New Irish IRD Project, ‘Our Energy Future’ launched with Friends of the Earth Ireland and EirGrid

Ireland now has in place the strongest climate action programme the country has ever seen, including a commitment to increase the share of renewable electricity to up to 80% by 2030. This will involve a transformation of Ireland’s grid infrastructure and require an energy transition which empowers citizens and supports open, equal and meaningful community participation.

In order to develop an inclusive vision of Ireland’s energy future, there is a need to facilitate broader discussion of the nature and impact of the transition and to develop an improved understanding of the choices, concerns and obstacles that we face.

EirGrid, Friends of the Earth and the Renewables Grid Initiative have come together to facilitate inclusive discussions and reflections with communities, civil society organisations, local groups, and other stakeholders. The 3-year project will support diverse and open dialogues on the challenges and opportunities associated with Ireland’s energy transformation, from development of grid infrastructure, to the need for a decarbonised, secure and affordable electricity, with a much higher share of community participation.

Antonella Battaglini, CEO of RGI said: “RGI’s decade of experience in bringing together grid operators and civil society organisations has confirmed time after time that broad collaborations, such as the one embodied by this project, are vital for the energy transition to accelerate and succeed. They enable an exchange of perspectives and expertise, allow actors to identify synergies and find new, more inclusive solutions, and broaden the scope of people ‘at the table’. With that in mind, we are delighted to begin this new endeavour between EirGrid, Friends of the Earth Ireland and the diverse stakeholders who will become involved as the project develops.”

Sinead Dooley, Head of Public Engagement at EirGrid said: ‘We very much welcome this partnership with both RGI and Friends of the Earth. The energy transition will radically change the way we produce, use and consume energy. Our strategy, Shaping Our Electricity Future, sets out the fundamental role EirGrid will play in providing the necessary grid infrastructure to facilitate this transition. Communities will be at the heart of this and it is vitally important that their voices continue to be heard and their views considered in our project outcomes. This partnership provides a unique opportunity to join together with two organisations that continually strive to promote and exhibit clear, equitable and transparent engagement.’

Jerry Mac Evilly, Head of Policy Change at Friends of the Earth Ireland said: “Friends of the Earth is committed to supporting a fair and fast transition to a zero pollution future. This means not only a focus on Ireland’s climate and energy commitments but also putting citizens and communities at the heart of transition. It is clear that the rapid decarbonisation of our energy system will require expansion of infrastructure combined with new, meaningful ways for the public to engage. Friends of the Earth is delighted to partner and collaborate with RGI and EirGrid and support open and honest conversations with stakeholders, particularly regarding opportunities for community engagement and community energy as part of Ireland’s energy future.”

‘Our Energy Future’ is partially funded by the Mercator Foundation (Stiftung Mercator), as part of a project consortium which also involves public engagement projects of German Environmental Aid (DUH) and Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).