Ireland’s decarbonisation challenge
Moving Ireland to a low carbon economy is not a simple task. Ireland's gas network can deliver emissions reductions across every sector of the economy.
Key challenges to Ireland's low carbon transition
Demand
Energy demand is forecast to increase as the population and economy grows.
Agriculture
Agriculture is the biggest source of Ireland's emissions and decarbonising this sector is very challenging.
Emissions
Ireland must significantly increase renewable energy use and reduce emissions in the heating and transport sectors.
Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions
Agriculture is the biggest source of overall emissions, currently at 33% followed by transport at 20%
Sector | % |
---|---|
Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Electricity Generation | 18 |
ETS Industrial Heat | 6 |
ETS Industrial Processes | 3 |
ETS Other | 1 |
Non ETS Agriculture | 33 |
Non ETS Transport | 20 |
Non ETS Heat | 15 |
Non ETS Other | 4 |
How the gas network can play a role
A PATHWAY TO 2050
The gas network has the potential to make a significant contribution to reducing Ireland's emissions
18.7Mt
Total emissions saving potential from a net zero carbon network
31%
Reduction in Ireland's total emissions
58%
This saving is equivalent to a 58% reduction in emissions from transport, electricity generation and the built environment
Reduced emissions
Natural gas is a cleaner alternative to coal, peat, and oil. Replacing these fuels with natural gas in electricity generation and heating will provide immediate emissions reductions.
Long-term energy sustainability
The gas network can transport renewable gas now. It can evolve to carry other gases such as hydrogen in the future and is compatible with carbon capture and storage technology.
Key part of Ireland's energy mix
The gas network delivers 30% of the country’s primary energy needs serving homes, businesses and electricity generation.
Supports renewable electricity generation
The gas network provides essential flexibility and back-up for the electricity grid when wind energy generation drops. At times of very low wind, natural gas has provided up to 90% of fuel for electricity generation.
Read the full Vision 2050 report
Ireland's gas network has the potential to make a significant contribution to reducing Ireland's emissions. Read our vision for a net zero carbon gas network.