Greenhouse gas emissions in the EU decreased by 7 per cent in 2023, with Ireland showing significant progress, according to newly released Eurostat data. Between 2013 and 2023, nearly all economic sectors reduced their greenhouse gas emissions. Electricity, gas, and steam activities recorded the sharpest decline, with emissions falling by 43 per cent, while manufacturing saw a significant 17 per cent reduction.
Ireland recorded significant progress with a 50 per cent reduction in emissions intensity from 2013-2023, the second largest reduction after Estonia. A sectoral breakdown of Ireland’s results highlights improvements in mining and quarrying (71.8 per cent decrease in emissions), followed by manufacturing (66.9 per cent), and agriculture, forestry, and fishing (57.6 per cent).
Despite this progress, Ireland recorded emission increases in water supply, sewerage and waste management (13.1 per cent), construction by a notable 79.8 per cent, and transportation and storage (30 per cent). This emphasises the need to look beyond the surface of the figures, focusing on sectors where emissions intensity remains disproportionately high and targeted interventions are needed.
Ireland’s progress in renewable energy adoption has been a critical driver of its emissions reductions. Yesterday, Wind Energy Ireland outlined the financial and environmental benefits of Ireland’s wind and solar farms. It highlighted how €840 million has been saved by consumers since 2000 and added that reaching Ireland’s renewable electricity targets in 2030 has the potential to decrease consumer bills by a further €610 million.
Furthermore, Ireland’s wind generation capacity has increased from 117 MW in 2000 to over 5,000 MW today, supplemented by 600 MW of solar capacity. In 2023, renewables provided nearly 40 per cent of Ireland’s electricity, notably reducing dependence on fossil fuels and cutting CO2 emissions by over 47 million tonnes since 2000.
