In advance of the UN Summit of the Future, Earth4All has released a new report detailing two possible futures for Sub-Saharan Africa this century. The report, "SDGs for All: Africa," uses Earth4All's state-of-the-art system dynamics model to chart possible pathways for SDG implementation in the region.

Written in collaboration with notable African sustainability experts, the report emphasises the scale and urgency of economic transformation needed to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region.

SDGs for All: Africa

In the best-case scenario, called the "Giant Leap," Sub-Saharan Africa could see poverty drop from 500 million to 25 million people, hunger nearly eradicated, and universal access to education, clean water, and sustainable electricity. On the other hand, the "Too Little Too Late" scenario paints a grim picture where poverty rises to 900 million, hunger still affects 180 million, and over a billion people lack clean water.

The Too Little Too Late scenario is based on existing policies in the region. These two scenarios highlight the critical importance of action this decade to drive five extraordinary turnarounds in the areas of poverty, inequality, empowerment, food, and energy.

Key highlights from the modelling for Sub-Saharan Africa include:

Poverty reduction: Under the Giant Leap scenario, poverty decreases dramatically from 500 million to 25 million people by 2100, compared to a rise to 900 million under the Too Little Too Late scenario.

Hunger Eradication: Hunger is nearly eradicated in the Giant Leap, with undernourishment dropping to 20 million, in stark contrast to 180 million under the Too Little Too Late scenario.

Education Access: The average schooling years increase to 13, up from 8 years under the Too Little Too Late scenario.

Water Access: Universal water access is achieved by 2070, significantly improving from over one billion without access in the Too Little Too Late scenario.

Electricity Access: Sustainable electricity access reaches over 95% by 2050, compared to 75% still lacking access under the Too Little Too Late scenario.

Climate Mitigation: Carbon emissions are reach acceptable levels by 2040 as opposed to dangerous levels that push global temperatures even higher.

Economic Growth: Decent work and economic growth see significant boosts, with unemployment falling to 50 million by 2100, compared to 150 million in the Too Little Too Late scenario. Workers' disposable income and GDP per capita also see substantial increases, doubling in comparison to the Too Little Too Late scenario. And inequality is greatly reduced with labour's share of GDP reaching 60% by 2040, thereby making Africa one of the most equal regions in the world

The new research from Earth4All, an international team of economists and scientists, shows the policy levers needed to ensure that the SDGs are met in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2100. The report 'SDGs for All: Africa' equips policymakers with practical solutions designed to accelerate SDG implementation and to respond to the planetary emergency. It concludes that policymakers can step up the implementation of the SDGs by 2030 and beyond and achieve wellbeing for all.

But this is only possible by enacting five 'extraordinary turnarounds' that break with current trends.

"The challenge for Sub-Saharan Africa this century is that economic transformation must now take place in the shadow of a climate emergency. This is a breakthrough or breakdown moment for the continent. It teeters on the brink of two vastly different futures: one of transformative progress and one of deepening despair.

As we approach the UN Summit of the Future this September, the time for bold, decisive action is now - to ensure a 'Giant Leap' towards a future where poverty and hunger are eradicated, and every individual has access to education, clean water, and sustainable energy. Our choices today will shape the destiny of millions.

We must act, and we must act decisively." Said Jane Kabubo-M...

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has expanded its partnership with Google Cloud to offer two new cybersecurity solutions for customers. This partnership aims to strengthen cyber resilience for enterprises across industries and empower them with domain-focused innovation with cutting-edge technologies from TCS and Google Cloud.

TCS operates a Threat Management Centre for cyber security and a centre of excellence in cloud services out of its Global Delivery Centre, based in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.

The TCS Managed Detection and Response (MDR) solution, powered by Google Security Operations platform, will enable security teams to reduce the time required to detect, and respond to threats. It combines the hyperscaler's advanced threat detection capabilities with TCS' contextual knowledge to enable continuous security monitoring and round-the-clock response.

The TCS Secure Cloud Foundation leverages capabilities from Google Cloud's security solutions to strengthen cloud security posture and governance across single, multi, and hybrid cloud environments by embedding security and compliance guardrails throughout the DevSecOps lifecycle. Leveraging AI, machine learning, and automation, the solution continuously monitors risks, identifies deviations, and recommends remedial actions.

Ganesa Subramanian, VP and Global Head, Cybersecurity Business Group, TCS, said, "Businesses are rapidly transforming, and they must secure their transformation journey to grow with confidence. The rise of Generative AI further underscores the need to modernize cybersecurity and strengthen cyber resilience.

