The Irish Ministry of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has released an energy White Paper highlighting actions to reduce Ireland's energy-related CO2 emissions by between 80% and 95%, compared to 1990 levels, by 2050; the aim of the strategy is to eventually generate 100% of the country's energy needs from CO2-free sources.
This White Paper, namely ''Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030'', aims to replace high-carbon fuels like peat and coal with lower-carbon or renewable alternatives in the short to medium term; by 2050 fossil fuels would be largely replaced by renewable energy sources.
It sets out several actions:
- To implement a new support scheme for the development of renewable energy technologies, a policy framework for the development of CHP projects, a new renewable heat incentive scheme, a comprehensive heating strategy, a new policy framework for district heating and a new regulatory framework for the development of geothermal energy.
- To publish a Renewable Electricity Policy and Development Framework.
- Transport measures including grants and tax relief to encourage the adoption of electric and gas vehicles and the country will introduce a support framework for alternative transport fuel infrastructure, a scrappage scheme to replace older taxis with electric vehicles, a green bus fund and support for rail energy efficiency.
- On energy efficiency, Ireland plans to improve domestic grant schemes and affordable financing options for energy efficiency upgrades, enhance advice services for consumers and business and set up a new affordable energy strategy in 2016. The Ministry aims to strengthen building regulations and to extend the energy efficiency obligation scheme to electricity and gas systems operators. A new public service energy efficiency plan is expected in 2016 and will go along enhanced energy education programmes.
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