The research, funded under the Research Ireland NexSys research programme, was led by Dr. Abhilash C. Singh and Professor Brian Caulfield, examines the social and spatial patterns that influence household adoption of sustainable technologies. Affluent areas with strong homeownership and large numbers of residents working in management roles have far higher adoption rates. In contrast, lower‑income counties such as Leitrim, Longford and Donegal remain well behind. The study notes that EV and heat pump uptake can be five to seven times higher in these wealthier locations, with some gaps stretching to thirteen‑fold between the highest and lowest income areas.
The authors also point to the limitations of Ireland’s “pay‑then‑reimburse” grant model. This approach places a significant financial burden on lower‑income households, reducing their ability to participate in the transition to cleaner energy. They call for more accessible funding structures that offer support upfront and improve opportunities for renters and apartment dwellers.
Neighbourhood visibility also plays a part. The study highlights “spillover effects” where residents are more likely to adopt a technology when they see it in nearby homes. This was particularly strong for solar PV and home EV charging.
National attention
The publication has already attracted nationwide interest. The Irish Times reported on the findings, drawing attention to the emergence of a clear “green divide” between households with higher and lower incomes. RTÉ’s Morning Ireland also featured the research, helping bring the discussion into the national conversation and highlighting the importance of fair access to clean energy technologies.
Accessing the research
The paper, titled “Affluence, Spatial Spillovers, and Inequality in Household Energy Transitions: Exploring the Determinants of Sustainable Technology Adoption in Ireland”, is available open‑access via ScienceDirect, by clicking here.