The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland released new data last year that shows that while energy-related emissions decreased in Ireland last year to their lowest level in three decades, they did not decline quickly enough to fulfil climate objectives.

Ireland will not be able to meet its carbon budget for the 2021–2025 period if this rate of fall continues, and the SEAI predicts that in order to stay on track, yearly cuts of 11% will be required in 2024 and 2025.

Director of Research and Policy Insights at SEAI Margie McCarthy stated: “It is encouraging that energy-related emissions have decreased in 2023; it indicates progress in certain areas.”

“The statistics make it very evident that tempo is important. We cannot wait much longer.”

“SEAI’s mission is to be at the heart of Ireland’s energy revolution, and that revolution needs fast action right across Irish society to meet our legally binding climate targets.”

Despite increased demand, the energy-generating industry recorded the largest reduction in emissions, with a 21% decrease.

The major shift in this area was a twelve-fold rise in imported energy, which now accounts for 9.5% of the grid's total supply and is the third-largest power source in the area after gas and wind.

Since emissions from imported power are tallied in the nation of origin, they are not included in Ireland's carbon budget.

Through the UK, energy was imported from Norway, Britain, or Northern Ireland.

While the UK and Norway have lower carbon emissions due to sizable wind and hydro power sectors, the power industry in Northern Ireland has emissions profile comparable to that of the Republic.

In Ireland, 2023 was also a record year for solar and wind energy.

With additional wind output last year equal to the electrical demands of 115,000 houses, a new record of 11.7 terawatts was reached.

However, once more, the rate of change is not keeping up with the demands. To meet expectations by 2025, Ireland will need to construct 27% extra wind power.

In 2023, solar energy generated electricity doubled, although it still makes up less than 2% of the total supply.

Emissions from the production of electricity decreased, although they increased by 0.2% in the transportation sector.

The need for fuel and diesel for road transport grew. Diesel sales were 98.4% higher than pre-pandemic levels, while petrol sales were 96.2% higher.

However, in 2023, the quantity of petrochemical diesel required in Ireland was lowered by 2% as a result of greater renewable biofuel blending into road diesel.

The transportation industry with the fastest-rising emissions was aviation.

Ireland consumed 1.36 billion litres of jet kerosene in 2023, a 12.7% increase over the previous year and the largest annual consumption ever noted. This shows that last year saw a record number of passenger flights into and out of Ireland.

According to the SEAI, “transport is an area where collective action is needed urgently.”

“We have to get out of our cars more and consider our air miles,” Ms. McCarthy stated.

“The benefits of collective action to curb our fossil fuel use will create a better Ireland, with improved air quality, more comfortable homes, more vibrant communities, and an economy built on sustainable industries and jobs.”