Energy use re-coupled to CO2 emissions: study

Updated: 15:40, Tuesday, 12 December 2006

A new report on energy trends in Ireland has found there has been a re-coupling of economic growth, increased energy usage and dangerous greenhouse gas production.

1 of 1 Emissions Report on energy trends
Emissions
Report on energy trends

A new report on energy trends in Ireland has found there has been a re-coupling of economic growth, increased energy usage and dangerous greenhouse gas production.

The data is contained in the latest statistical analysis from Sustainable Energy Ireland.

Part of the agency's work is to collate national energy statistics and trends, and its publications are highly regarded.

This morning it was due to publish three reports, including one which it was understood shows a worrying re-coupling of energy growth and carbon dioxide emissions.

SEI has found growth in energy-related CO2 emissions was higher than energy growth for the first time since 2001 - 53% higher than 1990 levels.

The gap is small, but the trend is troubling given Ireland is already considerably above its emissions target under the Kyoto Protocol.

On the positive side, while Ireland still imports 90% of its energy, renewable sources grew by 26% in 2005, with wind energy growing by 70%.

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