Ireland has gone backwards in its attempts to achieve its greenhouse gas emissions targets, according to an updated analysis by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“This is even more of a reason to install PV Solar system, to save us having to pay huge penalties for not reaching our emission reductions by 2030”, says our Renewables Ireland CEO Paul Bradley.
At Renewables Ireland, we offer expert solutions for solar panel installation, smart energy upgrades, mini and small scale generation. Our mission is to help you power your life sustainably, affordably, and intelligently.
EPA: Ireland Falling Further Behind Climate Targets
Ireland is moving backwards in its efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, according to new EPA projections. Emissions are now expected to drop by just 23% by 2030 — down from last year’s 29% forecast and well short of the legally binding 51% target.
The EPA blames the downgrade on slower progress in key areas like wind energy, electric vehicles, district heating, and biomethane. It says policy ambitions are not being matched by delivery.
Ireland is set to exceed its carbon budget for 2021–2025 by 12 million tonnes, and could overshoot the 2026–2030 limit by 114 million tonnes. This could cost the state billions in carbon credit purchases.
Projections for several key sectors have been downgraded:
Onshore wind: now estimated at 7.1GW by 2030 (down from 9GW)
Offshore wind: reduced to 2.7GW (from 5GW)
Electric vehicles: revised from 945,000 to 640,000 by 2030; current total is 148,000
The EPA also excluded 5.25 million tonnes of “unallocated” emissions savings in the Climate Action Plan due to lack of detail.
Agriculture emissions may fall by 16%, though the ceiling for the sector is under review. Emissions from land use and forestry could double by 2030 due to harvesting and low replanting rates.
Ireland is also off track to meet its EU target of a 42% cut by 2030, even in the best-case scenario.
The EPA says immediate action is needed to scale up delivery or the climate and financial risks will escalate.
The sooner you act, the sooner you start saving and making a difference.
Renewables Ireland are ready to play their part in picking up the slack as part of the PV Solar drive.
Ready to explore your solar potential? Contact Renewables Ireland today for a no-obligation consultation and take the first step towards a brighter, greener future. Talk to Renewables Ireland today!
