Ireland’s Electricity Sector Achieves Decades-Low Climate Pollution, Reports SEAI
Decades-low climate pollution from Ireland’s electricity sector has been achieved, according to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). New data reveals a 17.2% drop in greenhouse gas emissions. This follows an 8% reduction last year.
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Decades-Low Climate Pollution as UK Imports and Renewables Drive Ireland’s Emission Reductions, Says SEAI
One key driver behind these reductions is the significant increase in electricity imports from the UK. These imported emissions are not attributed to Ireland, boosting the country’s environmental statistics. Additionally, a rise in wind and solar energy production at home has further contributed to the decrease.
SEAI Director of Research, Margie McCarthy, praised this as a “personal best” for Ireland. However, she emphasised that much more needs to be done across all energy sectors to meet carbon budget targets.
The UK now supplies 14.4% of Ireland’s electricity, making it the third-largest source after wind and natural gas. Electricity consumption in Ireland rose by 4.4% last year, largely driven by new data centres, which now consume 20% of the country’s electricity.
Renewable energy generation continues to progress, with wind energy up by 5.9% and solar farms accounting for 2.2% of utility-scale electricity. However, transport emissions slightly increased, and there is a concerning rise in gas and oil usage for home heating in 2024.
In order to hasten the shift away from fossil fuels, the SEAI demands for more robust legislation and widespread popular support.
