Ireland agrees on sectoral GHG emissions ceilings for 2030

The Irish government has agreed on sectoral emissions ceilings to cut the country's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2030 by 51% compared to the 2018 level. The emissions ceiling for agriculture has been set at a level requiring a 25% reduction by 2030. Ceiling sets for other sectors will require a  75% reduction for the electricity sector, a 45% reduction for commercial and public buildings, a 40% reduction for residential buildings, a 50% reduction for the transport sector, and a 35% reduction for the industry sector. In addition, the government increased its 2030  offshore wind target from 5 GW to 7 GW and doubled its solar target to reach 5.5 GW by 2030. In addition, the country introduced a 2 GW green hydrogen target, as well as an agro-forestry and anaerobic digestion target to produce up to 5.7 TWh of biomethane.

According to Ireland's Environmental Protection Agency, the country's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions decreased by 3.6% in 2020 to 58 MtCO_2eq. The decrease in emissions is reflected in most sectors with the exception of increases in residential, agriculture and public services. In the energy sector, GHG emissions fell by 7.9% (-0.74 MtCO₂eq), as peat-fired power generation halved and renewable power generation increased noticeably (+15% from wind), covering 42% of the Irish power mix. Residential emissions grew by 9% (+0.59 MtCO₂eq), as a result of colder temperatures, historic low oil prices (impacting heating choices), and home working. Emissions from transports fell by nearly 16% (-1.9 MtCO₂eq) due to transport restrictions. Overall, Ireland's GHG emissions are still only 7% below 2005 level.