Uncertainty Surrounds the Transition to Clean Energy: Public Ponders Implications and their Role in the Change
Ireland is embarking on a transition to clean energy, with ordinary people playing a critical role as active participants in this transformation. Households can contribute significantly to energy savings, generate renewable power, and build energy resilience, acting as "prosumers" (both producers and consumers of energy) [1]. Grassroots community initiatives, known as energy communities, are also accelerating the green transition and fostering local leadership [3].
However, several barriers prevent ordinary people from fully participating in this transition.
Unequal Access and Policy Shifts
Not all individuals or households currently have the means or access to participate effectively in the energy transition [1]. There is a call for a fundamental reorientation of energy policies to put people’s wellbeing, inclusion, and fairness at the center of the transition [1].
Affordability and Just Distribution
Ensuring the transition is equitable requires addressing affordability, protecting vulnerable groups, and fairly sharing costs and benefits [1]. The report recognises the need for a plan to end energy poverty, prioritised retrofits for those at greatest risk, an energy guarantee for essential energy needs, and better targeting of energy supports to renters, lone parents, people with disabilities, and households in the worst BER homes [2].
Collaboration and Information Gaps
Strengthening connections and collaboration across society is essential, implying current shortcomings in engagement and support for wide participation [1][3]. Simplifying energy efficiency and using trusted messengers and local leaders can support greater household participation [6].
The Irish government acknowledges that the energy transition will require ongoing engagement between the government, industry, and citizens to succeed [5]. Community-led renewable energy initiatives across Europe, including Ireland, show how participation at the local level can be expanded and supported with the right tools and policies [3].
The Government's Response
The Government welcomes the potential role of households and communities in making energy savings, generating renewable energy, and building energy resilience [4]. If the Government embeds these actions in the upcoming budget and energy affordability action plans, and delivers minimum BER standards for rentals this year, "we can make real progress towards ending energy poverty while driving the systemic transformation needed for a fair, fossil-free future," according to Clare O’Connor, programme coordinator at Friends of the Earth Ireland [4].
Friends of the Earth Ireland also welcomes the report's focus on households, affordability, and energy poverty, and its recommendations for targeted affordability measures, accessible retrofit options for every tenure, and real support for households through local energy advisers [7].
Overcoming Barriers
Barriers must be removed to encourage the scaling-up of energy efficiency and transition to clean heating, such as heat pumps and district heating systems [1]. The success of the energy transition hinges on deliberately strengthening connections between people and the energy system, backed by prioritising affordability and ending energy poverty [6].
The NESC report recommends targeted energy supports over blanket subsidies, scaling up retrofits and clean heat, and unlocking the potential of energy communities [2]. Energy communities are finding barriers to delivering projects to generate energy [8]. Increased measures to ensure equitable access for all could be supported by secure application of digital/AI technologies [1].
The transition to clean energy in Ireland is a collective endeavour, and overcoming the barriers to participation is crucial for a just and equitable future.
[1] [O’Connor, C., et al. (2021). Empowering Communities for a Just Energy Transition. Friends of the Earth Ireland.] [2] [NESC (2021). A Just Energy Transition for Ireland. National Economic and Social Council.] [3] [McGovern, R., et al. (2020). Putting People at the Centre: Community-led Renewable Energy in Ireland. Environmental Policy Ireland.] [4] [Irish Times. (2021). Government welcomes report on just energy transition for Ireland.] [5] [Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications. (2020). Ireland's Climate Action Plan 2021.] [6] [Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. (2021). Making Energy Efficiency Simple.] [7] [Friends of the Earth Ireland. (2021). Response to NESC report on a Just Energy Transition for Ireland.] [8] [Energy Communities Ireland. (2021). Barriers to delivering energy communities projects in Ireland.]
