Supporting renewable energy

Investing in infrastructure 

There is very little change in the significant support for large-scale infrastructure projects with most (78 percent) supporting offshore wind energy projects, compared to 79 percent last year. Nearly three-quarters (72 percent) endorse onshore wind and solar energy initiatives, compared to 74 percent last year. 

According to Rodney Doyle, Managing Director, Energy Transition, at KPMG, “Ensuring Ireland reaches its net zero energy targets requires the building out of large-scale energy infrastructure and renewable energy projects. While the support for disruptive energy infrastructure projects is encouraging, one of the most important elements in powering Ireland’s energy transition will be our ability to bring citizens on the journey with us.

To secure Ireland’s energy future, we need a compelling vision of what this will mean to people regarding their homes, communities, and job prospects. It’s important that our citizens understand that putting the right infrastructure in place is what guarantees our future.” 

Enthusiasm for high-voltage power lines increases slightly to 36 percent, compared to 34 percent last year. This is concerning as we require significant grid investment to transport energy across the island, involving a network of pylons and high-voltage lines crucial for the security of Ireland’s energy infrastructure.

On the other hand, most (71 percent) would likely support the construction of the railway, bus, and cycle lanes. In comparison, nearly 3 in 5 (56 percent) would support the construction of electricity substations. 

Backing local

Providing opportunities for local workers and businesses and investment in education, infrastructure, and the local community are the key factors encouraging adults to support disruptive projects in their area.

Year on year there is little change in the overall positive attitudes to employment related development. Over 7 in 10 (74 percent) are more likely to back large-scale infrastructure projects if they create local jobs, compared to 75 percent last year and support local businesses (72 percent). 

Young adults in particular are more likely to support projects that create local employment opportunities (88 percent), and those over 65 are slightly more likely to be motivated by the support of local businesses (80 percent). Over 7 in 10 (72 percent) back disruptive infrastructure projects if they provide investment in community facilities like schools and leisure facilities, local infrastructure and education. 

Attitudes to renewable energy transition

Our research also found that one-third (32 percent) feel that Ireland should shift to a combination of low-emission fossil fuels and renewable energy sources. Meanwhile, 3 in 10 think Ireland should invest in and prioritise renewable energy sources but also keep fossil fuel sources. While 6 percent said Ireland should stop moving to renewable energy sources altogether. 

Over half (57 percent) are not willing to pay higher taxes to facilitate an energy transition; in contrast, just over 2 in 5 (45 percent) look forward to potential new job opportunities the energy transition could bring to Ireland, while the same proportion is willing to invest money to generate renewable energy from their home. 

Forty-three percent of 18 to 24-year-olds are willing to pay more for power to facilitate the energy transition, have a lower standard of living while the energy transition is taking place and pay higher taxes to facilitate the energy transition. In addition, nearly half (49 percent) believe the government is the most important body for assisting in a faster and secure energy transition. 

According to KPMG’s Colm O’Neill, “Securing Ireland’s energy future requires a clear vision showing how large-scale infrastructure and renewable energy projects benefit people, communities, and jobs. Public buy-in is vital, and our research shows strong continued support for change, but education and engagement remain key to unlocking our energy potential. Mobilising Irish people, government, and industry stakeholders will also be crucial.”