Ameer Randolph
Fossil fuels have been the dominant source of electricity for most countries since the Industrial Revolution. In Ireland, fossil fuels still dominate the primary energy supply, with oil, gas, coal, and peat being the most used. In 2021, oil accounted for 48.9% of primary energy, gas 29.5%, renewables 14.1%, coal 3.1%, peat 1.3%, and electricity imports 2%. Ireland also imports all of its oil and has a high dependence on oil for domestic heating, with 45% of homes using oil for heating compared to 4% in the UK. Natural gas-fuelled power stations generate almost half (46%) of Ireland's electricity, with coal contributing about one-seventh (14%). However, Ireland has been trying to shift towards low-carbon sources of electricity, such as nuclear power and renewables, including hydropower, solar, and wind.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of electricity generated from natural-gas fuelled power stations | 46% |
| Percentage of electricity generated from coal | 14% |
| Percentage of electricity generated from indigenous sources | 31.3% |
| Percentage of electricity generated from wind | 18% |
| Percentage of electricity generated from peat | 8.8% |
| Percentage of electricity generated from hydro-electricity | 2.5% |
| Percentage of electricity generated from oil | 48.9% |
| Percentage of electricity generated from gas | 29.5% |
| Percentage of electricity generated from renewables | 14.1% |
| Percentage of electricity generated from coal | 3.1% |
| Percentage of electricity generated from peat | 1.3% |
| Percentage of electricity generated from wastes non-renewable | 1.2% |
| Percentage of electricity imported | 2% |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuels vs. renewable energy sources
Ireland, like most countries, has historically relied on fossil fuels as its dominant energy source. However, the country is now witnessing a shift towards renewable energy sources. The country's energy mix is becoming increasingly important as it moves away from fossil fuels and towards low-carbon alternatives.
Fossil fuels, such as crude oil, coal, and natural gas, have traditionally been used for electricity generation and heating in Ireland. Natural gas-fuelled power stations generate almost half (46%) of the country's electricity, while coal contributes about one-seventh (14%). Ireland also has a relatively high dependence on oil for domestic heating, with 45% of homes using it compared to only 4% in the United Kingdom. The country imports all of its oil, mainly from Norway and the United Kingdom, and has historically relied on gas imports from Scotland, with the Kinsale gas field supplying all of Ireland's gas needs until 1994.
However, Ireland is now actively transitioning towards renewable energy sources. In 2020, wind power alone provided over 86% of the country's renewable electricity and generated 36.3% of its total electricity demand, placing Ireland among the top countries globally in wind energy utilisation. Other renewable sources in Ireland's energy mix include hydro-electricity (2.5%), biomass, landfill gas, and biogas. The country has set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for a 7% annual average reduction between 2021 and 2030, and the development of renewables has played a significant role in this endeavour.
While fossil fuels still dominate Ireland's primary energy supply, the country is making notable strides towards a more sustainable energy future. The growth of renewables and natural gas is gradually displacing oil, coal, and peat. Ireland's diverse energy sources for electricity generation, including wind, hydro, and biomass, contribute to reducing the country's dependence on any single source, enhancing its energy security and mitigating the impacts of potential supply disruptions.
In summary, Ireland is in a phase of energy transition, moving away from its historical reliance on fossil fuels towards a more balanced and sustainable energy mix. The country's increasing focus on renewable sources, such as wind and hydropower, is driving its shift towards low-carbon energy alternatives. This transition not only addresses environmental concerns related to greenhouse gas emissions but also ensures a more secure and resilient energy future for the nation.
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Natural gas-fuelled power stations
Ireland has been importing natural gas from Scotland since 1991. This gas is transported via the Interconnector IC1 and Interconnector IC2 pipelines from the British National Transmission System. Natural gas is a fossil fuel that can be burned to generate electricity. In 2016, gas-fired power stations in the UK generated 127 TWh of electricity, which dropped to 72 TWh in 2024, accounting for 26% of power in Great Britain. This decline is due to the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources and a decrease in coal usage.
In Ireland, natural gas-fuelled power stations are not the only source of electricity. The country also utilises wind power, with over 300 wind farms contributing to 36.3% of the country's electricity demand in 2020. Additionally, Ireland has historically used peat as an energy source, although this is uncommon in Europe. Peat has been employed for electricity generation and domestic heating.
Natural gas is a significant component of Ireland's energy mix, which also includes coal, oil, nuclear energy, and renewable sources. The country is working towards reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to low-carbon energy sources. This shift is driven by the goal of decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, with a target of achieving a 7% annual average reduction between 2021 and 2030.
Since the 1970s, Ireland has made four commercial natural gas discoveries through offshore exploration. These include the Kinsale Head, Ballycotton, and Seven Heads producing gas fields off the coast of Cork, and the Corrib gas field off the coast of Mayo. These natural gas sources contribute to the country's energy production and support the operation of natural gas-fuelled power stations.
While natural gas-fuelled power stations play a role in Ireland's energy landscape, the country is actively transitioning towards more sustainable and renewable energy sources. The combination of wind power and natural gas has allowed Ireland to meet its electricity demands while working towards its environmental goals.
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Oil imports and their impact
Ireland, like most countries, relies on a mix of energy sources, including fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, and coal, as well as renewables like wind, hydro, and biomass. While the country has been working towards reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, they still play a significant role in its energy supply.