This partnership brings together the best of capabilities, contextual knowledge, and accelerators from TCS and Google Cloud to holistically protect the digital estates of enterprise customers, to help them be future-ready, cyber resilient businesses."

TCS has already deployed both solutions successfully for several of its clients. For example, the Secure Cloud Foundation solution has assisted a global bank headquartered in Germany in automating, identifying, and deploying over 800 build-time and runtime security policies, ensuring adherence to regulatory compliance requirements.

Nidhi Srivastava, Vice President and Executive Champion for Google Cloud, TCS, said, "TCS' expanded partnership with Google Cloud provides two unique, AI-powered, cross-industry, enterprise solutions - the TCS Managed Detection and Response Solution and the TCS Secure Cloud Foundation - to help our clients combat advanced cybersecurity threats. Our deep industry knowledge, comprehensive portfolio, and ability to scale on Google Cloud enables us to rapidly create value for our customers."

In a partnership spanning a decade, TCS and Google Cloud have helped global enterprises transform their businesses with the power of cloud. This new phase of the partnership will focus on leveraging Google Cloud's AI-powered security portfolio across threat intelligence, security operations and cloud security.

TCS and Google Cloud will help clients secure their cloud transformation journeys by offering tailored solutions at a global scale, along with local expertise to adhere to regulatory compliance.

Peter Bailey, Vice President and General Manager of Security Operations, Google Cloud, said,

"TCS and Google Cloud have partnered for many years to help customers harness the power of the cloud and AI to grow and transform their business. The integration of Google Security Operations into TCS MDR and Secure Cloud Foundation solutions is a natural evolution of this partnership; enabling TCS and their customers to leverage Google SecOps planet-level scalability, searchability, integrated and AI-assisted investigation and response workflows, and applied Mandiant Threat Intelligence.

Together, we can help customer organizations dramatically improve their security posture and ability to respond to threats in real time."

For its compr...

Last month saw record amounts of renewable energy produced for August, provisional data from grid operator EirGrid shows.

Around 898 GWh (Gigawatt hours) of electricity was generated from grid-connected windfarms in August, the highest ever figure recorded for that month. This provided for 34% of electricity used in Ireland, representing an increase from the previous August record of 867 GWh set last year.

Meanwhile, grid-scale solar power surpassed the historic 100 GWh mark for the second month in a row in August, with the figure of 103 GWh of electricity produced accounting for 3.9% of demand last month, falling slightly behind the all-time record set in July.

Overall 40% of electricity used in August came from renewables, with total electricity system demand standing at 2,639 GWh for the month.

Gas generation accounted for 37% of all electricity used in August (977 GWh), with 18.6% being imported via interconnection (492 GWh), 3% coming from coal (78 GWh), and the remaining 1% from other sources.

EirGrid is responsible for leading Ireland's transition to a low-carbon future so that 80% of electricity can come from renewables by 2030, as set out in Government targets.

Diarmaid Gillespie, Director of System Operations at EirGrid, said: "While we had a bit more wind power on the system compared to August 2023, the amount of solar energy generated for the grid almost doubled from the same month last year, which shows the rate of progress we're seeing in integrating different types of renewables onto the electricity grid."

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Tech is now being used daily by businesses, as it is an important tool in their arsenal. However SME's are overlooked and under serviced when it comes to tech but thankfully Cozmotec is one company helping, by focusing exclusively on SME's that are trying to grow, improve their operations or efficiencies, or just need help increasing profits. Ronan recently spoke to City Gupta the founder and CEO of Cozmotec.

Cuty talks about her background, what Cozmotec does, how to make tech less scary and more.

More about Cozmotec:

Cozmotec is a tech company focusing on robotic process automation and artificial intelligence. Cozmotec is all about making advanced technology and automation affordable and easy to use for every business. Their goal is to help businesses of all sizes benefit from these tools without straining their budgets, making sure that all businesses can succeed in today's tech-driven world.

See more podcasts here.

Guest post by Jennifer Mann, is the co-author of The Secret Language of the Body, out now (£16.99), and co-founder of Somia International.

Burnout is a serious issue that many professionals face today. With increasing workloads, constant connectivity, and the pressure to perform, it's easy to become overwhelmed and stressed. Left unchecked, stress can lead to burnout, a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that can severely impact your health and productivity. The good news is that there are simple exercises you can incorporate into your daily routine to help prevent burnout.

