New figures from Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) published today show that energy-related CO2 emissions in Ireland decreased by 2 per cent in 2003.
The figures are contained in the Energy in Ireland 1990-2003 report, which is published annually.
Speaking at the launch of the report, Mr David Taylor, SEI chief executive, said that while economic growth increased by 4 per cent in 2003, energy consumption remained almost at 2002 levels.
This is the second year since 1990 that energy consumption has not been linked to economic activity. The year 1990 is significant as a baseline year because the Kyoto Protocol and associated EU targets are based on emissions from that year.
"We believe that these findings are significant for Ireland's commitments under the Kyoto Protocol. A number of factors have contributed to this decoupling of energy and emissions growth from economic growth," said Mr Taylor.
"The year 2003 was the first full year of operation of two high-efficiency gas fired electricity generation plants. The efficiency improvements combined with the increase in the share of natural gas in the fuel mix for electricity generation were two of the most important contributing factors."
"Likewise, natural gas increased its share in industry's fuel mix, while the consumption of energy in industry was lower in 2003," he added.
The report found that the commercial and public services sector exhibited the highest growth in energy demand with growth of 8.5 percent in 2003. The carbon intensity of electricity fell for the second year in a row dropping by 9.3 per cent in 2003.
It also shows that imported oil and gas accounted for 76 per cent of Ireland's energy requirements in 2003. Natural gas and wind energy were the only energy sources that made an increased contribution to Ireland's primary energy supply.
Electricity from renewable sources accounted for 4.4 percent of the country's electricity consumption in 2003. This figure is slightly lower than the figure for 2002 (5.3 per cent) due to lower rainfall levels and reduced hydro production.
Ireland's target is to achieve 13.2 per cent renewable energy production by by 2010 under an EU Directive.