- The Central Bank’s latest Climate Observatory report, as featured in The Irish Times, indicates that Ireland’s progress towards renewable energy has stalled. The country is encountering major challenges in reducing agricultural emissions and increasing electric vehicle adoption. Without substantial efforts, Ireland is unlikely to achieve its 2030 climate goals. The report also notes that Ireland is among the top 30 global emitters per capita, with emissions nearly 60% higher than the EU average in 2022. Agriculture is the largest source of national emissions at 32%, followed by transport, households, and energy supply. https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/01/14/irelands-switch-to-renewable-energy-has-stagnated-central-bank-report-says/
- ?As covered in the Irish Independent, the High Court ruled planners failed to comply with climate law, impacting public bodies significantly. The judgement found that a wind farm was wrongly denied planning permission due to insufficient emphasis on renewable energy. This ruling clarifies the strength of climate legislation and the obligations of state bodies, however could boost renewable energy projects and block developments that increase greenhouse gas emissions. https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/high-court-rules-an-bord-pleanala-must-prioritise-climate-law-in-wind-farm-case-likely-to-affect-all-public-bodies/a294141249.html
- RTé reports that the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) disbursed a record €616 million in grants and supports for energy upgrades and clean energy projects last year. This represents a 13% increase in activity by the national energy authority in 2024. Two-thirds of the funding, or €420 million, was allocated to 54,000 home energy upgrades, including over 7,700 homes in energy poverty. Additionally, nearly 8.5% (€52 million) of SEAI’s spending supported the electrification of Ireland’s private car fleet, providing grants for 12,000 new electric vehicles and 15,400 EV home chargers. https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2025/0115/1490866-energy-upgrade-grants/
- The Irish Independent highlights that one major reason potential buyers hesitate to purchase new electric cars, is their higher cost compared to petrol, hybrid, and diesel models. Despite some price reductions due to competition, many still find the switch daunting. Jeep’s latest move might change this. They announced that the award-winning Avenger crossover range will now have “common” pricing, meaning petrol, mild-hybrid, and fully electrified models will all start at €29,995, depending on the spec and trim. https://www.independent.ie/life/motoring/car-news/jeep-will-now-allow-you-to-buy-petrol-hybrid-or-electric-for-same-price/a557855235.html
- In a report by BreakingNews.ie, Fingal County Council received 171 new submissions opposing the Dublin Airport Authority’s plan to increase the annual passenger cap at Dublin Airport from 32 million to 40 million. Most submissions, including a detailed 326-page document from ‘St Margaret The Ward Residents Group’, cite significant adverse impacts on public health, community well-being, and environmental sustainability. https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/fresh-wave-of-opposition-to-daa-plan-to-increase-dublin-airport-passenger-cap-to-40m-per-year-1717561.html
- According to the Irish Independent, Ireland’s financial sector is among the most tied to carbon-intensive businesses in the EU. According to the Central Bank’s latest Climate Observatory report, the carbon intensity of loans, investments, and pension funds in Ireland is generally higher than the euro area average. This means billions of euros are flowing to companies heavily involved in fossil fuels. The report highlights significant risks to the economy and financial sector from climate-related hazards and the transition to cleaner operations. https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/irish-finance-sector-tied-to-firms-linked-to-fossil-fuels/a46428096.html
- Outlined by BreakingNews.ie, concerns for badgers have stalled plans for a €141 million, 118 MW solar farm in Co Kildare. The Council, following advice from the Department of Heritage, found the proposed mitigation measures inadequate and requested a full assessment to ensure badger protection. Over 50 objections have been lodged, with locals worried about the impact on their community. https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/badger-concerns-stall-e141-million-kildare-solar-farm-1717638.html
- Euronews reports that St Helena has installed the world’s most remote public EV charger in its capital, Jamestown, as part of a trial by Norwegian charging company Easee and Japanese car brand Subaru. The island, located nearly 2,000 km from the west coast of Africa, hopes that better infrastructure will encourage more residents to switch from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric ones. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on expensive fossil fuel imports and accelerate the island’s green transition. https://www.euronews.com/green/2025/01/14/how-the-worlds-most-remote-ev-charger-is-helping-an-island-in-the-atlantic-ditch-fossil-fu
- According to Reuters, the UAE is constructing a $6 billion renewable facility to provide round-the-clock energy, developed by Masdar and the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (Ewec). The facility will feature up to 5GW of solar power and at least 1GW of guaranteed uninterrupted clean power, addressing the challenge of intermittent renewable energy. The UAE aims to triple its renewable energy capacity to 14GW by 2030, aligning with Cop28 goals. https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/uaes-masdar-launches-facility-produce-1gw-uninterrupted-renewable-energy-2025-01-14/