These exercises focus on calming the nervous system, managing stress and anxiety, and promoting overall well-being. Here are five simple yet effective exercises to help you prevent burnout from stress at work.

Prevent Burnout

1. Vagus Nerve Stimulation

The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating the body's stress response. Stimulating the vagus nerve can help calm your nervous system, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. One simple way to do this is through the Vagus Nerve Reset exercise.

To perform this exercise, find a quiet space where you can sit comfortably. Place your right hand over your heart and your left hand on your belly. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, allowing your belly to rise as you inhale. Hold the breath for three seconds, then slowly exhale through your mouth, feeling your belly fall. Repeat this process for 3-5 minutes.

As you breathe deeply and slowly, you activate the vagus nerve, which helps shift your body from the fight-or-flight response to a state of calm. Incorporating this exercise into your daily routine can be a powerful way to manage stress and prevent burnout.

2. 4-7-8 Breathing Technique

Breathing exercises are a highly effective way to manage anxiety and emotions, especially in a high-stress work environment. The 4-7-8 breathing technique, developed by Dr. Andrew Weil, is one such exercise that can help you regain control over your emotions and reduce stress levels.

To practice the 4-7-8 technique, sit in a comfortable position with your back straight. Close your eyes and exhale completely through your mouth, making a whooshing sound. Then, close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose for a count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Finally, exhale completely through your mouth for a count of eight. Repeat this cycle four times.

This technique works by slowing down your breathing, which in turn lowers your heart rate and calms your nervous system. It's particularly useful in moments of acute stress or anxiety, as it helps you refocus and center yourself, preventing the escalation of stressful emotions.

3. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a technique that involves tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups in your body. This exercise helps reduce physical tension, which is often a byproduct of stress and anxiety, and can contribute to burnout if left unaddressed.

To perform PMR, start by sitting or lying down in a comfortable position. Begin with your toes - curl them tightly and hold the tension for five seconds, then release and focus on the sensation of relaxation. Gradually move up through your body, tensing and relaxing each muscle group: your calves, thighs, abdomen, chest, arms, hands, neck, and face. As you progress, pay attention to how your body feels after each release of tension.

This exercise not only helps relieve physical stress but also encourages mindfulness, as you focus on each part of your body. Regular practice of PMR can help reduce overall stress levels, making it a valuable tool in preventing burnout.

4. Mindful Walking

Incorporating physical movement into your daily routine is essential for stress management. Mindful walking is a simple yet effective exercise that combines movement with mindfulness, helping you regulate your nervous system and reduce stress.

To practice mi...

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has published Ireland's full Energy Balance for 2023, which provides the breakdown of energy demand in 2023, as well as the associated energy-related emissions.

Figures show that energy-related emissions were down by just under 8% in 2023, marking a record rate of reduction. This demonstrates progress towards energy decarbonisation in Ireland. However, the patterns emerging of how we use energy across electricity, heat and transport show significant changes and even higher rates of reduction are needed to successfully bridge the gap between our current performance and achieving our binding climate commitments.

Commenting on the latest figures, Margie McCarthy, Director of Research and Policy Insights, SEAI, noted:

"Firstly, we welcome a new 'personal best' for Ireland in terms of energy-related emissions reductions. We need to find the right measure of marking this progress while recognising it's the start of the journey to being able to celebrate success in 2030. At the moment, we are falling far short of where we need to be. Change is notably afoot.

Now, we need to turn ambition into action to meet our national climate obligations and avoid significant compliance costs against legally binding EU targets."

Reductions in emissions from the electricity sector last year were notable, mainly driven by increased use of imported electricity supply across our interconnectors with the UK and increased renewable energy generation from wind and solar here in Ireland. Provisional data for 2024 indicates this trend is continuing, suggesting a 17% reduction in electricity-related emissions for the first half of the year.

The data shows the total electricity usage increased in 2023, mostly due to new data centre connections. This increase in electricity demand outpaced the connection of new renewable energy sources.

The breakdown of transport emissions in 2023 shows that, even with increased levels of fossil fuel blending with biodiesel and bioethanol, there was a slight increase in transport emissions. Ireland's road transport energy remains over 90% reliant on fossil fuels. Aviation energy reached a record high last year, a concerning trend at a time when we need to be reducing energy demand across all modes of travel.

Provisional data for transport sector emissions in 2024 is indicating a slight reduction. Overall, the data shows Ireland is currently on track to exceed our carbon budget by 2025.

