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

Chapter 12: The Environment and Energy 6. Conclusions Energy and Climate Change Energy is essential to economic, social and cultural development. Ireland’s energy systems are currently highly reliant on fossil energy, with many systemic and structural lock-ins. However, progress has been made on addressing these, particularly in the area of electricity generation, which has seen a significant uptake of renewable energy. This has to be accelerated over the coming years and a number of strategic plans have been articulated to do this. Halting climate change at a level that is manageable is the key driver of the energy transition. This transition will have many benefits for sustainable economic and social development, human health and wellbeing, as well as for the environment and ecosystems. It will be progressed in line with European and global partners and be a driver of economic activity. It will be supported by the EU Green Deal as well as by investments from major European and international banks. Becoming climate neutral by 2050 is a huge challenge. It entails rapid carbonization and delivery of large-scale carbon dioxide removal solutions (negative emissions) by 2050 which will need to be continued to the end of this century. Energy systems will need to deliver these as well as sustaining economic and social development. Energy and its use will need to be smart, efficient and designed to support carbon removals. Planning for this is urgent, as is investment in solutions that are currently available to enhance efficiency and utilise Ireland’s renewable energy potential. This is an essential step in ensuring that Ireland’s next one hundred years are secure and prosperous. Ceri Breeze / Shutterstock.com Energy Use is our Largest Source of Greenhouse Gas and Other Air Pollution Fossil fuels provide almost 90 per cent of the energy used in Ireland. This reflects a high degree of lock-in to fossil energy systems, which have significant negative impacts on climate, health, ecosystems, biodiversity and water quality in Ireland and globally. Systemic and societal changes are required to enable the transition to net zero carbon emission energy systems. Citizens, communities and businesses need to be part of the transition, which will require strategic planning and investments. Incentives for more community participation in renewable energy generation projects are expected to be provided under the 2020 Renewable Electricity Support Scheme. Eliminate Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Energy from Fossil Fuels by 2050 A transition of the energy system is needed to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The elimination of fossil carbon dioxide emissions will be part of this transition. The implementation of a transition strategy that encompasses energy providers and users is needed. Systemic, institutional, technological and financial barriers need to be addressed. The engagement of citizens and stakeholders is essential. Schemes such as the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme can incentivise the introduction of additional significant renewable electricity generation from a wide range of technologies, contributing to national and EU-wide renewable and decarbonisation targets out to 2030 and beyond. Ireland’s Renewable Energy Potential Should be Realised Globally and in Ireland there is considerable renewable energy potential. Ireland has excellent renewable resources and it is planned that the economic and social potential of offshore wind around Ireland’s coast will be developed. Systems to harvest, store and manage renewable energy resources are required. These will be a mix of existing and new technologies, which will be deployed at a range of scales to deliver energy needs in a resilient and secure manner. Elements of this include a smarter grid, more efficient distribution and smarter use. The Climate Action Plan (Government of Ireland, 2019) target of 70 per cent renewable electricity by 2030 is a step in this process. 321