Energy use up in Ireland

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has released Ireland’s official national energy statistics. They show a significant level of growth in energy use across all sectors of the economy last year.

The report is named “Energy in Ireland 1990-2015”. It highlights almost 5% growth in energy use which is the most significant growth since 2010. Furthermore energy related carbon dioxide emissions increased by 6%.

Further findings include:

1. Energy accounts for 60% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. It therefore plays a key role in developing low-carbon solutions in Ireland.

2. Renewable sources have made a contribution of 9% towards Ireland’s energy use. This is in comparison to a national target of 16% to be reached by 2020.

3.Over one-quarter of the country’s electric needs are met be renewable energy; primarily wind and smaller contributions from hydro, landfill gas and bio energy.

Jim Gannon, SEAI Chief Executive, said:

“The publication of these energy figures is a timely and pertinent analysis of Ireland’s energy usage following the conclusion of COP22 in Marrakech last week and Ireland’s ratification of the Paris Agreement earlier in November. We are seeing good progress on renewable energy and energy efficiency, however, this needs to be further accelerated to keep pace with higher economic activity and demand for energy. The Government is already responding to this challenge with significant increased funding committed to energy efficiency and renewable heat in Budget 2017. This allows us to build on the progress to date and continue to decarbonise our energy system which will reduce costs, improve energy security and reduce environmental impact.” “In 2015 the average household emitted 5.5 tonnes of CO2of which 61% came from direct fuel use in the home and the remainder from electricity use. The transition to a sustainable, low-carbon energy system requires the participation of citizens and communities in both decision-making and action. It is vital that we have an informed debate about the choices for Ireland as we move to a low-carbon economy. SEAI is committed to the provision of timely, robust and transparent data to ensure that policy development, decision-making and our energy transition is based on high quality data and evidence.”