The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has published the Interim National Energy Balance for 2024, which shows that Ireland’s energy-related emissions are now at their lowest level in over 30 years, falling a further 1.3% last year. This marks an overall decrease of 11% since carbon emissions targets were introduced in 2021 and the third consecutive year with an emissions reduction.

This drop in emissions comes, despite an increase in overall energy use – which grew by 2.3% last year. Increased use of bioenergy and technologies such as solar PV and heat-pumps meant that renewable energy supplied 14.5% of Ireland’s energy requirements last year, a slight increase on last year’s figure of 14%.

There is much more work to be done. Transport emissions were down by just 1.2% year on year, despite significant advancements in biofuel blending, and despite progress in the EV transition. Over-reliance on private vehicles continues to be a problem. Similarly, heating emissions increased by 2.4%, partly because 2024 was cooler than 2023.