merrion street

Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte T.D., today launched a public consultation to invite views on reducing carbon emissions from the electricity sector by 2050. Emissions from electricity generation amount to nearly 21% of Ireland’s total national emissions, or some eleven and a half million tonnes of carbon dioxide. Reducing these emissions will be vital to ensure that Ireland plays it part in addressing climate change.

A scoping report, which sets out the process through which a decarbonised electricity system will be planned, has been published to guide the public consultation process.

Commenting on the launch of the report, Minister Rabbitte said: “Over the coming months my Department will be evaluating options that can lower emissions from electricity generation while maintaining economic competitiveness and ensuring that everyone can afford to heat and power their homes. I encourage interested parties to participate in this consultation and let us know your views on what is achievable in Ireland,” continued Minister Rabbitte.

The consultation period will run for the next six weeks. During this period submissions to the roadmap should be sent to: lowcarbonroadmap@dcenr.ie

A full copy of the scoping report is available at: http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Energy/Energy+Efficiency+and+Affordability+Division/Consultation+on+Low+Carbon+Roadmap.htm

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Under the planned Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill currently in the Oireachtas, those sectors of the economy with significant carbon emissions are required to produce plans to lower these emissions. These sectoral plans will be incorporated into a National plan that will be approved by Government and published in 2014.