(15 min read)
Ireland’s renewable energy sector is at a pivotal moment, with ambitious climate targets now driving real progress on the ground. Our latest Energy Investor Insight event in Dublin on 5 February 2026 brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and legal experts to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping Ireland’s energy transition. From major legislative changes to the evolving role of data centres and the growing appetite for corporate PPAs, the event offered practical insights for investors and developers navigating a rapidly changing market.
Key themes:
The keynote address from Minister Timmy Dooley underscored Ireland’s commitment to achieving a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net-zero by 2050, with renewable electricity forming the cornerstone of the national energy strategy. Significant government investment in grid upgrades, new support schemes, and forthcoming legislation, such as the Private Wires Bill, signal a clear shift from policy ambition to delivery, with a strong emphasis on collaboration across government, regulators, and industry.
The event’s legal update spotlighted a landmark Supreme Court decision (Coolglass) that clarifies how planning authorities must balance local and national climate objectives, offering greater certainty for renewable developers.
Across the panel discussion, speakers examined the rapidly evolving routes to market for renewable generators. Corporate PPAs are expanding into the midsize business sector, private wire legislation is expected to open new opportunities, and the CRU’s Large Energy User policy is reshaping demand, particularly for data centres. Opportunities are emerging in onshore wind, long duration storage and biomethane, but each depends on addressing grid constraints and ensuring viable routes to market.
The event marked the launch of the Ireland report within our Energy Investor insight series, which explores the key legal and regulatory issues shaping energy investment across the region.
The overarching message: Ireland is moving into a delivery phase, and collaboration between government, industry and investors will be essential to maintain momentum.
