Wind Energy Ireland sets out recommendations for Ireland’s EU Council Presidency

08 January 2026

Presidency term must be used to prioritise cleaner, secure and more affordable energy for Ireland and Europe

Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) has today unveiled a new policy paper, entitled, ‘Driving Competitiveness, Delivering Climate Action’, which lays out a number of key policy recommendations ahead of Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) in the second half of 2026.

From July to December 2026, Ireland will assume the Presidency, steering the EU’s agenda, chairing Council meetings and representing the Council in negotiations with other EU institutions.

In its new paper, Wind Energy Ireland outlines four key priority areas it believes Ireland should champion during its Presidency to unlock more affordable, clean and secure energy for both Ireland and the wider European Union.

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: “Families and businesses across Ireland and Europe want energy that is more affordable, clean and secure.

“Ireland’s upcoming EU Council Presidency is an opportunity to show real leadership and accelerate the rollout of renewable energy both at home and across EU Member States.”

“It also represents a key moment to help shape Europe’s energy future, build a stronger economy, secure our supply of clean energy and cut energy bills for consumers.”

Upgrading Europe’s Electricity Grids

The Irish wind industry welcomed the publication of the EU Grids Package in December, recognising its importance in accelerating the development of Europe’s electricity networks.

In its paper, Wind Energy Ireland emphasised the need for Ireland to use its upcoming Presidency to advance the EU’s grid ambitions, to secure clear deadlines for approving new grid infrastructure and drive reforms to ensure the EU develops its electricity grid ahead of future demand and remains economically competitive with China and the US.

Noel Cunniffe said: “In 2025 alone around 14 per cent 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. 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.”

 Advancing Electrification

Wind Energy Ireland also highlighted that Ireland’s Presidency term presents a vital opportunity to advance the implementation of the upcoming EU Electrification Action Plan expected in early 2026.

Noel Cunniffe added: “Electrifying our heating and transport is essential to cutting carbon emissions and building a more resilient economy. Making real progress during Ireland’s EU Council Presidency will benefit consumers and the wider EU economy while helping to deliver a new Ireland, where we use clean, affordable, electricity to heat our homes, travel to work and power our industries.

“Families and businesses are already choosing electric options. Now we need strong policies to build on that momentum and support a wider shift across society.

“Ireland has a real chance to lead by example and work with the EU to deliver the new Electrification Action Plan.”

Other key recommendations in WEI’s paper are:

• Speed up permitting – At present, renewable projects across Europe face long delays due to slow permitting. Ireland should lead a high-level EU conference on best practices, promote one-stop shops and digital platforms and ensure EU permitting rules (RED III) are fully applied to help speed up projects and build public trust.
• Embed flexibility in the energy system - Without storage and demand-side flexibility, clean energy is lost and prices are volatile. Ireland should take the lead in carrying out flexibility assessments, encourage investment in storage and demand-response solutions and help shape Europe’s future energy market. This would make electricity more reliable and affordable and reduce wasted renewable energy.

Noel Cunniffe concluded: “The growth of a thriving wind energy sector in Ireland cannot be achieved by national policies alone – an energy secure and independent Ireland must be at the heart of an energy independent and competitive Europe too.

“Ireland’s policy makers can work with the EU Council to ensure that we do not just decarbonise Ireland but also play our part in building a more sustainable and competitive Europe.

“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.

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