Accelerating the Energy Transition: Key Strategies for a Sustainable Future

The energy transition in Ireland and the UK hinges on efficient capital delivery to modernise infrastructure, ensure investment flows at pace, and align stakeholders for execution. As electricity demand surges and fossil fuels phase out, the ability to deliver large-scale energy projects on time and within budget becomes critical to achieving net-zero targets. 

In the UK, renewable energy sources accounted for 42.9% of electricity generation in 2023, up from 39.6% in 2022. The UK government has set ambitious targets to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with significant investments in offshore wind, solar power, and hydrogen technologies. Additionally, the UK’s energy-related CO2 emissions have decreased by 44% since 1990, highlighting the progress made towards a cleaner energy system. 

Ireland has also made significant strides in its energy transition. In 2023, 15.3% of Ireland’s primary energy came from renewable sources, the highest value to date. The country aims to achieve a 70% renewable electricity share by 2030, driven by substantial investments in wind and solar power. Ireland’s energy-related CO2 emissions in 2023 were at their lowest level in over 30 years, down 8.3% from 2022 levels. 

As both nations continue to advance their energy transitions, it is crucial to focus on three key strategies: digital transformation, strengthening organisational capabilities, and enhancing collaboration. 

1. Digital Transformation – Building a Smarter, More Flexible Grid 

With increasing renewable penetration, the grid must evolve into a real-time, data-driven system that efficiently manages fluctuating supply and demand. AI-driven predictive analytics, digital twins, and blockchain-based energy trading will optimise efficiency, reduce costs, and improve grid stability. Smart grids and automation will enable dynamic load balancing, faster fault detection, and enhanced demand-side response, ensuring a resilient and adaptive network. Governments and regulators must accelerate the adoption of digital solutions to unlock the full potential of clean energy. Leveraging tools like Power BI dashboards and Power Apps can further enhance visibility into operational and capital expenditures, enabling better decision-making and strategic planning. 

2. Strengthening Organisational Capabilities – Scaling for Innovation and Delivery 

With governments placing a major emphasis on the energy transition, public sector energy companies are securing significant funding during price control periods. Last year, the UK government announced the creation of Great British Energy, a new publicly owned green power company set to receive £8.3 billion in investment. In Northern Ireland, NIE Networks’ RP7 price control period will see the Distribution System Operator allocate £2.21 billion towards strengthening energy security and advancing net zero and renewable energy targets. However, maximising the impact of this funding requires strong internal capabilities and a sustainable operating model. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the energy sector will need to invest approximately $4 trillion annually by 2030 to meet global net-zero targets. Organisations must evolve to deliver infrastructure at scale, balancing efficient capital deployment, network expansion, customer experience, and innovation. This means adopting agile workforce structures, streamlined execution strategies, and scalable operational frameworks to improve efficiency and resilience. Companies that embed adaptability and innovation into their core strategy will be best positioned to build a resilient, future-ready energy system. 

3. Strengthening Collaboration – Aligning Stakeholders for Efficient Capital Delivery 

The energy transition demands greater collaboration within and across sectors. Public and private entities must streamline capital delivery to ensure large-scale projects are delivered on time and within budget. Joint ventures, shared procurement models, and integrated project planning can improve efficiency, lower costs, and speed up deployment. A coordinated effort is also needed to align all stakeholders—regulators, grid companies, policymakers, and the public—on infrastructure delivery. According to the IEA, enhanced international collaboration could accelerate clean energy transitions by decades. Addressing local opposition, regulatory inertia, and fragmented policies through revised incentives, clearer planning frameworks, and stronger public engagement will create a more supportive environment for grid expansion. A compelling economic narrative about the long-term benefits of the energy transition will be key to securing sustained public and political support. 

Conclusion 

The energy transition in Ireland and the UK cannot succeed without efficient capital delivery. By modernising digital infrastructure, strengthening organisational capabilities and collaboration, stakeholders can accelerate project execution and drive the transition towards a cleaner, more resilient energy system. The time to act is now, delays in capital deployment today will mean missed targets tomorrow.