Ireland's Climate Targets and Energy Waste Concerns

The EPA’s latest GHG projections show Ireland is far off track to meet its legally binding carbon budgets. Even with optimistic assumptions, emissions are projected to fall just 23% by 2030, less than half the 51% target. https://lnkd.in/eprb9Ync That 23% drop assumes a best-case scenario with major policy measures delivered, including rapid EV uptake, offshore wind in operation by 2030 and building retrofits. But the scenario based on current policies - the one we’re actually on - projects emissions falling by just 9%. That’s the reality. And it’s not nearly enough. Policies themselves are too weak, and so is their delivery. Implementation is badly lagging. The cost of inaction will be enormous, not just in accumulating climate damages - the cost of not meeting EU targets will be up to €26 billion - the equivalent of 12 children's hospitals! It's a massive missed opportunity to invest in clean and secure energy, food and land use now. Even worse, this failure is giving rise to a narrative of defeatism - "these targets were never realistic in the first place" and that economic growth based on fossil fuel expansion should get priority over decarbonisation. For example, former EirGrid CEO Mark Foley was reported to say that the tech industry is facing an "existential crisis" and that data centres should run on gas - if only this was the existential crisis we can afford to pay attention to! https://lnkd.in/eP7V2kJY

As Ireland approaches the end of our first national carbon budget, and with just five years remaining to meet our legally binding commitment to reduce emissions by 51% by 2030, the latest Energy in Ireland report from SEAI shows that we remain significantly off track, highlighting the urgent action needed to get us back on course. The report makes clear that the climate transition demands leadership not only to accelerate action, but also to confront where slowing down may be necessary. "For speeding up, we must compress the timelines for massive deployment of renewables on our electricity grid, the development of district heating networks in our cities and towns, elimination of oil and gas fired boilers, massive roll out of electric vehicles and immediate demand reduction. The rates of change required are unprecedented and require a massive redoubling of effort and support. A ‘do everything possible’ attitude is required of all sectors and actors, and we must continue to work together in communities. For strategic slowing down, Ireland must make wise decisions on growth, limiting it where needed, to ensure choices that fit within the ecological boundaries set by science. Anything else would be irresponsible. It is incumbent on this generation of decision makers to find ways for society to prosper within planetary limits. This can feel like a daunting task. But as I have written many times over the last number of years, we have the technical solutions, now it’s about winning hearts and minds, incentivising action and making tough choices on regulation and growth. The data in this year’s report further emphasises that in tandem with going full speed to replace fossil fuels in our economy and society, timing growth is essential. We need to balance necessary growth by using energy more efficiently and we need to be strategic in economic growth decisions that help Ireland in its energy transition and avoid further burdening its ability to meet our climate obligations.” If the transition is to be just, we need an honest discussion and proactive approach to planning what it is we are transitioning towards, and what we are transitioning away from. This moment presents a critical opportunity to place fairness and people at the heart of the transition. By planning ahead and acting decisively, we can provide clear, supported pathways for those most likely to be impacted by the changes ahead, ensuring communities, workers, and households are not left behind, but are actively supported to participate in and benefit from a just and inclusive transition. Link to the full report in the comment below.

Data centers in Ireland now consume more electricity than all residential homes combined. Data Centers account for 21% of the country's electricity use, while homes use 18%. This is alarming because Ireland still relies heavily on fossil fuels. The rapid expansion of data centers threatens to derail Ireland's climate targets, causing a 48% increase in emissions since 2019. Turns out that building data centers is far easier and quicker than developing renewable energy sources. This issue isn't isolated to Ireland. It's also affecting U.S. regions like Loudoun County, Virginia, and Grant and Douglas Counties in Washington. These areas face increased fossil fuel reliance or maxed-out hydropower, risking energy shortages. I get that AI is exciting, but I don't see enough talk about its adverse impact on climate. You can't compartmentalize the two. More A.I., leads to more energy use and in today's world that leads to more emissions. Match your AI investment with impactful cleaner energy investments. #climatetech #invesment #VC #venturecapital #datacenters #AI #machinelearning #climatetech #energytech