McCarthy explained: "With the data we have to hand, it appears that we will marginally exceed the first carbon budget for electricity, leaving an already tight budget slightly reduced for the second period to 2030. The situation with transport will be very challenging as we will likely exceed the first transport sectoral ceiling by some considerable amount perhaps requiring a halving of annual transport emissions through the second period."

Residential use of coal, peat, oil, and natural gas for heating and hot water all dropped in 2023, and the amount of renewable energy used in Irish homes from heat pumps increased by over 30%, albeit from a low base. Provisional 2024 data, however, suggests a return to growth in gas and oil for home heating, which could see the gains made in 2023 reversed. Industrial and services sector gas use is also up in the first half of 2024.

Looking ahead to what Ireland can do to accelerate emissions reductions, McCarthy highlighted several actions required of policymakers, industry, and individuals:

"The good news is that we already have the technical solutions to deliver on climate obligations; we just need to deploy them at sufficient scale and pace. We need to focus on offshore wind, grid-scale solar PV, and electricity grid development. To tackle heat emissions, we need to eliminate oil and gas boilers, replacing them with electric heat pumps and building district heat networks in towns and cities.

We also need to support individuals to reduce their transport ...

The Learnovate Centre in Trinity College Dublin is one of three Irish organisations playing a key role in a €1.5 million EU initiative to lower the barrier to participation in the European semiconductor sector for women and other under-represented groups.

The European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA) project brings together a consortium of 11 partner organisations from industry and education with the aim of helping the sector retain and grow its existing workforce by developing a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across its entire value chain.

Alongside partners from Germany, Italy, Netherlands, France, and Slovakia, the Erasmus+ co-funded project - which was launched in April this year - is supported by three Irish organisations - Learnovate, a learning technology research centre in Trinity College Dublin; EudaOrg, a DEI consultancy and software provider; and MIDAS, an industry-led cluster that also includes educational, research and government agencies.

The three-year ECDA project will run in three stages. The first, data collection and analysis, will facilitate the second-stage development of a DEI suite of training and operational tools. In the final stage, the training tools will be trialled in industry settings, leading to the establishment of DEI leadership and mentorship programmes.

Learnovate are global experts in learning technology helping organisations navigate the complexity of the evolving future of work and learning. Based at Trinity College Dublin, Learnovate helps organisations transform learning experiences in the workplace, schools, universities, and at home. It has led more than ten years of research in learning technologies.

Learnovate's primary role in ECDA is to contribute to the development, validation and quality control of training topics and learning content around DEI in the semiconductor sector. Learnovate will also facilitate a structured and innovative approach to establishing learner journey maps, so the experience of all learning stakeholders is captured and enhanced where necessary.

EudaOrg is a member organisation of Learnovate. Founded in 2021 by psychologists and experts in organisational change Nessa Maguire and Allison Kuschel, EudaOrg provides consultancy and advisory services in DEI to commercial companies and delivers sectoral assessments. EudaOrg also offers software packages that allow companies of all sizes to take DEI assessments and develop action plans to implement effective data-driven DEI policies.

EudaOrg's role in ECDA is to conduct surveys and interviews with executives and other senior leaders within the European semiconductor industry. The findings of these interviews will later inform the development of the suite of DEI training tools.

Semiconductors, or chips, are fundamental components in all electronic products. The availability of semiconductors is vital to the continued viability of almost all industries, including cars, communications, manufacturing, data processing, space, defence, smart devices, gaming, and many more.

Talent attraction and retention remains a challenge in the EU chips sector, with skills shortages creating additional pressures in terms of maintaining supply and global competitiveness. Researchers believe that widening access to the sector for women, ethnic minorities and those with disabilities, and bridging the distance between university and the workplace, will help satisfy industry demands.

Learnovate Centre Director Nessa McEniff said:

"The European Chips Diversity Alliance (ECDA) project represents an exciting opportunity for Learnovate and EudaOrg, one of our member organisations, to play a central role in futureproofing a key sector in the European economy. All sectors are affected by skills shortages, and issues around retention and recruitment of staff, but very few sectors are so fundamental to the continued functioning of our everyday lives.

We are excited to work with our partners on the ECDA and look forward to seeing...

59 Ukrainian startups have been awarded €2 million in grant funding from the Seeds of Bravery consortium. This funding will drive innovation and growth across four key programmes: Innovative Entrepreneurship, Deep Tech Incubators, Rebuild Ukraine, and DeepTech Scale-Up & Acceleration.

