The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has found in a survey that Irish people are highly supportive of the development of renewable energy sectors such as wind power and photovoltaic systems.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) surveyed more than 1,700 households in Ireland to understand the local impact of renewable energy generation projects and the general consensus that renewable energy projects are being developed. The agency said this would help inform "an equitable and socially sustainable energy transition."
If there is any doubt about whether the Irish public has an interest in installing PV systems, this can be addressed by the national survey, which found that 81% of respondents have a positive or very positive view of the installation and adoption of PV systems.
In addition to this, 82% of respondents who live less than 1 km from a PV project under the Renewable Electricity Support Program (RESS) say they have a positive or very positive attitude towards PV systems.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has commissioned research to understand how community participation in the wind power and PV systems market can be improved through public participation in decision-making, direct investment, project co-ownership, and strengthening the practices of renewable energy developers in establishing community welfare schemes.
William Walsh, Chief Executive of the Irish Sustainable Energy Authority, said: "Citizens and communities are at the heart of the changes needed to meet energy and climate targets. We welcome the results of this study. The study shows that support for the installation and application of wind power and photovoltaic systems is generally high across the country. Continuing to engage with communities is vital to achieving the energy transition and the Irish Sustainable Energy Authority will support every user, community and business in Ireland on their sustainable energy journey."
The Irish PV sector continues to gather pace, with EDF Renewables Ireland breaking ground on three 17MW PV plants and NTR acquiring a 54MW portfolio of light storage projects in Co. Wexford. Highfield Solar has secured financing for the development of two solar power plants with a total installed capacity of 282MW in 2021.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) said that in the first quarter of 2023, there was a significant increase in electricity generation from renewable sources. For example, wind power can meet 34 percent of Ireland's electricity needs, while photovoltaics can meet 10 percent of the country's electricity needs.
Although Ireland's photovoltaic industry is recovering, the survey results also show that people want to install more photovoltaic systems to help the country achieve its goal of decarbonization. Seventy-eight percent of respondents said Ireland had too few installed PV plants, and almost no one thought Ireland had too many installed PV plants.
Eamon Ryan, Ireland's Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, said: "This strong public support also supports Ireland's efforts to achieve energy independence and decarbonise its economy, insulating us from the volatility of fossil fuel prices and helping to increase Europe's energy independence."
It is crucial that we ensure supportive policy frameworks for wind and PV that provide balanced and consistent spatial planning at the national, regional and local levels to enable us to harness indigenous renewable energy. This will build on public support for renewable energy and transform the public's relationship with renewable energy infrastructure using community benefits, inclusive community engagement and significant investment in energy facilities."
