The EPA has reported that Ireland-based participants in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EUTS) experienced a 7% reduction in GHG emissions in 2013 compared to 2012. Approximately 100 industrial and institutional sites take part in the EUTS, including those from the cement, lime, oil refining and power generation sectors. Participants have to report their emissions to the EPA by 31 March each year. The cement industry’s emissions fell by 4% y/y in 2013, which has been attributed to lower production levels. The power generation sector reported an 11.5% y/y reduction in emissions while the food and drink industry saw emissions rise by 4%.
“Overall, recorded emissions show a welcome downward trend for 2013, due mainly to lower emissions in the electricity generation sector. However this result does not detract from our awareness of the need to decouple carbon emissions from economic growth. We need radical structural reform of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in order to ensure that the price of carbon will be at a level which incentivises real change in how we manage our energy requirements and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. The current proposal from the EU Commission to introduce a market stability reserve of allowances from 2021 is a step in the right direction,” commented Dr Maria Martin, EPA Senior Manager.
The EPA has developed the infographic below to serve as a guide to GHG emissions in Ireland.
Click here to download a PDF version of the infographic.
Adapted from press release by Louise Fordham