This October marks the start of Energy & Utilities Month at Guaranteed Irish. Over the coming weeks, we will shine a spotlight on Guaranteed Irish businesses and supply chains driving progress in energy and utilities — from those pioneering innovative solutions to those taking important steps on their transition journey. Together, we’ll explore the opportunities and challenges Ireland faces in securing a resilient energy future.
Ireland’s Energy Transition
Ireland’s energy landscape is evolving rapidly. According to KPMG’s Statistical Review of World Energy 2025, domestic electricity demand rose by 4.1% in 2024, highlighting the growing need for resilient infrastructure. Renewable generation accounted for nearly 40% of Ireland’s electricity — with solar power production surging by 71% — reflecting strong progress, though challenges remain in scaling renewables to meet demand.
Fossil fuels still dominate, making up over 80% of Ireland’s primary energy supply, underscoring the urgent need to transition to low-carbon energy sources. Yet Ireland is making strides, now ranking eighth globally for wind and solar penetration in electricity generation. These trends show that Irish businesses and communities are ready and capable of supporting a secure, affordable, and low-carbon energy future. However, timely regulation and strong government support will be essential to accelerate the transition, unlock investment in local supply chains, create new jobs, and foster collaboration across sectors.
Collaboration as a Catalyst
At Guaranteed Irish, we know that collaboration is the key to progress and innovation. Our work in other sectors, such as the Guaranteed Irish House initiative, has shown the impact of bringing members together to strengthen local supply chains, support jobs, and communities. By dedicating this month to energy and utilities, our aim is simple: to unite businesses, policymakers, and communities in driving a secure, affordable, low-carbon, and fair energy future that leaves no one behind.
As Clémence Jamet, Head of Sustainability at Guaranteed Irish, highlights:
“This is not just about reducing carbon emissions — it’s about building resilience, supporting local jobs and supply chains, strengthening communities, and ensuring a fair, inclusive energy transition for future generations.”
The Challenges Ahead
KPMG’s Statistical Review of World Energy 2025 highlights that despite strong foundations, growing strategic risks underscore the need for policies and initiatives that efficiently and cost-effectively deliver renewables and system flexibility to phase fossil fuels out of the economy.
For many Guaranteed Irish members, the pace of Ireland’s energy transition is slowed by systemic barriers:
- Grid connection and renewable support remain critical. Members call for a streamlined, properly resourced grid connection process — especially for solar on commercial rooftops, community projects, and larger ground-mounted schemes — alongside higher grant support to accelerate renewable rollout.
- Planning and permitting delays are a major obstacle. Combined planning and environmental licensing processes can stretch beyond three years. Members argue that running both in tandem would cut timelines by half and provide much-needed certainty for investment.
- Workforce bottlenecks are also slowing delivery. Shortages of skilled trades, such as roofers for solar installation and HGV drivers for logistics, create delays. Recruiting from outside the EU helps, but members highlight the need to reduce bureaucracy around bringing in essential workers.
Looking Ahead
Brid O’Connell, Guaranteed Irish, says:
“We have a responsibility to support innovation and the transition of the energy and utilities sector. By shining a light on Guaranteed Irish members leading the change, we’re showing how local business can make a global impact. Energy & Utilities Month is about celebrating progress but also recognising the work still to be done.”
Throughout October, we’ll bring you insights from industry leaders and Guaranteed Irish members, highlighting practical business lessons and opportunities in the energy and utilities sector. From RWE and Activ8, exploring Ireland’s potential in wind and solar energy, to Oxigen on waste management opportunities, Pipelife on retrofitting your heating and other stakeholders from the sector.
Discover all Guaranteed Irish members contributing to Ireland’s energy and utilities sector here. Have your say by participating in our survey so we can better support you in our collective efforts.
Together, with the support of our members, we can help build a greener, stronger Ireland. This month is proudly sponsored by Pipelife, a committed Guaranteed Irish member and supporter of Guaranteed Irish House.
Discover more about our members in the energy and utilities sector in our directory.
