About The National Energy Summit 2023

The Climate Action Plan 2021 commits Ireland to a legally binding target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050, and a reduction of 51% by 2030. To contribute to the achievement of these targets, the Government has committed that up to 80% of electricity consumption will come from renewable sources by 2030. The targets are ambitious and the pressure is on to achieve them whilst at the same time ensuring continued security of electricity supply during the transition period.

Furthermore, Ireland now has to deal with the potential impact of the current geopolitical crisis and to draw up contingency plans in an attempt to prepare for possible energy supply issues and cyber-attacks.

Decarbonisation of the electrical grid is one of the most important Irish societal activities this decade. It is the catalyst for addressing transport and home heating which combined are 45% of Ireland’s emissions and unless electrified will leave Irish society continuing to be classified as an action laggard on all things climate crisis. However Ireland still requires gas-fired power stations over the coming years to ensure stability of its electricity grid.

The connection of large energy users to the grid needs to take into account the potential impact on security of supply on the short and long term. The fear of power shortages and demands from data centres and others need to be addressed collaboratively to ensure security of both storage and supply.

Digitalisation of the energy sector is revolutionising data processes and operations, and accelerating the implementation of digital solutions and energy system integration across multiple energy carriers, infrastructures and consumption sectors.

Where are the opportunities for companies in offshore wind, district heating, bioenergy, anaerobic digestion, waste to energy projects, green hydrogen, BioLPG, solar PV generation etc and what is their role in the development of renewable energy resources? Whilst there has been some successful progress in relation to renewable electricity, additional capacity in both demand response and storage is needed to decrease the frequency and severity of supply shortages.

The Summit, brought to you by Business Post LIVE and iQuest, will bring together industry experts and thought leaders from both the public and private sectors to find solutions to the issues facing us in securing our energy supply. It will examine the programme of work that is being delivered to secure the longer term enduring capacity that is needed to reach our 2030 targets and to meet the demands of our growing and decarbonising economy.