This report shows demand for electricity is set to increase by two-thirds by 2050

Data centres are set to account for more than one-fifth of all power demand by 2030. The recently launched ‘Energy Transition Outlook: Ireland’ report tracks Ireland’s performance on the energy transition journey and highlights the critical role that renewables and electrification must play in the country’s energy transformation.

The report warns, however, that current progress is insufficient to meet key energy targets, and action is now required to address the widening investment and delivery gaps. As Ireland works to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, the country must shift to an energy system powered by low-carbon energy sources in order to progress towards legally binding net-zero targets set for 2050.

“Ireland’s energy transition is at a crossroads, and we must invest in our future,” said Enda Gunnell, CEO at Pinergy. “We’ve set ambitious goals and commitments, but this report makes it clear we must move from aspiration to urgent, tangible action. The time for deliberation is over. We welcome the planned €3.5bn investment announced in the revised National Development Plan, earmarked for Ireland’s electricity grid infrastructure. This funding will be critical in order to make the necessary infrastructure investments now required.”

He continued, “A successful energy transition will not only reduce our carbon emissions and protect our environment, but it will also create new jobs, boost our economy, and enhance our energy security.”

Key Findings:

• Electricity Demand Surge: By 2050, electricity demand is set to grow by two-thirds, reaching 59 TWh. This will be driven in the short term by the needs of data centres. In the long term, electricity demand growth will be fuelled by changing consumer behaviour towards low-carbon choices, particularly through EV adoption and electrification of heating systems in residential and commercial buildings.
• Data Centre Impact: Data centres are projected to consume 8.6 TWh of electricity from the grid by 2030, accelerated by the demands and use of artificial intelligence. This energy consumption is equivalent to powering two million homes, placing a significant strain on the grid. However, as the grid capacity increases and the electrification of heat and transport intensifies, the share of total power demand for data centres is expected to fall to 16% by 2050.
• Renewable Electricity Success: Renewables are on track but at risk following delays to capacity buildout. The ‘Energy Transition Outlook – Ireland’ report forecasts a contribution of 80% of generated electricity by 2030, climbing to 93% by 2050, with wind alone accounting for 77%. This progress will be enabled by a forecasted 56% increase in onshore wind supply and a 166% rise in solar power supply compared to current levels.
• Offshore Wind Shortfall: Ireland is projected to fall 4GW short of its 5GW offshore wind target by 2030 as projects suffer delays and cancellations.
• EV and Heat Pump Adoption Lagging: While EV adoption is on course to meet 2025 goals, Ireland is falling short of 2030 EV targets by 35%. In order to meet our EV targets, this report predicts we need to accelerate our adoption rate as heat pump adoption is 68% behind 2030 targets, equivalent to 461,000 units, and lagging other European countries.
• Ireland Becomes Net Exporter Of Electricity: Assuming offshore wind delivery and planned new interconnectors, Ireland has the potential to become a net exporter of electricity by 2030.
• Benchmarking Against Other Countries: While Ireland is placed 20th for renewables in electricity among the most advanced economies, it is expected to move to 11th place overall in 2030. However, without adjustments for delays in offshore wind projects, original predictions had placed Ireland in eighth place in this ranking. Denmark leads the way at the top of the leaderboard, achieving 100% renewables by 2030, due to an aggressive climate strategy and greater investment in renewables.