Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
162. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent of the shift away from fossil fuels for the generation of electricity; if this is in line with targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11503/24]
View answerWhile fossil fuels still play a significant role in electricity generation and security of supply in Ireland, we are transitioning at pace to utilising renewable electricity generation to reach our climate goals.
Provisional figures from the SEAI show that the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation was markedly down in 2023 in comparison to 2022, with coal use down by an estimated 51.7%, and oil use down by 83.6%. Natural gas use for electricity generation also fell by 7.26%.
In 2023, Ireland generated an estimated 7.4% more renewable electricity compared to the same period in 2022. On average 46.1% of electricity generated in Ireland in 2023 was renewable. Renewables will increase further with more wind, and now increasingly solar and battery projects coming on stream.
Greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation are estimated to have fallen approximately 23.5% in 2023 compared to 2022. SEAI’s provisional estimate – to be confirmed in the coming months by the EPA’s greenhouse gas inventory – is that electricity emissions totalled 7.5 MtCO2e in 2023, down from 9.8 MtCO2e in 2022 – prompted by the reduction in fossil fuel powered generation, increased renewable generation and greater use of electricity interconnection with Great Britain avoiding the use of more carbon intensive generation sources in Ireland.
Ireland's latest Climate Action Plan, Climate Action Plan 2024, supports our ambitious decarbonisation programme by setting out an updated roadmap of policies, measures and actions that we will deliver in support of our climate commitments and emissions reduction targets. It takes account of the latest emissions reports, and accelerates and amplifies our climate action, fully involving other Departments across Government and key external stakeholders.
