News Update 04.03.2025

• RTé reports that in February, renewable sources provided 54.5% of Ireland’s electricity, with wind power alone accounting for just over 48%, setting a new peak wind power record on February 13th. Gas generation contributed 31%, while 12% was imported, 2% came from coal, and 1% from other sources. https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2025/0303/1499972-renewables-provided-over-half-of-electricity-in-february/?

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• The Business Post reveals that Ireland could face a €26 billion bill for missing EU’s 2030 emissions targets. Urgent actions like upgrading the energy grid, accelerating electric vehicle rollout, and changing farming practices could reduce this cost to €3-12 billion. Failure to meet targets would result in purchasing carbon credits from other EU states, potentially leading to significant compliance costs. https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/ireland-faces-e26bn-bill-if-carbon-targets-missed-fiscal-watchdog-warns/?

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• Tipperary Live highlights that EirGrid is hosting an Energy Citizens Roadshow in Tipperary on March 5th at Halla Na Féile in Cashel. This free event will feature experts from SEAI, ESB Networks, and Tipperary County Council, providing information on home energy efficiency upgrades, retrofitting grants, and community micro-generation schemes.?https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/sponsored-content/1743578/eirgrid-to-host-energy-citizens-roadshow-in-tipperary.html?

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• As the Journal.ie reports, the Irish government plans to create a State-led strategic gas emergency reserve to ensure energy security in case of supply disruptions. This reserve, operating on a non-commercial basis, would provide resilience and mitigate the consequences of significant gas supply disruptions. The proposal includes using a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU). https://www.thejournal.ie/government-to-create-gas-emergency-reserve-to-be-used-in-event-of-significant-disruption-6638886-Mar2025/?

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• Do you need planning permission for your home energy upgrades? The Irish Times has the answer: it is decided on a case-by-case basis. It highlights a South Dublin homeowner who spent €16,000 on insulation and received a €4,000 SEAI grant but now faces imprisonment or a €5,000 fine for non-compliant insulation. Multiple SEAI grants are available for energy efficiency upgrades. https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2025/03/03/qa-do-i-need-planning-permission-for-my-home-energy-upgrades/?

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• According to The Financial Times, the European Commission will ease new emissions rules for petrol cars, allowing the auto industry to avoid fines until 2027 due to slow electric vehicle adoption. The 2035 ban on petrol cars remains, but carmakers will have flexibility in meeting CO? targets over the next three years. This move aims to balance climate goals with industry competitiveness, though some carmakers urge against delaying the transition to electric vehicles. https://www.ft.com/content/4a57211a-b8fa-408d-b222-0e35d0e75f36?