Ireland has a history of bravery in energy supply — and we need that bravery again now

Our fledgling State used nature, in the form of harnessing hydroelectric power from the River Shannon, to meet its energy needs. We need that audacity again now — and solar power is the answer to our current needs

Unlike fossil fuels, solar power does not rely on a globally traded commodity whose price changes daily. Once a solar development is built, its necessary fuel source, sunlight, is free. The cost of generation becomes largely fixed and predictable for decades.

A century ago, our fledgling nation was at a crossroads. As the country emerged from a crisis, others around it looked like they were going to move ahead at a different pace and leave Saorstát Éireann at a distinct disadvantage. This new country, it was perceived, had few resources other than those gifted to her by nature.

The decision to harness the power of the River Shannon was then, and still is, mesmerising in its audacity. The country’s needs at the time were met by a new technology — hydroelectric power. Nature provided the answer at a time when it felt like other options were beyond reach.