Dublin has committed to slashing carbon emissions by up to 95% by the year 2050 via a “diversified programme” of renewable energy generation.
In his energy white paper to be released today, energy minister Alex White has promised that Ireland will meet its targets by 2050.
Peat and coal are to give way to renewables by 2050 with greenhouse gases from the energy sector to “fall to zero or below by 2100”.
“For the first time an Irish Government has set its course on the eventual elimination of fossil fuels from our energy system,” White said this morning.
“We will only achieve this ambitious degree of decarbonisation by engaging all citizens in energy policy and its implementation.
“Meeting the challenge of global warming can no longer be confined to the realm of international treaties or Government decisions. It is about changing the way we heat our homes and businesses. It is about reassessing how we travel. It is about participating in decisions about the infrastructure needs of a low carbon Ireland.”
The paper sets out over 90 policy actions to be implemented by Dublin and White added that citizens will have an increased role in the coming years.
“Our energy system is going to change from one that is almost exclusively led by Government and utilities, to one where individuals and communities will increasingly be participants in energy efficiency and renewable energy generation and distribution,” he said.
“It’s a story that will impact on all our people.”
Image: Irish energy minister, Alex White (Irish Labour Party)
