Global energy has regained its investment appeal, and Irish business energy leaders should read the signal as an invitation. The ADIPEC Global Energy Report 2026, which surveyed some 1,800 senior leaders across 10 markets, finds that 85% believe the sector is more attractive to invest in than five years ago. Just under two thirds, 64%, say the global energy system proved more resilient than expected through recent disruption, and 77% remain optimistic about the decade ahead.

This confidence is well founded, and it favours prepared markets. Ireland has the policy framework, the renewable resource and the grid commitment to convert global capital appetite into local projects. Three findings carry particular weight: the primacy of diversification, the scale of AI-driven electricity demand, and the shift from resilience to execution.

Diversification is the strongest consensus in the research. A full 93% of respondents say meeting future demand requires growth across multiple energy sources. Ireland’s own mix illustrates the point. In September, wind supplied 37% of electricity and solar around 5%, while gas generation accounted for 37% of electricity used and 19% arrived by interconnector. A wider renewable energy base narrows exposure to gas-dependent price spikes.

AI is reshaping demand faster than forecasts assumed. More than four in five respondents expect AI-driven electricity demand to exceed current projections, yet 71% see AI as an opportunity rather than a risk. Ireland sits at the centre of this trend. Data centres used 23% of metered electricity in 2025, and EirGrid forecasts demand rising from 9.4 to 14.6 terawatt hours by 2034, with new sites required to source 80% from new renewables.

Execution is the third theme. ADIPEC organiser Christopher Hudson notes that confidence alone will not meet demand, and that investment must move into projects. Irish evidence points the same way. The €18.9 billion EirGrid programme for 2026 to 2030 includes 29 priority transmission projects, while Budget 2027 commits €1.28 billion to energy and climate measures. Investors seeking delivery certainty will favour markets where energy storage turns variable output into dependable supply.

Three actions stand out for C-suite leaders. First, use the 85% confidence figure alongside Irish grid and Budget 2027 commitments to anchor capital discussions with clients. Second, build energy procurement strategies that combine power purchase agreements, on-site generation and storage, so clients benefit from diversification rather than observe it. Third, position data centre and AI-linked demand as a renewable energy partnership opportunity aligned with the CRU requirement.

Global confidence in energy investment has returned, and Ireland has the ingredients to capture its share. Business energy leaders who pair diversified supply with disciplined delivery will turn the energy transition into lasting commercial advantage, for clients and the wider Irish economy as AI-driven demand accelerates.