, this provision and the document points at a potential strategic shift in Government thinking; the co-location of generation and demand in clusters. The text references linking training and education centres with these clusters which would seem a win-win, especially if the promises around increasing upskilling and training opportunities come to pass.


The document talks about a plan to accelerate connections (for generation and homes and businesses), planning which would also guide the development of data centre infrastructure. We’ll all be waiting to see that deliverable with great interest.


The big picture – steady as she goes

The view underpinning this document seems to be a continuation of Ireland’s macro approach to energy policy. There appears to be a continued emphasis on demand electrification. This approach entails a need to “drive on” (ahem) with electrification of transport and heat.


Another big strategic choice is a continuation of our approach to renewable energy policies in international relations. We hope that the warm words around the EU Green Deal will be backed by forceful action when the hot work begins in Brussels meeting rooms. With our economic dependence on other markets, particularly for many of the tools of decarbonisation, hopefully this Government will place strategic greening of our economy as a core element of our diplomatic and trade relations.


Action. Now.

Paper now needs to be an enabler. It needs to be a list of actions we have completed, not things that we will consider. ISEA will play its role in supporting actionable progress, working alongside stakeholders to align with the PfG's vision for the renewable energy sector.  We need to think more about getting big things done[1] if we’re going to bend the emissions curve. This Government will determine whether Ireland enters the 2030s on the right path… or not.


As we look to the next five years, ISEA remains committed to supporting the government and stakeholders in translating these commitments into measurable action, ensuring Ireland’s renewable energy sector thrives for the benefit of all.


The next five years will not be dull. They need to be productive.

 

0 comments

Comments


bottom of page