Ireland’s upcoming six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), starting on 1 July, must be used to prioritise cleaner, secure and more affordable energy for this country and the rest of Europe, according to Wind Energy Ireland.

Wind Energy Ireland’s policy paper ‘Driving Competitiveness, Delivering Climate Action’ has laid out several key policy recommendations ahead of Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency during the second half of this year.

From July to December 2026, Ireland will assume the Presidency, steering the EU’s agenda, chairing Council meetings and representing the Council of the European Union in negotiations with other EU institutions.

In its new paper, Wind Energy Ireland outlines four key priority areas it believes Ireland should champion during its Presidency to unlock more affordable, clean and secure energy for both Ireland and the wider European Union.

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: “Families and businesses across Ireland and Europe want energy that is more affordable, clean and secure. 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.

“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.”

The Irish wind industry welcomed the publication of the EU Grids Package in December 2025 recognising its importance in accelerating the development of Europe’s electricity networks.

In its paper, Wind Energy Ireland emphasised the need for Ireland to use its upcoming Presidency to advance the EU’s grid ambitions, to secure clear deadlines for approving new grid infrastructure and drive reforms to ensure the EU develops its electricity grid ahead of future demand and remains economically competitive with China and the US.

Noel Cunniffe (pictured left) 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. That means dirtier energy and higher bills for every Irish family and business.

“Advancing the EU Grids Package will maximise the benefits of renewable energy for consumers and ensure a more efficient, less wasteful, European electricity system. For Ireland, it will help to ease grid constraints and reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels.”