6. ENERGY AND CLIMATE

Figure 6.6 Non-ETS emissions trajectories under two scenarios, 2013-30

Ireland is not on a trajectory to meet the targets for non-ETS emissions.

Source: EPA (2018a), Ireland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections 2017-2035, www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/air/airemissions/ghgprojections20172035/EPA_2018_GHG_Emissions_Projections_Summary_Report.pdf.

Domestic policy frameworks and targets

Ireland has put in place a comprehensive new framework of policies and targets to guide its climate policy to 2030, and to advance the long-term vision of becoming a low-carbon economy by 2050 as set out in the 2014 National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development. This has been done since the last in-depth review (IDR), and is in line with Ireland’s commitment under the Paris Agreement.

The legislative framework is set by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, and builds on the 2014 National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development. The 2014 national policy position towards 2050 aims for an aggregate reduction in CO2 emissions of at least 80% (compared to 1990 levels) across electricity generation, built environment and transport. It also aims to become carbon neutral in the agricultural and LULUCF sectors, by 2050 (see Table 6.1).

The 2015 Climate Act contains legal obligations that include preparation of the NMPs, a National Adaptation Framework (NAF) and annual transition statements to allow regular monitoring of the progress made and to take corrective steps, if required. The first NMP was adopted in 2017 and aims to close the gap to Ireland’s 2020 target and to prepare for the 2030 target. The NMP contains 70 specific mitigation measures and 106 individual actions across government ministries. It is cognisant about the challenges to meet the 2020 and 2030 targets.

Progress on the implementation of the NMP is reported in annual transition statements, which contain an overview of the latest climate measures and assess their achievements towards Ireland’s 2050 national climate objective. The 2017 statement contains, for the first time, separate sectoral mitigation transition statements for the four sectors covered under the NMP and projections of future emissions.

In January 2018, the government published the first statutory NAF that builds on the principle of subsidiarity and sets the context for action by local authorities. Sectoral adaptation plans are being prepared to support implementation of the NAF, including for the electricity and gas networks. The sectoral adaptation plans and the local adaptation strategies will be prepared for approval in the second half of 2019.

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6. ENERGY AND CLIMATE

Table 6.1 Ireland’s climate policy framework strategies and targets, 2014-30

Source: IEA, based on country submission.

Local authorities play a key role in advancing climate actions. The Irish government has allocated EUR 10 million (euros) for the period 2018-23 to support the establishment of four Climate Action Regional Offices. They will be offering expertise to local authorities in developing approaches for climate mitigation and to promote resilience for future climate risks. Creation of the local offices is one of the key actions under the NMP and the NAF.

Ireland has developed a strategic outlook for future development of the country under Project Ireland 2040. The project consists of two complementary streams: the NPF, which has a time horizon to 2040, and the NDP, covering the period 2018-27. The NDP sets out the investment priorities and foresees funding of EUR 21.8 billion for climate action for the 10 year period, of which EUR 7.6 billion would come from the Exchequer. The remaining investment would be made by Ireland’s semi-state companies and by the private sector. In addition, EUR 8.6 billion of funding has been made available for sustainable mobility projects, mostly in public transport.

This substantial funding increase will facilitate upscaling of investments and implementation of actions needed to move the country towards the 2030 climate targets. The funding will support the implementation of energy efficiency and renewable measures in the electricity, transport and built environment sectors, especially for heating and cooling. In addition, the NDP contains a commitment to establish a new Climate Action Fund to leverage investment by public and private bodies. The new fund will have an initial allocation of EUR 500 million with an annual income of at least EUR 50 million.

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