According to The Journal, a new report from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) indicates that Ireland is unlikely to meet its 2030 climate obligations, even under the most optimistic projections.
The assessment reveals that Ireland is expected to fall short of its EU targets for energy efficiency, renewable energy share, and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The country is projected to exceed its 2030 carbon budget limit by 17%, even with additional measures in place.
SEAI CEO William Walsh emphasized that even if Ireland achieves all Climate Action Plan targets, gaps in meeting energy and climate obligations would likely remain. The country previously missed its 2020 targets and had to purchase “credits” from other countries to compensate.
The report suggests that despite ambitious technology deployment efforts across all sectors, it may be too late for Ireland to meet its legally binding 2030 obligations at both EU and national levels. Interim targets for renewable energy share in 2025 and 2027 are also expected to be missed under all scenarios.
Walsh called for expanded incentives, regulations, and specific measures including disincentives for large polluting SUVs, policies to phase out oil and gas heating, and support for those least able to afford the transition away from fossil fuels.