Oil, in particular, is a central component of Ireland's energy landscape. Approximately half of the country's energy is derived from oil, either directly or indirectly. This includes its use in electricity generation and as a fuel for transportation. Crude oil is imported and stored at terminals along the coast, with a strategic reserve equivalent to 90 days' usage maintained by the National Oil Reserves Agency.
The impact of these oil imports is twofold. Firstly, they contribute to Ireland's energy security, ensuring a stable supply of electricity and fuel for various sectors, including transportation. However, the reliance on oil and other fossil fuels also has environmental consequences. The burning of fossil fuels is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, with the energy sector accounting for 60% of Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions.
Recognising the need to reduce emissions, Ireland has set ambitious targets for greenhouse gas reduction. The country aims to achieve a 7% annual average reduction in greenhouse gas emissions between 2021 and 2030, surpassing its previous goal of a 30% reduction by 2030. To meet these targets, Ireland is actively promoting renewable energy sources. Wind power, for instance, has seen remarkable growth, with over 300 wind farms contributing more than 35% of the country's electricity in 2023.
In conclusion, while oil imports have been essential in meeting Ireland's energy demands, the country is actively transitioning towards a more sustainable energy future. By investing in renewables and implementing carbon taxes, Ireland is striving to reduce its dependence on oil and other fossil fuels, thereby mitigating their environmental impact.
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Coal's role in electricity production
Fossil fuels, including coal, have been the dominant electricity source for most countries since the Industrial Revolution. Coal is still extensively used today in power generation due to its availability and low cost. In Ireland, coal is imported and used in power generation and heavy industry. Coal is also used as a solid fuel for home heating by a portion of households, although this is declining.
Coal-fired power stations in Ireland will cease operations by 2025. Ireland's only remaining coal-fired power plant is located at Moneypoint, Co. Clare, and is operated by ESB Power Generation. This plant was built in the 1980s as part of a fuel diversity strategy and currently burns around 2 million tonnes of imported coal annually, making it the largest power station in the country. At its peak, the Moneypoint plant accounted for a fifth of Ireland's electricity production.
The use of coal in Ireland has been declining due to concerns about its environmental impact and the country's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In 2010, Ireland introduced a carbon tax on certain fossil fuels, including coal, to encourage a shift towards more sustainable energy sources. Additionally, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) was established to advise the government and promote sustainable energy practices.
To improve air quality, certain areas of Ireland have banned the burning of "smoky coal." Ireland has also increased its energy security through a greater focus on domestic gas production and renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, biomass, and hydropower. Despite these efforts, fossil fuels, including coal, still play a significant role in Ireland's energy mix, highlighting the ongoing challenge of transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
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Peat as a fuel for electricity generation
Peat has been used as a fuel in Ireland for centuries, with evidence of its use as early as the seventh century. By the 19th century, it had become one of the main sources of fuel in the country, alongside coal. Due to its variable quality and supply, its use was primarily limited to areas close to peatlands and inland settlements with limited access to other fuel sources.
The modern Irish peat industry was established in the 1930s with the formation of the Turf Development Board, which aimed to manage peat development, encourage self-sufficiency, and generate rural employment. During World War II, fuel shortages led to the widespread use of peat as a substitute for coal in Dublin. In 1950, the first sod peat-fired power station was established in Portalington, marking the beginning of the use of peat for electricity generation on an industrial scale.
Between 1950 and 1967, several sod peat and milled peat electricity-generating stations were built, with a combined generation capacity of 407 MW. Bord na Mona, a commercial semi-state company established under the Turf Development Act of 1946, played a significant role in the development of the peat industry during this period. They invested heavily in peat briquette production and peat harvesting for electricity generation, particularly in the West and Midlands regions.
However, since the 1990s, the use of peat for electricity generation in Ireland has been on the decline. The number of power stations burning peat has decreased, and Bord na Mona has announced plans to phase out the harvesting of peat for energy by 2027, in favour of more sustainable alternatives such as biomass, wind power, and solar generation. This transition is driven by Ireland's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting its decarbonization goals.
The combustion of peat for energy generation has significant environmental impacts, contributing to Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that peat combustion results in the emission of approximately 2.7 Mt of CO2 per annum, equivalent to 4.1% of Ireland's overall GHG emissions. Efforts are now being made to rehabilitate peat bogs and convert them back into carbon sinks, providing further climate benefits.
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Frequently asked questions
Fossil fuels still dominate Ireland's primary energy supply. Almost half (46%) of Ireland's electricity is generated from natural-gas-fuelled power stations, and about one-seventh (14%) comes from coal.
Ireland imports all of the oil it uses, with crude oil imports accounting for about 53,000 barrels per day from Norway and the UK, with some sources in North and Central Africa. Ireland also has a high dependence on oil for domestic heating, with 45% of homes using oil, compared to 4% in the UK. Ireland has historically relied on peat for electricity generation and domestic heating, and it still accounts for 8.8% of power generation.
Yes. Ireland has a plan to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. This target has been improved, with a new goal of achieving a 7% annual average reduction in emissions between 2021 and 2030. The country introduced a carbon tax on fossil fuels in 2010, and a solid fuel carbon tax in 2013.
