We love wind energy! 4 in 5 people support Ireland’s growing wind energy sector
The people of Ireland remain firmly in favour of wind energy! A new national survey, conducted by Interactions Research on behalf of Wind Energy Ireland, found that 80 per cent of the public support wind energy development, with 62 per cent backing a wind farm in their local area.
This marks a steady increase in support for wind energy, Ireland’s leading renewable resource.
The survey found that more affordable electricity, reducing carbon emissions and positive environmental impacts were the driving factors of support. Wind energy’s role in supporting Irish energy independence was also a leading motivator of public backing.
Opposition to wind energy has remained low, at just 4 per cent.
Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, welcomed the survey results:
“Irish people are hugely supportive of wind energy and know it is the leading solution to rising energy costs and the climate emergency.
“Wind power is already helping to reduce electricity prices, cut carbon emissions, and create jobs in communities across the country. With public support stronger than ever, we need to accelerate investment in grid infrastructure and skills to maximise the benefits for families, businesses and the environment.”
Offshore Wind Gains Momentum, but Policy Gaps Remain
The report also found that 75 per cent of those surveyed support offshore wind energy, with a significant 82 per cent recognising its role in securing Ireland’s energy supply.
However, only one in four believe Ireland is doing enough at a policy level to drive offshore wind development.
Noel Cunniffe continued:
“Offshore wind represents an enormous opportunity for Ireland. It can be the basis of our national energy independence. Research has shown that Ireland’s offshore wind farms could generate €38 billion for the Irish economy by 2050 if we can unlock its potential.
“This survey proves we have the support of the Irish people but they want to see more and faster delivery. The Government needs to identify new sites for offshore wind energy projects around our coasts and reinforce the electricity grid to accommodate the enormous clean power these wind farms can produce.”
Marking the Occasion: Share the Love for Wind
To celebrate Ireland’s continued love of wind power, Wind Energy Ireland is inviting people to send a wind-themed Valentine’s card to someone who “blows them away”! Visit www.windenergyireland.
Notes:
This survey was commissioned by Wind Energy Ireland to measure and track perceptions and attitudes around wind energy amongst Irish adults. This year’s survey sampled a representative sample of 1,070 Irish adults together with a supplementary booster sample of 210 rural dwellers. Fieldwork took place between 17th November and 1st December 2024.
Additional survey findings:
When asked to rank the top 5 benefits of wind energy the responses were as follows:
- Good for the environment – 77%
- Reduces CO2 emissions – 76%
- Cheaper electricity – 71%
- Supports energy independence – 55%
- Creates employment – 45%
About Wind Energy Ireland
Wind Energy Ireland is the representative body for the Irish wind industry, working to promote wind energy as an essential, economical and environmentally friendly part of the country’s low-carbon energy future.
We are Ireland’s largest renewable energy organisation with nearly 200 members who have come together to plan, build, operate and support the development of the country’s chief renewable energy resource.
We are an all-Ireland body, working in Northern Ireland through a partnership with our colleagues in RenewableUK.
We create jobs, invest in communities, reduce our CO2 emissions and work to end Ireland’s reliance on foreign fossil fuels.
We are leaders in Ireland’s fight against climate change. Read more at: https://www.windenergyireland.
