New data from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has revealed that energy-related emissions in Ireland have fallen by 16% since 2018, with electricity-related emissions decreasing by 32%.
This reduction was achieved despite population growth of 10% in the same period, an 18% increase in electricity demand, and a growing economy, the SEAI said in its Energy in Ireland 2025 report.
‘This demonstrates that significant reductions are possible, when backed by strong policy, investment, and public participation working together,’ the SEAI commented.
Emissions decline
As the data showed, Ireland‘s national energy-related emissions in 2024 were at their lowest level in over 30 years, standing at 30.9 MtCO2eq, a 1.5% decline, year-on-year.
Electricity accounted for 22.5% of energy-related emissions in 2024, with transport accounting for 37.7% and heat accounting for 39.8%. Electricity emissions were down 8.3% year-on-year, with transport emissions falling 1.2% and heat-related emissions down 2.4%.
At the same time, however, Ireland’s energy related emissions are falling at a rate of just 2.7%, which is well short of the 5% pace needed to meet the country’s 2030 climate commitments. Transport, where 93% of the infrastructure is currently fossil fuel-powered, is a particular area of concern.
‘Pick up the pace’
“We are making progress while also growing our population and economy – but we need to pick up the pace and do a lot more,” commented William Walsh, SEAI chief executive. “We haven’t broken the link between economic development and fossil fuels in a structural, meaningful way yet, and that is a concern.
“The good news is today’s results show what is possible. We’re keeping the lights on using cleaner energy – 41% of our electricity now comes from wind, solar, and other renewables. We’re making progress, and by accelerating delivery – in grid investment and offshore wind infrastructure in particular, we can do a lot more to secure affordable energy for homes and businesses across Ireland.”
The SEAI has called for a faster rollout of wind and solar PV generation, home energy upgrades, heat-pumps, and electric vehicles, as well as new investment in district heating networks and grid and storage infrastructure, to keep Ireland on track. Read more here.