New Ukrainian projects supported by UASEED project

The international Seeds of Bravery consortium, comprising members from 13 countries, has recognized the excellence of Ukrainian startups, aligning with Horizon Europe standards, the world's largest R&D programme.

How many startups have received funding under the programmes?

Innovative Entrepreneurship: 21 startups received up to €25,000 each to support business continuity and promote women-led companies.

Deep Tech Incubators: 10 early-stage startups secured up to €25,000 each for pre-MVP activities.

Rebuild Ukraine: 7 innovators received up to €25,000 each to help rebuild post-war Ukraine.

DeepTech Scale-Up & Acceleration: 21 startups awarded up to €50,000 each to scale prototypes and expand market reach.

These successes demonstrate the immense potential of Ukrainian startups. Investing in innovation is a step towards economic growth, job creation, and a better quality of life. Seeds of Bravery remains committed to supporting the Ukrainian startup ecosystem, with an additional €10 million earmarked for the next 14 months.

List of projects that received funding:

1. Verba - AI captions for video

2. Scople - Device that analyzes the world around us using artificial intelligence algorithms.

3. WedCulling - AI photo culling service for photographers and retouchers

4. Apixmed - virtual assistant for personalized disease treatment

5. ClinCaseQuest - a Simulation Training Platform for medical education with simulators of clinical cases (interactive patients) that help doctors and students to gain clinical experience

6. Effy AI - manager copilot (assistant) that provide tailored tips and tricks on engaging and developing employees

7. FluxHR - AI-Based recruiting tool for video interviews

8. Univera - student app that simplifies interaction with the university and matches student experience with job offers

9. Allpass.ai - fully automated KYC & AML tool for fintech SME's

10. Breakthrough invention in the field of aircraft propulsion - breakthrough invention in the field of aircraft propulsion

11. OptySun - an eco-friendly, UV-based portable water purification solution that significantly reduces plastic waste and ensures access to safe drinking water

12. Biobetter - AI-driven strategy for mind-body stress defense

13. Harvy Market - marketplace based on geolocation with smart filters and AI for producers and buyers of farm and artisanal products

14. Metal-hydride systems as potential hydrogen storage devices - novel and reliable hydrogen storage devices, based on technology that enables 2x hydrogen volume in the same-sized storage device.

15. Stackoon - IT-copilot helps SMBs cut software costs by optimizing their software subscriptions

16. Because Talents Matter - global marketplace for talent professionals to provide them with a place for nonstop learning, networking, and professional and personal growth.

17. LightMirror - reflective panels that bring sunlight into healthcare buildings, reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating

18. Corner Renovation - AI-powered kitchen renovation platform that makes the renovation process frictionless by integrating design, procurement, and installation into a single product

19. Automatic pneumatic mailer for grain products (APMgp) - manufacture and supply of complete sets of APMgp for the delivery of grain samples without loss of quality to grain laboratories of agro-industrial enterprises at a distance of 100 - 500 m

20. Geodesic.Life - Go-to-market - prefabricated dome house product for Nordics and Central European markets soft landing

21. JobAtlas - helps young people find their forever occupation

10 winners of the Deep Tech Incubators programme won grant...

Technology Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the technology sector, today launched the 32nd Annual Technology Ireland Industry Awards.

Technology Ireland is excited to announce the opening of applications for the Technology Ireland Industry Awards 2024, our distinguished award programme recognising companies that have demonstrated extraordinary achievements through the past year.

The Technology Ireland Industry Awards celebrate the best in the industry, shining a spotlight on companies that have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also set new benchmarks for innovation and business growth. This year's awards are open to organisations that have shown remarkable leadership, creativity, and commitment to excellence.

Commenting on the launch of the Awards, Director of Technology Ireland, Una Fitzpatrick, said: "We are thrilled to open the applications for the Technology Ireland Industry Awards, these awards recognise the most innovative and successful companies across the industry.

The Technology Ireland Industry Awards honours the innovation and sustained growth that drives our industry forward, and we look forward to celebrating all who have made a significant impact over the past year.

The Technology Ireland Industry Awards offer a stage to both indigenous and multinational technology companies to demonstrate how the sector is contributing to national, European, and global digital efforts, and seeks to sustain and promote Ireland's reputation as a global technology hub by emphasising the role of technology in addressing cross-sectoral issues."

