Government Dismisses Notion of Manipulated Emission Figures
The Department of Energy has refuted suggestions that Ireland is manipulating energy-related emission figures through what has been called an “accounting trick.” The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI) 2023 energy report revealed that 2022 witnessed the lowest energy-related emissions in 25 years, with a 1.7% decrease from the previous year, primarily attributed to reduced energy demand in the residential sector.
While the report indicates a reduction in carbon usage for electricity in 2023 compared to 2022, it acknowledges that this reduction results from “offshoring” Irish electricity generation emissions to the UK rather than a local increase in renewable sources. Critics, including Sinn Féin senator Lynn Boylan, argue that this method masks the true impact of electricity-intensive entities like data centers.
Data Centers’ Role in Electricity Demand
Figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) reveal that data centers consumed 18% of metered electricity in 2022, equivalent to urban homes. Boylan emphasizes the need for a comprehensive plan to reduce overall demand, especially from data centers. The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications counters that imported energy is accounted for accurately and emphasizes the significant reduction in fossil fuel usage for electricity generation.
The Department underscores the positive impact of interconnection with Europe on lowering electricity emissions, citing a 54% reduction in coal usage for electricity generation up to October 2023. It notes that greater interconnection is a vital component of Ireland’s decarbonization strategy, leading to lower power costs in the UK and increased power flows to Ireland.
National Climate Obligations and Emission Reduction Pace
While the SEAI report highlights reductions in electricity, transport, and heat emissions since 2018, it raises concerns about the pace of energy-related emission reduction, stating that current efforts may fall short of meeting national climate obligations. The Department remains optimistic about the trajectory of electricity emissions, attributing it to strategic interconnection and reduced fossil fuel usage.
Source：irishexaminer.com
