SEAI publishes Energy in Ireland report 2021
Energy Related CO2 emissions were 11.4% lower in 2020. This is the most significant reduction since 2009 recession, largely due to COVID-19 impacts. Total energy consumption was down by almost 9%, largely due to reductions in transport use.
SEAI published its annual report Energy in Ireland 2021, profiling the trends in energy use and related CO2 emissions for 2020. Ireland's total energy use in 2020 was down almost 9%, due largely to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Energy related CO2 emissions fell also by 11.4%. These are most significant annual reduction since the height of the economic recession in 2009.
Practically all reductions in energy consumption were localised to the transport sector, which was impacted by COVID-19 public health measures that restricted national and international travel. However, early data from 2021 indicates that energy use in the transport sector is returning to pre-COVID-19 levels. It is notable that the reduction in CO2 emissions seen in 2020 is less than the amount that will need to be achieved every year from 2021 to 2030 to meet our long-term decarbonisation goals. Now more than ever, it is essential that we accelerate the elimination of fossil fuels with energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and increase sustainable energy practices across all sectors.
Energy consumption in the transport sector was down a quarter in 2020. All transport sub-sectors saw a reduction, with aviation and private car use experiencing the largest drops. International aviation experienced a 65% reduction in flight numbers.
CO2 emissions from heating increased slightly due mostly to an increase in oil use. This was due to global efforts used to combat the COVID-19 pandemic which caused a sharp reduction in oil price, combined with people spending more time at home due to COVID-19 measures such as work-from-home directives and school closures.
2020 was a significant year for Ireland in assessing whether the country met the EU renewable energy targets. The overall share of renewable energy was just over 13%, falling short of the 16% target. We achieved our target for EU renewable transport energy. Our share of renewable electricity was 39.1%, just shy of our target of 40%. However, we achieved just half of our renewable heating and cooling target.
To meet the climate challenge, as a society we will need to implement huge changes, and fast. The Climate Action Plan commits Ireland to a legally binding target of 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero no later than 2050. We can create a better country in the process with more vibrant communities, better air quality, more comfortable homes, cleaner energy sources, and an economy built on sustainable industries and jobs - rather than one reliant on fossil fuels