- CEO of Fuels for Ireland, Kevin McPartlan, appeared in the Sunday Business Post over the weekend discussing the importance of lobbying in the fuel industry, and how we can aid in the transition to low carbon emissions. The piece highlights FFI’s commitment to achieving net carbon neutrality by 2050, despite growing concerns surrounding the banning of policymakers engaging with representatives.?
- According to RTé, the draft programme for Government plans to improve grants for home retrofitting, focusing on older people and low-income households. It supports joint retrofitting projects and offers a €500 million Low Interest Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme. For renewable energy, the programme promises benefits for local communities, job creation in renewable infrastructure, and easier market access for community-owned solar and wind projects.?https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2025/0115/1491073-programme-for-government-climate/??
- As covered in Agriland, Dawn Meats has invested €1.5 million in a solar panel project at its Grannagh site in Co. Waterford, installing 3,500 panels over 8,397m2. This project, led by engineering director Tom Hyland, will generate 1,560,000 kWh annually, covering 40% of the site’s electricity usage. The energy produced can power 210 homes for a year and is expected to pay off in 4.5 years. https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/dawn-meats-invests-e1-5m-in-waterford-solar-panel-project/?
- The Irish Examiner highlights that the Airline Economics conference last week focused on parts shortages rather than sustainability, raising concerns about “ESG fatigue.” Simon Newitt of Heart Aerospace stressed that sustainability is still important despite immediate challenges. Parts shortages are keeping older jets in service longer, even as the EU’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) targets take effect. https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-41556124.html?
- In a report by RTé, Ireland is investing heavily in electricity grid interconnectors with neighbouring countries to enhance energy security, reduce costs, and meet climate goals. These interconnectors allow for the import and export of electricity, stabilizing the grid during low-wind periods and high demand, and promoting competitive pricing through cross-border trade. https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2025/0116/1491203-electricity-grid-interconnectors-explained-energy/?
- Forbes reveals that Airbus and Austria’s OMV are partnering on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to help decarbonize the industry. SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. The EU aims to increase SAF usage to 70% by 2050, starting from 2% in 2025. https://www.forbes.com/sites/gauravsharma/2025/01/19/airbus-and-omv-to-partner-on-sustainable-aviation-fuel/?
- The Financial Times reports on Europe’s struggles to buy more US gas despite Trump’s tariff threats, as the EU can’t directly purchase gas and continues importing cheaper Russian LNG. Ursula von der Leyen supports increasing US LNG imports, but the EU can only signal interest. https://www.ft.com/content/e33d9eec-b34c-4afc-8948-dda91ccbb70d?
- Reuters features Russia and Vietnam’s agreement to collaborate on developing Vietnam’s nuclear power sector and continuing oil and gas projects. Vietnam aims to build its first nuclear power plant by 2030, with Russia’s Rosatom previously chosen for the project. https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/russia-offers-provide-lng-crude-oil-vietnam-2025-01-15/?
