Rising electricity demand drives the transition from fossil fuels
“Electrification is absolutely massive,” ESB Networks CEO Paddy Hayes told RTÉ News at COP31 in Turkey, outlining how households and businesses will soon face fundamental changes in how and when they consume power.
As Ireland accelerates its transition away from fossil fuels, the growing use of electricity for heating, transport, and industry will significantly increase overall demand on the electricity system, rte.ie reported. Governments attending the COP31 climate summit are currently considering a major international initiative to increase the proportion of global energy consumption supplied by electricity to 35% by 2035, compared with approximately 23% today.
Infrastructure Challenges at COP31
“It’ll be challenging because it means that the demand will go up,” Mr Hayes said during the summit discussions, noting that while cleaner electricity generation allows for carbon emission reductions across the economy, it creates substantial hurdles for power networks.
The expansion of microgeneration—where households and businesses produce their own electricity using technologies like rooftop solar panels—is already altering day-to-day grid operations. Managing precisely when electricity is consumed will become increasingly vital as more consumers switch to electric vehicles and heat pumps.
Consumers adapt using smart tariffs and electric charging
“Flexibility is going to be a key part of this as well,” Mr Hayes stated, pointing out that consumers are already beginning to adapt their habits through the smart use of electric charging and newly introduced utility pricing.
“We’re seeing the smart use of electric charging by customers, picking the time of day. We’re seeing smart tariffs from lots of the electricity companies, and I think we’re going to see more of that in the future as we continue to electrify for the sake of the planet,” Mr Hayes told rte.ie, adding that improving overall energy efficiency will remain essential.
Decarbonising Generation in Ireland
Full climate benefits rely heavily on electricity being generated from clean sources, with Mr Hayes highlighting Ireland’s ongoing progress in phasing out coal and peat, including the closure of coal-fired generation at Moneypoint in Co Clare.
The ESB chief compared the current energy system transformation to the rural electrification programme of the last century, noting that ESB will celebrate its centenary next year. The original rollout was described as a “quiet revolution,” and current changes represent another critical stage in national development that must be driven through to 2035.
What is the COP31 electricity consumption target for 2035?
What is the COP31 electricity consumption target for 2035?
Governments attending the summit are considering an international initiative to supply 35% of global energy consumption with electricity by 2035, up from roughly 23%.
When does the ESB celebrate its centenary?
The ESB will celebrate its centenary next year.
Did you know? Paddy Hayes compared the current transformation of Ireland’s energy system to the rural electrification programme of the last century.