Marie Treacy, Technology Sector Leader and Partner with platinum sponsor EY Ireland, commented: "EY Ireland is thrilled to once again have the opportunity to partner with Technology Ireland and to sponsor the Digital Technology Company of the Year Award. At a time when global technology innovation is advancing rapidly, these unmissable awards enable us to take a moment to recognise and celebrate the continuous achievements of the technology sector in Ireland.

At EY, we believe that technology and Artificial Intelligence, in particular, can have a transformative, positive and far-reaching impact on all businesses - from SMEs to indigenous and multinational companies - as well as the people working in these organisations and, indeed on wider society, so it is incredibly important to showcase Ireland's achievements in the sector and the continuous efforts and innovation that will ensure Ireland continues to thrive as a dynamic global technology hub now

and into the future."

Technology Ireland, together with Award sponsors EY Ireland, Fidelity Investments, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, FIT the ICT Talent Pipeline, Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet and Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet, is urging all Irish-based software and digital companies to submit their own entries for the Awards by 30 September 2024. Entry is free and not restricted. To submit an entry, visit: https://www.ibec.ie/technologyireland/industry-awards

The 11 categories are:

Open to Indigenous (Irish-owned) technology companies only:

Digital Technology Company of the Year

Emerging Company of the Year

Outstanding Achievement in International Growth

Technology Innovation of the Year

Digital Technology Services Project of the Year

Open to Indigenous and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) technology companies:

Tech 4 Good - Product/Service Award

Tech 4 Good - Community Award

Tech 4 Good - Sustainability Award

Women in Tech Company Initiative

Excellence in Talent Development

Outstanding Academic Achievement

The black-tie Awards Ceremony will be held on Friday, 15th November 2024, in the Mansion House, Dublin 2.

Ireland is set to overtake the United Kingdom in solar PV capacity per capita for the first time, a new study by EnergyEfficiency.ie has revealed.

Ireland's overall solar PV capacity reached 1,185 MW in the summer, with more than half of this coming from solar farms of over 5MW.

With the CSO's updated population estimate for 2024, Ireland now has 220 watts (W) of solar PV per person - while the UK is just ahead with 252 W per capita.

Ireland is expected to have around 1,600 MW by the end of this year - which would mean 297 W of solar per inhabitant in Ireland.

With PV capacity growth much higher in Ireland than Britain, we will overtake our neighbours for the first time by the end of 2024.

The increase in capacity here has been down to an increase in utility scale solar projects, both large and small, as well as an increase in residential and commercial solar installations.

The study looked at where we stand on a per capita basis compared to other European countries.

The study found that Ireland falls significantly behind other EU states on a solar per capita basis, but that the gap is quickly closing.

Germany, leaders in solar energy in Europe, had 82.6 GW after Q2 2024, and this is expected to reach 88.9 GW by the end of the year.

That is 80 times the total solar capacity of Ireland and 978 W per inhabitant - around four times more than Ireland.

However Germany is behind the Netherlands when it comes to solar per capita, with the Dutch boasting 1,036 MW of PV per person.

Spain was one of the first EU countries to truly embrace solar energy, and in 2023, the country further increased its solar PV capacity by an impressive 28%. This added almost 6 GW to take its overall capacity to 25.5 GW.

This means the photovoltaic capacity in Spain is 535 W per inhabitant - more than double that of Ireland.

France falls behind both Germany and Spain when it comes to overall solar PV capacity, with 21,100 MW in total at the end of March 2024.

With a population of 68 million, this works out at 310 W per person in France.

Italy recorded a photovoltaic capacity of over 32GW in March 2024, so its per capita figure is 540 W per person.

Ireland remains well behind in terms of overall capacity and capacity per capita compared to Denmark, which was one of the pioneers of PV in Europe.

With a similar population to Ireland (5.9 million), Denmark had over 3.5 GW of PV capacity in 2023 - more than double Ireland's capacity on a per capita basis (590 W per person).

Sweden also has a higher solar capacity per capita, with 390 W per person as of 2023 - a total of 4.1 GW for its population of 10.5 million.

Norway on the other hand has a much smaller solar capacity than Ireland with a similar population.

How many households have solar panels in Ireland?

It is estimated that around 100,000 households in the State now have solar panels installed - however the distribution of these panels is not spread evenly across the country.

In Census 2022, 11% of households in Meath reported having a solar array installed, compared to just 3% in Co. Dublin.

The meteoric rise in installations in 2023 due to the removal of VAT has continued into 2024, according to data published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.

The number of panels being installed has risen again in 2024 despite a slight reduction in the SEAI grant on January 1st.

Read the full study at energyefficiency.ie