95% of industry experts do not believe Ireland will reach its target of having 80% of electricity generated from renewable sources by 2030, a new report has found.
The study by KPMG, commissioned by Wind Energy Ireland, found planning delays and inadequate capacity on the electricity grid are among the factors that will prevent the milestone being reached.
A lack of "joined up thinking" in policy development is also hindering the possibility of the target being met, the analysis concludes.
The research, 'Act Now - Accelerating onshore renewable energy in Ireland', finds the Government must act on three priorities if the targets are to be achieved.
These include ensuring the planning system is properly resourced by cutting out the current bottlenecks to prevent further backlogs and making sure people are in place with the skills to make decisions within the timelines of planning laws.
The report also finds the national grid is no fit for purpose at present as it was designed for fossil fuels.
As a result, the authors suggest a complete overhaul take place through the delivery of EirGrid’s strategy.
The analysis also recommends that a task-force be set up to coordinate the delivery of offshore renewables, as well as onshore renewables, wind and solar.
"There was unanimity across stakeholders that Ireland can and should be a leader in Europe’s energy transition," James Delahunt, Partner, KPMG Sustainable Futures.
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"However, there was also a recognition that many elements of Ireland’s renewables ecosystem are already at capacity."
"A mobilisation of government and industry stakeholders is required if we are to extend this capacity to enable delivery of Ireland’s abundant renewable potential. Collaboration will be key."
Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said the report should be a wake-up call to anyone who wants to cut carbon emissions and end dependency on imported fossil fuels.
"I believe we can, and must, be a leader in Europe’s energy revolution," he said.
"We have the natural resources, we have the project pipeline and we have the ambition. This report highlights the obstacles to achieving these ambitions," he added.
He added that by pooling resources, State agencies, Government departments and industry can solve the challenges and delivery the change required.
