News Update 06.02.2025

• According to the Irish Independent, An Bord Pleanála has approved a new power plant near Duleek, Co Louth. SSE Generation Ireland Limited received permission for an open cycle gas turbine plant using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as fuel. Despite local objections, the project will proceed, with nine third-party submissions. https://www.independent.ie/regionals/louth/drogheda-news/sse-granted-permission-for-new-power-plant-in-meath-despite-local-objections/a764313436.html?

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• RTé highlights that January 2025 was the warmest January globally, with temperatures 0.79°C above the 1991-2020 average. In contrast, Ireland was cooler, with temperatures 0.45°C below the average. Despite global warming trends, Ireland experienced Storm éowyn and snowfall. Over the past 30 years, Ireland has warmed by 0.7°C and become 7% wetter. https://www.rte.ie/news/environment/2025/0206/1495037-january-2025-warmest-globally-but-ireland-below-average/?

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• As the Irish Examiner reports, the government is implementing measures to prevent future damage like Storm éowyn, such as increasing spare parts and creating forestry corridors are being implemented. With 22,000 customers still without power, the Cabinet will be updated today on the impact on the energy grid. Minister Darragh O’Brien has requested new actions, including a Winter 2025 Grid Resilience Plan and a full grid review.?https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41568190.html???

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• In a report by the Business Post, John Reilly, head of renewables at Bord na Móna, warns that Ireland is unlikely to meet its 2030 renewable energy targets due to legal and planning challenges. Wind farm projects now take over a decade to complete, compared to seven years previously. Despite progress in decarbonizing the electricity sector, Reilly believes the targets are unattainable given the current circumstances. https://www.businesspost.ie/news/bord-na-mona-head-of-renewable-energy-warns-no-chance-ireland-will-meet-renewable-targets/?

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• The Irish Examiner reports that European farmers warn of a crisis, as Brussels plans to cut 25% of the EU’s fertiliser imports from Russia and Belarus. Proposed tariffs could raise prices by €40-45/t, impacting production and incomes. The European Commission’s tariff could rise from 6.5% to 100% over three years. Copa and Cogeca urge swift action to prevent a crisis. https://www.irishexaminer.com/farming/arid-41568196.html?

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• According to a report by Reuters, Turkey has become Europe’s top polluter from fossil fuel power production, surpassing Germany in 2024. This shift reflects a move of high-polluting sectors to regions with laxer pollution standards. Turkey’s power sector emitted 154.5 million metric tons of CO2, driven by coal reliance. This change highlights the need for emissions monitoring in emerging economies. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkeys-growing-power-pollution-sign-things-come-maguire-2025-02-06/?

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• Outlined by Bloomberg, as the European energy crisis continues, policymakers face a tough choice: gamble on lower gas prices next winter, or spend taxpayer money to replenish stockpiles at current high prices. The risks of running low outweigh the costs of refilling inventories, with Germany is considering spending billions to restore its energy cushion. https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2025-02-06/europe-is-better-safe-than-sorry-on-natural-gas?