Solar Increase On the Rise in Ireland
In a remarkable turn of events, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reports a staggering 50% increase in global renewable energy capacity in 2023. The momentum is largely attributed to the surge in solar power, which now accounts for three-quarters of additions to renewable energy systems worldwide. While optimism surrounds this growth, caution is advised by the IEA, emphasising the need to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.
China emerges as a global leader in renewable energy, commissioning as much solar Photovoltaic (PV) capacity in 2023 as the entire world did in 2022. The country's wind power additions also rose by 66% year-on-year. Notably, Europe, the United States, and Brazil experienced unprecedented highs in renewable energy capacity. However, despite this remarkable progress, the IEA emphasises the urgency of further efforts to meet the ambitious goal set at the recent UN climate summit Cop28 in Dubai.
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol highlights that, under current policies, global renewable capacity is on track to increase by two-and-a-half times by 2030. While a positive trajectory, it falls short of the Cop28 target, urging governments to leverage available tools to bridge the gap.
In Ireland, solar power has undergone a revolutionary transformation. According to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), solar capacity skyrocketed from 0% in 2022 to providing 10% of the country's electricity on a day in May 2023.
ESB Networks acknowledges solar as the fastest-growing renewable power source, attributing this success to the removal of barriers to rooftop solar and the emergence of a market for utility-scale ground-mount solar.
Buoyed by successes, the Irish government has increased its solar PV target from 1.5-2.5GW by 2030 to an ambitious 5GW by 2025 and 8GW by 2030. Solar is no longer a fringe technology but a pivotal component of Ireland's decarbonization strategy, alongside wind and storage. The question now shifts from whether solar will scale to determining the magnitude of the industry that can be built in Ireland.
Despite the positive outlook, challenges persist. A crucial aspect is the development of a robust grid to support a zero-carbon system quickly. The planning process also requires attention, with delays in deciding on solar planning appeals posing a significant hurdle. Additionally, inconsistencies in the policy framework, particularly related to taxation and land use, need addressing to ensure a harmonious transition.
The future appears bright for solar in Ireland, provided the nation seizes the opportunity and addresses critical challenges. As global and national efforts converge to propel renewable energy growth, the spotlight is on Ireland to build an industry that contributes substantially to a sustainable and clean energy future.