Energy and Electricity
- Foilsithe: 10 Meitheamh 2018
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 11 Aibreán 2025
- What is Ireland doing to reduce emissions from energy production and electricity?
- What steps has Ireland taken so far?
- Why is energy and electricity important when we talk about our emissions?
- What can I do to reduce my emissions from energy?
What is Ireland doing to reduce emissions from energy production and electricity?
Ireland's goals when it comes to reducing emissions in this sector are:
- getting 70% of Ireland's energy from renewable sources. In 2019, almost 36 percent of Ireland's energy came from renewable sources.
- putting in place a support scheme for micro-generation (when energy is produced by a renewable source on a small scale for example, solar panels used at home), including a price for selling power to the electricity grid
- facilitating and providing supports for new renewable energy technologies on and off shore, such as turbines for wind energy
- increasing the amount of renewable energy on the Irish power system (EirGrid’s DS3 Programme )
- encouraging communities to use renewable energy locally, from homeowners and sports clubs to community centres and churches. See information on the Sustainable Energy Community Network here.
What steps has Ireland taken so far?
Key achievements under the Climate Action Plan:
- funding secured for the Celtic Interconnector (to connect Ireland’s energy grid with that of France) to enhance the security of our energy supply
- progression of the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which invites projects to bid for capacity and receive a guaranteed price for the electricity they generate.
- phasing out of fossil fuels including a ban on new offshore oil explorations
- supports for micro generation (when energy is produced by a renewable source on a small scale for example, solar panels used at home.)
- a pilot solar micro generation scheme to ensure that people can sell excess electricity they produce back to the grid has taken place Solar Energy
- a pilot solar micro generation scheme to ensure that people can sell excess electricity they produce back to the grid has taken place Solar Energy
- a pilot solar micro generation scheme to ensure that people can sell excess electricity they produce back to the grid has taken place.
- publication of the Marine Planning and Development Bill which will play a critical role in harnessing the potential of our offshore renewable energy resources.
- a pilot solar micro generation scheme to ensure that people can sell excess electricity they produce back to the grid has taken place.
- a working group has been established with a view to facilitating citizens to take action in the transition to renewable energy.
Why is energy and electricity important when we talk about our emissions?
Energy industries account for over 17% of Ireland's total annual emissions.
This includes emissions from processes like electricity generation and waste incineration, as well as oil and gas production.
Developing more renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy, and increasing use, will play an important part in meeting our climate targets.
What can I do to reduce my emissions from energy?
There are a range of grants and supports available through the SEAI, as well as a list of energy saving tips and information on how to achieve them.
The following grants are available for homes through the SEAI:
- Solar Water Heating Grant : Solar thermal systems are designed to meet 50-60% of your overall hot water needs over the year, thereby saving you money on your annual hot water heating bills. Grants of up to €1,200 are available
- Solar Electricity Grant : A solar Photovoltaic system can save you between €200-300 per year on your domestic electricity bill. Grants of up to €2,400 are available
Further information on and Grants is available here and further information on renewable energy alternatives (SEAI).
For more general tips on what you can do to save energy around your household, please see Energy Saving Tips (SEAI) here.