Ireland is set to miss its renewable energy targets, according to data in a new report published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.
The Renewable Energy in Ireland 2020 report published today is based on 2018 data, and provides a detailed analysis of Ireland’s progress towards the 2020 renewable energy targets.
Renewable energy sources supplied 11% of overall energy use in 2018 with the remainder coming from carbon intensive fossil fuels.
This data suggests that Ireland is not on track to meet its binding EU target of 16% of energy to come from renewable sources by 2020.
Commenting on the report, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton pointed out that this report is based on 2018 data which pre-dates the Climate Action Plan.
“The findings underline the importance and urgency of the work set out in that Plan. I am convinced that the all of government approach underpinned by new Climate legislation is the way forward.
“However, getting back on track for our 2030 target is only the first step. We now need to identify how we can increase that ambition and set new targets for 2030 and 2050.
“As we design a Recovery Plan from this present Covid crisis, we need to do everything possible to rebuild on a sustainable foundation, consistent with confronting the Climate Emergency,” he said.
Jim Scheer, Head of Data and Insights at SEAI said that this report demonstrates the challenges we face in transitioning away from fossil fuels.
“Most of the energy we use to generate electricity, to heat our homes and business and for transport comes from burning fossil fuels like gas, coal, peat and oil,” he said.
“We need to eliminate energy waste and transition to using more renewable sources of energy like wind, solar, heat pumps and bioenergy as quickly as we can.
“The Government’s Climate Action Plan sets out an ambitious course of action that could help us to kick our fossil fuel habit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As citizens, we can play our part by considering how we can reduce fossil fuel use in our homes and how we travel.”
