Sustainable energy policy
Our transition to a low-carbon economy requires citizens and government to work together to develop a sustainable energy system for Ireland.
National policy on sustainable energy
The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) is responsible for enacting a range of energy policies and measures to promote the delivery of a more sustainable energy system for Ireland. The latest national policy statement on sustainable energy is Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030.
EU 2030 climate and energy framework
The European Commission committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the Paris Climate Agreement in December 2015. They have since presented a range of legislative proposals to support the EU in delivering on its climate and energy goals for 2030.
The framework was adopted by EU leaders in October 2014. It builds on the 2020 climate and energy package.
EU Clean Energy Package
Following the adoption of the 2030 climate and energy framework, the European Commission published a package of measures called the Clean Energy Package. It aims to keep the EU competitive as the transition to clean energy is changing the global energy markets. The proposals have three main goals:
- Putting energy efficiency first
- Achieving global leadership in renewable energies
- Providing a fair deal for consumers
SEAI's role and activities
At SEAI we have a number of policy advisory and technical support roles for energy policy development and delivery. These include delivery, maintenance, and co-ordination of;
- Energy modelling, policy analysis and advice. This is to inform policy making, programme design and reporting against EU energy efficiency and renewable energy targets
- Official national and sectoral statistics for energy production, transformation and end use
- Energy related research to inform the next generation of technology development and development of effective energy policies and measures
Analysis supporting policy
SEAI provides high-quality analysis and policy advice on a range of energy and climate issues at national and European level. It operates within SEAI's Low Carbon Technologies Department. We have published a range of documents informing energy policy development in Ireland. They include:
National annual energy forecasts
Technology insights papers
- Solar Chain Opportunity Report
- Replacing oil boilers with heat pump household economics and system wide impacts
Consumer insights papers
- Behavioural insights on energy efficiency in the residential sector
- Survey of consumer behaviour in the commercial sector
Sustainable energy potential and impacts studies
- Unlocking the Energy Efficiency Opportunity - Summary for policymakers
- Achieving Ireland's 2020 Renewable Heat Target
- Macroeconomic and Net Employment Impacts of Ireland's Renewable Heat and Electricity Targets in 2020
- Ireland's Sustainable Energy Supply Chain Opportunity
National energy modelling framework
We are currently working to deliver a national energy modelling framework for DCCAE to provide detailed policy options analysis over the period to 2030 and beyond.
Official national energy statistics
SEAI develops and maintains comprehensive national and sectoral statistics for energy production, transformation and end use. This data forms the basis of policy analysis undertaken by a wide range of institutions and researchers in Ireland.
Research co-ordination
SEAI provides energy research information in Ireland to stakeholders in government, academic institutions and industry. Much of this information forms the starting point for policy debate and considerations for new policy development.
Contact us
Please send feedback to [email protected].