EPA - Ireland's Environment, An Integrated Assessment - 2020

Chapter 12: The Environment and Energy There is also an increased interest in microgeneration, with the popularity of solar panels increasing at domestic, business and farm levels. Linking these to the grid and the development of prosumer supports, including smart meters and energy citizen schemes, and advances in storage at a range of scales can add considerably to the levels of renewable energy used. Interest and adoption of these technologies increases awareness of energy management and the potentials of smart energy systems. The continued uptake of these diverse energy resources and the realisation of the 70 per cent target for renewable energy by 2030 is dependent on the evolution of the national grid to accommodate and manage the uptake of large-scale renewable energy from offshore wind farms and small-scale microgeneration at domestic scales. 5. Challenges and Comparisons The energy challenges that Ireland faces are significant but not unique. Similar transitions are required at European and global levels. There are opportunities to share learning and experiences with our European and international partners in the transition process. Some comparisons and shared issues are explored here. Figure 12.6  Fossil fuels in the energy mix by EU Member State in 2016 (Source: Eurostat) Netherlands Ireland Poland Greece Estonia Germany Luxembourg U.K. Portugal Italy Czechia Spain Romania Belgium Croatia Bulgaria Austria Hungary Lithuania Slovakia Denmark Slovenia Latvia France Finland Sweden 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Addressing Carbon Lock-In Current fossil carbon lock-ins in electricity generation, building and transport need to be assessed, quantified and managed as part of the transition away from these energy sources. Carbon lock-in is a term that refers to the degree to which economies are effectively committed to long-term fossil fuel consumption because of the prevalence of significant long-term investments in fossil-based infrastructures and financial, institutional and other systems that support and maintain energy systems. These systems have been fundamental to development pathways for many advanced economies, both in Europe and globally. However, the recognition of the threats and risks posed by the continued use of fossil energy for our climate, environment and health means that these lock-ins should be addressed as part of the transformation process. The fossil carbon lock-in in electricity generation, building and transport needs to be assessed, quantified and managed as part of this transition. Figure 12.6 shows the scale of fossil energy use across the EU (2016 data); of the EU Member States, Ireland, the Netherlands and Poland are the most dependent on fossil energy. 317