If we buy all our software from the West and all our hardware like solar panels from the east, how do we pay our own way? For anyone who remembers those times, the recent statement from the International Energy Agency that this latest energy crisis will be far bigger was alarming. The crisis also helped promote a massive expansion in the importation of photovoltaic – or solar – panels and batteries from China. The critical effort must now be in balancing renewables and nuclear so we have a competitive, secure and affordable energy system. The most important outcome has to be lower electricity prices, so we can scale up new clean industries and rapidly roll out heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicles.

Source: The Irish Times April 07, 2026 09:35 UTC