Amid nostalgia for a simpler past, there are still voices making the case that fossil fuels and nuclear energy should form the backbone of the grid. And it is always hard to make the case for energy efficiency and demand management when fossil fuels, on paper at least, are plentiful, and there is no sign yet of the big energy producers slowing down extraction or divesting from fossil energy. As the carbon budgets start to really bite, and recent flooding reminds us of how vulnerable we are to climate change impacts in Ireland, the role of nuclear energy regularly resurfaces. The SEAI Energy in Ireland 2025 report highlights that Ireland needs proven, immediate solutions to avoid missing its second carbon budget (2026–2030). The real challenges facing Irish energy policy are managing rising demand, delivering the promised renewables and the retail cost of energy.

Source: The Irish Times February 26, 2026 09:01 UTC