IRELAND’S ENERGY SECURITY: SOLAR FOR SCARY TIMES
Updated March 20th, 2026
By Morgan Pierce
Last month, watching Donald Trump pump his fists and chant “drill, baby, drill” just seemed out-of-step with climate realties, and kind of silly. Oil prices leaping skyward with the outbreak of war in the Middle East offer a pointed reminder of why continued reliance on fossil fuels isn’t just out-of-step, it’s a step backward.
Here at home, there are very few among the political class who match Trump’s level of climate denial. Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae’s comment that, “God above is in charge of the weather and we here can’t do anything about it” probably comes closest – but his is a lonely position.
But talking the talk isn’t enough – especially in a world in which conflict – and war – can lead to the weaponisation of energy flows and disrupt energy security and supply. According to statistics from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), “fossil fuels continue to dominate Ireland’s energy supply” – amounting to 81.4% of Ireland’s primary energy in 2024. And 80% of it was imported.
That means that Ireland is badly exposed to the volatility of international oil and gas markets in times of instability, crisis or war. Environmental considerations aside, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels would greatly increase Ireland’s energy security. That should be high up on policy makers’ lists of priorities no matter what they think about climate change.
True energy independence would require ownership of the full supply chain for any of fossil fuel’s replacements. It’s unlikely that here in Europe we’ll ever be able to scale up manufacture of solar energy components to be competitive with what currently comes out of China, the world’s biggest supplier.
China produces 85% of the world’s solar panels, and more than half of the inverters (which convert generated DC current into a usable AC form) sold around the globe. Some European security consultants have warned of the potential risk posed by Chinese dominance in the field, and urged “Made in Europe” certification for critical infrastructure.
Increasing Ireland’s Energy Security
That issue aside, solar remains one of the lowest cost energy sources available. Expanding it is the best way to cap spiralling energy costs, meet the growing electricity demands of an “always connected” population in an increasingly AI driven economy and one step further towards increasing Ireland’s energy security.
Most Irish rooftops are compatible with solar. Independent sources of renewable energy like solar are less vulnerable, not only to the vagaries of the fossil fuel markets, but to possible attacks on central power grids or transmission lines. When security experts speak of the danger of “hybrid” warfare, it is just such kinds of attacks to which they refer. Irish neutrality does not necessarily protect us.
In times of conflict, as already seen in the virtual closure of shipping through the Straits of Hormuz, importing fossil fuels becomes dangerous and difficult. Iran’s threats to shipping in the Strait has – within a few short days – caused prices to surge. By contrast, in Europe, the capacity to generate electricity with wind and solar saved approximately €12 billion in energy costs after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Investing in decentralised, green energy helps build energy security and a more sustainable and resilient economy. That’s good for everyone.
Why Choose Solar In Ireland?
Investing in a solar panel systems in Ireland can bring many benefits, including reduced energy bills, increased energy independence, and a reduced carbon footprint. If you are interested in installing a solar panel system in Ireland, it is also worth exploring the different grant options and green business loans available and seeking professional advice from one of our solar energy advisors.
Feel free to contact us for more information, we’re here to help.
