Ireland fails to break link between economic growth and fossil fuels despite emissions drop, SEAI reports
Friday 10 July 2026
A new Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland report warns that the country remains vulnerable to external shocks due to a continued reliance on fossil fuels.
Ireland has not meaningfully broken the link between economic growth and fossil fuel consumption despite achieving a 16% reduction in energy-related emissions since 2018, according to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
In its latest assessment, the SEAI warned that the state's ongoing dependence on fossil fuels leaves the national economy vulnerable to price volatility and external shocks. Without a decisive shift away from these energy sources, Ireland's energy security remains at risk.
Emissions and Renewable Energy Progress
The report highlights several key developments in Ireland's energy transition up to 2023:
- **Emissions Reduction:** Energy-related emissions fell to 31.4 MtCO2eq in 2023, marking an 8.3% decrease from 2022 levels and reaching the lowest level recorded in over 30 years.
- **Primary Energy:** Renewable energy accounted for 14.1% of Ireland’s primary energy in 2023, which represents the highest value recorded to date.
- **Electricity Generation:** Wind generation performed strongly, providing 33.7% of the national electricity supply in 2023.
While the figures demonstrate progress within the renewable electricity sector, the SEAI concluded that urgent policy action is still required to fully align Ireland's economic growth with sustainable energy practices.