ISEA’s Conall Bolger on the policy and possibilities behind Ireland’s solar surge

2025-04-22

Is Ireland’s rapid solar growth sustainable? In our second episode, guest host Ken Davies sits down with Conall Bolger, CEO of the Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA), to unpack the rapid growth of solar in Ireland. With the country’s solar capacity growing by 43% between 2023 and 2024 and a national target of 8 GW by 2030, it’s a pivotal moment for the sector. Conall shares how ISEA has driven policy change, navigates the opportunities and obstacles facing the Irish market, and explores innovative approaches like agri-...

Is Ireland’s rapid solar growth sustainable?

In our second episode, guest host Ken Davies sits down with Conall Bolger, CEO of the Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA), to unpack the rapid growth of solar in Ireland.

With the country’s solar capacity growing by 43% between 2023 and 2024 and a national target of 8 GW by 2030, it’s a pivotal moment for the sector.

Conall shares how ISEA has driven policy change, navigates the opportunities and obstacles facing the Irish market, and explores innovative approaches like agri-PV and hybrid energy solutions.

The conversation also tackles grid constraints, the role of auctions, and how Ireland balances land use concerns with its clean energy ambitions.

Key Topics & Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction by Ken Davies

02:10 - What’s behind Ireland’s solar boom

05:45 - ISEA’s recent policy successes

09:30 – Ireland’s grid constraints and solutions

13:00 - Balancing agri-PV and land use

16:40 - The role of auctions and their impact on market growth

20:25 - Hybrid & co-location projects.

24:00 - What’s next for the Irish solar sector

Credits:

Guest host: Ken Davies