It’s time to power on

SSE is helping Ireland build an energy system rooted in our own homegrown power writes Barry O’Regan, Chief Financial Officer, SSE.

Ireland has made a clear commitment to a cleaner, more secure energy future. With electricity demand rising and climate targets approaching, the challenge now is to turn ambition into delivery, and to do so at pace.

The climate imperative is obvious. But it is also about energy security, economic resilience, and long-term affordability. It is about building an energy system rooted in our own homegrown power; one that shields us from global shocks, reduces our reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets, and delivers tangible benefits to communities across the country.

Ireland has the natural resources to lead in this space. SSE has long recognised this potential, having built one of the country’s largest operational onshore wind portfolios. Last autumn, we added to that legacy with the delivery of Ireland’s newest wind farm, Yellow River in Offaly, producing vital renewables energy from the Midlands.

But we cannot stop there. Our full potential will only be realised if we finally harness the power off our coasts too.

Offshore wind is an important litmus test. Getting the Phase 1 projects in the Irish Sea into construction by 2030 is crucial to send a signal to the international supply chain that Ireland is open for business.

At SSE, we are focused on delivering our flagship Irish offshore project, Arklow Bank Wind Park 2. If delivered, SSE will be realising a pioneering vision nearly two decades in the making; finally bringing commercial scale offshore wind to Arklow Bank, where Ireland’s first offshore wind farm began with the installation of seven turbines off the coast of Wicklow 20 years ago.

While wind power will be the backbone of the energy transition, Ireland must also act decisively across other areas to build a truly resilient, low-carbon future.

A renewables-led system still requires flexible backup power that is lower carbon in its own right. That is why we are investing in new thermal technologies too. This includes a trailblazing new power station at our historic Tarbert site in Kerry which, once completed, will run on sustainable biofuels.

With energy demands growing, it is essential that Ireland’s grid scales up with demand. It must expand quickly to connect these new sources of power generation and allow us to build an electrified society, which includes the widespread rollout of electric vehicles and household technologies such as heat pumps.

However, this transition will only succeed if people are behind it. Through SSE Airtricity, we are already helping homes and businesses use energy more efficiently – offering smart technologies, retrofit support, and tailored energy insights to make energy more affordable, and give customers greater control. But it is also about delivering wider benefits, including the creation of more green jobs and sustained investment in the communities that host our energy infrastructure.

Ireland has what it takes to lead. Leadership means staying focused, working together, and delivering on the promises we have made. The energy transition won’t be easy. There will be challenges. But if we stay the course, the benefits will be felt for generations to come.

It is time to power on.

Barry O’Regan
Chief Financial Officer