Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) has published a policy paper setting out recommendations for Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026.
The paper outlines four priority areas Ireland should champion to unlock more affordable, clean and secure energy for the EU, said WEI.
Noel Cunniffe, chief executive of Wind Energy Ireland, said: “Families and businesses across Ireland and Europe want energy that is more affordable, clean and secure.”
He added: “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.”
He stated: “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.”
WEI highlighted the need to use the presidency to advance Europe’s electricity grid development, following the publication of the EU Grids Package in December.
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.”
He added: “Advancing the EU Grids Package will maximise the benefits of renewable energy for consumers and ensure a more efficient, less wasteful, European electricity system.”
The paper also identifies the upcoming EU Electrification Action Plan as a priority for the presidency term.
Cunniffe stated: “Electrifying our heating and transport is essential to cutting carbon emissions and building a more resilient economy.”
He said: “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.”
WEI recommended speeding up permitting across Europe through best-practice sharing, one-stop shops and digital platforms, and emphasised the need to embed flexibility in the energy system through storage and demand-side solutions.
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.”