Ireland to phase out fossil fuel by end of century

The White Paper on Energy, published by Ireland’s Minister for Communications and Energy Alex White on December 16, has announced a long-term plan to make the country fossil fuel-free by the end of the century.

The recently released energy policy paper outlines solutions to replace fossil fuels and sets out long term goals for energy use in the country, reported The Irish Times.

White said that currently 92 percent of energy in the country comes from fossil fuels. By 2050, the share of non-carbon and renewable sources would be between and 80 per cent and 95 percent, and by the end of the century, Ireland would be fossil fuel-free.

The plan is in line with climate change commitments made by world leaders in Paris last week.

In separate The Irish Time news, Gas Networks Ireland proposed the establishment of 70 filling stations that supply compressed natural gas (CNG) as CNG emits 22% less carbon dioxide than diesel.

Gas Networks Ireland, which operates the first CNG filling station in Cork, also calls for tax incentives to CNG vehicles.

“If Ireland were to convert just half the national bus and HGV fleets to CNG there would be a fuel cost-saving of €524 million and an emissions saving of 165,000 tonnes of CO2 per year,” told Liam O’Sullivan, Gas Networks Ireland managing director, to the country’s deputies and senators.