Ireland ‘should use presidency of Council of EU to lead on renewable energy’

Ireland should use its position as president of the Council of the European Union to push for clean and secure sources of energy for Europe, a wind energy group has said.

The Council of the European Union (EU) is made up of ministers from EU nations, grouped by their policy area, which discusses legislation and helps set the EU’s agenda.

Ireland will hold the presidency of the group from July to December, which will include hosting in Ireland an informal meeting of EU leaders and a summit meeting of the European Political Community during that period.

In a paper published on Thursday, Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) said this offered an opportunity to “show real leadership and accelerate” the rollout of renewable energy.

The call comes after Minister for Climate Darragh O’Brien said that Ireland would miss its target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by half compared with 2018.

He said that while Ireland had committed to reducing emissions by 51% by 2030, the reductions would only be in the mid to high 20%.

WEI called for Ireland to use the presidency to secure clear deadlines for approving new grid infrastructure; to electrify heating systems and the transport sector; to speed up permissions granted for renewable projects; and to create more flexibility to allow for energy storage.

Noel Cunniffe, chief executive of WEI, said holding the presidency would represent “a key moment to help shape Europe’s energy future” and “secure our supply of clean energy and cut energy bills for consumers”.

“In 2025 alone, around 14% of wind power was lost because our existing grid is simply not strong enough to carry all the renewable electricity that our wind farms produce,” he said.

“That means dirtier energy and higher bills for every Irish family and business.

“Advancing the EU Grids Package will maximise the benefits of renewable energy for consumers and ensure a more efficient, less wasteful, European electricity system.

“For Ireland, it will help to ease grid constraints and reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels.”

Mr Cunniffe said that the growth of Ireland’s wind energy sector cannot be achieved at domestic level alone.

“The 2026 presidency is a chance to shape Europe’s energy future and to build a stronger economy, secure our supply of clean energy and cut energy bills for consumers,” he said.

“If we all work together, we will deliver cleaner, more affordable power and lay the foundation for Irish energy independence for our communities.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee has said extensive consultations have been held ahead of Ireland’s presidency, and more than 450 submissions were received before the end of the year on what issues should be prioritised.