Ireland’s power generation and industrial emissions decrease by 4% in 2022, says EPA

Emissions from Irish power generation and large industrial companies fell by 4 per cent in 2022, equivalent to more than 600,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, according to preliminary figures from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

This compares with a decrease of approximately 1.2 per cent across Europe, based on analysis released on Tuesday by the European Commission.

Irish power generation and industrial companies, which are covered by the EU emissions trading system (ETS), delivered the emissions cuts through a combination of factors including increased use of renewable electricity – notably from wind – and renewable fuels as well as a decrease in cement production.

In the electricity sector there was less use of coal and peat-fired generation compared to 2021, as conventional gas generation was available along with renewable energy. Fossil-fired power stations continued to play a strong role in meeting a high electricity demand, the EPA confirmed.

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“While the decrease we are seeing for 2022 from the emissions trading sector is welcome, 2022 emissions are in fact slightly above the pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Much more needs to be done if the sectoral targets under the 2023 climate action plan are to be reached,” said EPA director general Laura Burke.

“The challenges faced in the power generation sector are in sharp focus at the moment,” she said. “Decisions taken now must recognise the urgency of the climate change challenge and support the delivery of reductions in emissions through the development and roll out of a range of low carbon and renewable solutions.”

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Aside from power generation, the fall in industrial emissions is 7 per cent. Cement industries recorded a 9 per cent dip due to a drop in production and a small increase in the use of biofuels, while pharmachem emissions decreased by almost 3 per cent.

Aviation emissions from flights within the European Economic Area reported to Ireland by March 31st jumped by 94 per cent compared to 2021, to more than 10 million tonnes. This is still lower than the pre-pandemic levels of 12.8 million tonnes.

While some restructuring of routes has taken place – and some operators previously reporting to the UK are reporting to Ireland – the data reflect a strong recovery for the sector in 2022.

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“The increase in aviation emissions highlights the need to reduce the carbon intensity of air travel, including through the use of sustainable aviation fuels,” said EPA senior manager Dr Maria Martin. In addition to other EU initiatives, the revised EU ETS directive, shortly to be published, would incentivise use of such fuels, she confirmed.

In Ireland, 107 big industrial and institutional sites are required to report their emissions. These include sites operating in the power generation, cement, lime, oil refining, food & drink, and semiconductor sectors.