Renewable Ireland Report: Interview with Eoin Cassidy

Ireland stands at a pivotal moment in its energy transition, as the State works to meet its 2030 targets.

At our annual Energy Conference this year, we polled 250 industry leaders on how Ireland can balance energy security, affordability and investor confidence during the shift to renewables.

The findings were covered in the Irish Examiner as part of its Renewable Island report, alongside a detailed interview with Eoin Cassidy, our Energy Sector Lead Partner.

Eoin provided expert insights on the challenges facing the sector and the key steps needed to accelerate progress.

Energy security

Asked about Ireland’s path to energy security, Eoin commented:

“If Ireland wants to have real energy independence and security of supply then renewable power is our only solution. A mix of domestic renewable generation and battery storage, both long and short duration storage, will be essential to ensuring Ireland has a secure and competitive energy system and should result in lower energy prices in the long term.”

Two-thirds of our survey respondents agreed that energy security should take priority over cheaper imported power.

Financing and market uncertainty

In a previous survey, three in four energy professionals (73%) said market uncertainty is the biggest barrier to financing new renewable technologies.

Eoin noted that investors need clarity before they commit funds:

“Institutional investors require a stable and predictable policy environment to commit funds. New technologies such as biomethane and hydrogen, alongside gas-fired backup, are seen as important bridging tools to ensure security of supply while renewable capacity scales up. The more successful the first phase of these projects the easier it will be to finance the next phase.”

He also pointed to the early years of onshore wind as an example of how new markets can mature once projects reach scale.

Strategy for delivery

Eoin concluded with a call for more co-ordinated progress. He said:

“To scale renewables while protecting competitiveness, Ireland must cut risk and delay by reforming auctions and planning. Grid, storage and demand should be planned together to avoid bottlenecks while low-cost measures like repowering and co-location are prioritised.”

These steps, he said, can help accelerate delivery, attract investment and support affordable energy for businesses and consumers.

Read the full article on the Examiner website. For more information and expert advice on the topics discussed, please contact a member of our Energy team.