Publications
Analysis of the alignment between energy transition pathways for Irish carbon budgets with EW energy and climate targets
This study assesses the alignment between Ireland’s national energy system decarbonisation pathways and key EU energy and climate-related targets. Specifically, it examines how scenarios consistent with Ireland’s carbon budgets (approved and legally adopted in the period to 2030 and proposed in the period to 2040), and SECs, compare to EU obligations, namely: • The EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS) • The Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) • The Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) • Indicative 2040 GHG emissions target The analysis focuses on energy-related sectors—electricity, buildings, transport, and industry—and excludes agriculture and land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF), which are not included in the energy system model used.
- Authors
- Year
- 2025
- Publication Name
- Climate Change Advisory Council
- Category
- Report
- Keywords
- GHG Emissions, Sectoral emissions Ceilings, Ireland, Climate Neutrality, Carbon Budgets, Decarbonisation, Climage Change, Energy, Pathways
- Link to Publication
- https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ccac-ireland_working-paper-no-37-activity-7335669535108177924-cqaz?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACa2oYABvttBBtUNo76Is6ryZIJ-Aii9ty0
Abstract
Ireland has legally committed to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with commitments under the Paris Agreement. These objectives are underpinned by a programme of carbon budgets and sectoral emissions ceilings (SECs) consistent with reducing GHG emissions by 51% by 2030, relative to 2018, and achieving climate neutrality no later than 2050, as established in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021. In parallel, as a Member State of the European Union (EU), Ireland is legally obliged to contribute to EU-wide climate and energy targets under the “Fit for 55” package, the Energy Efficiency Directive, and the EU Climate Law.
The extent to which Ireland’s national decarbonisation programme is compliant and consistent with EU targets is uncertain. This raises questions about the adequacy of existing plans and policies, particularly given the financial, legal and environmental implications of non-compliance.