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NESC Energy Conference 2025: Energising the Transition

  • 22 October 2025
  • Topics: Energy and renewables Environment
  • Types: Events

A special event marking the culmination of NESC’s Energy Programme 2024-25.

 

Over the last 18 months we have examined, in great detail, the future of the energy transition and what it could mean for Ireland’s economy, society, and the environment.

Invited stakeholders ranging from energy industry experts to policymakers and community groups gathered in the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel on 22 October for this special in-person event, which built on our extensive body of work in this area – namely, the Council Reports Ireland’s Future Power System and Economic Resilience, International Trade Dependencies and the Energy Transition, Connecting People to the Energy Transition, and a forthcoming paper on energy systems analysis. Our research shows that Government can take a more co-ordinated, inclusive approach to the energy transition, and this was the launch pad for a series of highly stimulating discussions and presentations on the day addressing how exactly Ireland can make the necessary transition for the good of all people and sectors.

During the day, five key themes were addressed:

  • Delivering Ireland’s Energy System – How can we decarbonise the energy system and deliver on broader social, economic and environmental objectives?
  • Map, Milestones, and Destination – How can we reinforce confidence in Ireland’s model for transition to a decarbonised power system?
  • Parts, Puzzles, and Possibilities – How do we ensure that the diverse parts of the energy transition align and work cohesively?
  • People and Energy –What are the benefits and opportunities for people and communities in the energy transition?
  • Action Now, Next, and Later – What are the key steps that need to be taken to breathe more life into the energy transition?

Over 25 speakers and panellists took part across the day’s four main sessions – Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien, TD formally opened proceedings, with IEA’s Dr Brian Motherway providing a keynote opening address drawing all the findings of the work together. Further keynote presentations were delivered by Mr Kevin O’Donovan, Statkraft; Dr Lewis Akenji, Hot or Cool Institute; Prof Frances Fahy, University of Galway; and Dr Paul Deane, University College Cork. Closing remarks came courtesy of Ms Oonagh Buckley, Secretary General at the Department of Climate, Energy & Environment.

Please find below a slideshow featuring highlights from the event. Also below are links to additional conference material, which we will be adding to periodically over the coming days.

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Slide deck of Philip Barrett’s conference illustrations (please click each one individually to view the full graphic in a new window):

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