Ireland's south-west region is primed to lead the country's renewable energy generation development but requires critical investment in port infrastructure and grid capacity to unlock its full potential, according to a new report by consultancy firm KPMG. The report identifies Cork and Kerry as strategically significant energy regions, with Cork supplying 25 per cent of national energy demand and home to roughly 20 per cent of Ireland's installed electricity generation capacity, including 12 per cent of installed wind generation and over 50 solar farms granted planning permission in recent years.

The Irish Examiner reported that the KPMG analysis identifies 388 hectares of zoned Special Policy Area in the Cork Harbour Whitegate area as capable of enabling delivery of major energy-related developments, while extended port infrastructure would facilitate greater offshore wind development off the south coast.

Barrie O'Connell, partner at KPMG, said the south-west is primed to lead Ireland's renewable energy generation development, and that unlocking this potential requires an integrated approach combining the Whitegate Special Policy Area, extended port infrastructure, and continued investment in the region.

O'Connell added that ensuring continued investment in the region is paramount to its growth, and recommended that remaining offshore wind sites off the south coast be auctioned to grow Ireland's offshore renewable energy industry.

Kerry accounts for approximately 13 per cent of national wind generation capacity and in May 2025 delivered 82 GWh of zero-carbon renewable electricity, the highest of any county in Ireland.

Mike Hayes, global head for renewable energy, climate and decarbonisation at KPMG, said pre-emptive resilience assessment and funding are critical priorities for the south-west as it looks to 2040, and that international best practice requires no major infrastructure to proceed without a robust assessment of climate risk.

Follow the full details on the south-west's renewable energy potential.