Two-Thirds of Energy Stakeholders Prioritise Energy Security Over Cheaper Imported Power

Two-thirds of energy stakeholders (67%) believe that Ireland should prioritise energy security over cheaper imported power, our latest survey has found.

We polled the 250-strong audience at our annual Energy Conference and found that three-quarters (76%) of energy leaders believe consumers will pay more for secure, domestic energy over imported fossil fuels.

Balancing security and competitiveness

More than half (54%) believe Irish consumers are willing to pay up to 10% more for secure, renewable, domestically produced energy compared to cheaper fossil fuel alternatives. Two in ten (19%) believe consumers will pay between 10 and 25%, and 3% said more than 25%.

Event MC Eoin Cassidy, our Energy Sector Lead Partner, said:

“The findings confirm that consumers are willing to back renewables and the steps required to make Ireland energy independent. Ireland’s energy transition will only succeed if projects deliver reliable alternative power to fossil fuels in a way that supports the energy system and the Irish economy. We work daily with policymakers, investors and developers to ensure ambition is matched by delivery.”

Rob McDwyer, Energy Partner, commented:

“The message from the sector is clear: security of supply must not be compromised. Investors and consumers need confidence that Ireland can meet growing demand while progressing climate targets. Stable, long-term policies will be central to achieving that balance.”

Demand and data centres

Three in five respondents (60%) said regulatory or policy uncertainty is the biggest challenge facing data centre development in Ireland, ahead of planning or grid constraints. The findings show that unclear rules are seen as a greater threat to investment than infrastructure capacity.

Keith Newman, Energy Partner, said:

“Data centres underpin Ireland’s digital economy, yet uncertainty is eroding investor confidence. It was clear from our discussion that policy and regulatory clarity is needed to enable data centre development. Data centres can also drive demand for renewable generation growth and grid infrastructure enhancements. That alignment is vital if Ireland is to remain competitive as a global hub.”

The conference, which brought more than 250 policymakers, business leaders and legal experts to the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Dublin, examined how Ireland can strengthen competitiveness while meeting its 2030 climate targets.

Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien TD, opened the event with a keynote address on the State’s energy policy and economic growth. He was followed by expert panels that explored policy and commercial levers across two key themes: managing demand efficiently and increasing generation capacity.

Read more about the survey findings in The Irish Times and the Law Society of Ireland Gazette. You can also find out more about our Energy team and how we support clients across the sector.