Ireland has launched the development of a new Power Sector White Paper that will establish the country's long-term vision for electricity generation, transmission, distribution and regulation through 2050, providing the framework for future energy policy, legislation and investment in support of its climate neutrality commitments.

The initiative was announced by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien on 29 July. According to the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, the White Paper will set out how Ireland can build an energy system based on clean, secure and affordable electricity while supporting the country's long-standing strategy of electrifying the economy.

The government said the document will examine the strategic issues and trade-offs facing the power sector and will be underpinned by systems-level analysis covering risks, future scenarios, electricity supply and demand, grid development and governance. It will also identify and assess the policy options available to the government over the period to 2050.

"Ireland's energy transition represents a momentous opportunity for us all, to help make our economy and industries more efficient and competitive, to open new opportunities for businesses, and create tangible benefits for our communities across Ireland," O'Brien said.

He added that the White Paper "will be a key part of guiding the energy transition to clean, secure, affordable electricity" and "will set a path to deliver – for this generation and future generations." The minister also called for broad participation from stakeholders across government and the public, private and voluntary sectors during the development of the initiative.

The Department noted that the White Paper builds on previous work to strengthen Ireland's energy security. In 2024, it commissioned the International Energy Agency (IEA) to conduct a comprehensive energy security study following recommendations from the McCarthy Review of Electricity Security of Supply, the IEA's 2024 Ireland Energy Policy Review (IDR) and the department's Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 report.

The resulting IEA report, Powering Ireland's Energy Future, concluded that Ireland would benefit from a unified cross-sectoral energy strategy to guide the energy transition, supported by a detailed assessment of the future electricity supply mix.

According to the department, the White Paper will complement existing policy frameworks, including the National Energy and Climate Plan, the Climate Action Plan and the National Energy Demand Strategy.

Its preparation will involve ongoing consultation with stakeholders and will be supported by a governance structure bringing together government departments and energy sector representatives. An external advisory group, comprising experts from the energy and enterprise sectors, will also contribute to the process.