Cathal Murphy
Senior Policy Analyst, Ireland Electrified
Decarbonising by electrifying heat and transport using Ireland’s growing renewable electricity benefits the environment and enhances security of supply and efficiency for homes, businesses and industries.
Ireland Electrified is an association that advocates for the increased electrification of heat, domestic and industrial, as well as transport. It is a voice across the electrification sectors, advocating for change, developing policy positions and increasing awareness of the technology available now for homes, industries and transport. The association aims to represent those active in the electric transition and those making the move from fossil fuels to cleaner more secure electrification for their energy.
High emissions from heat and transport
Emissions from heat and transport form a substantial part of our greenhouse gases. The Irish State has the worst performance in the EU for using renewable energy sources for heating and on sustainable transport we are the fourth lowest.
Heat makes up the largest share of energy-related emissions at 37%. Transport-related emissions are responsible for 19% of total overall emissions.
Electrification must not simply be seen as new demand alone but also as a technology that is ready to use now and can provide benefits to the grid and renewable electricity broadly. It can provide flexibility in demand; it can utilise excess electricity we produce, is a potential storage of energy through thermal storage and vehicle-to-grid technology, and it can exploit the existing grid better. All this while lowering emissions in sectors heavily reliant on fossil fuels and so improving the environment. It will also lower imported fossil fuels and increase security of supply.
Policy requires further progression
so that it can encourage greater
electrification and support the
transition away from fossil fuels.
Expand policies to support electrification
The policy framework supporting electrification however needs to be expanded. Though the possibilities are there, the policy requires further progression so that it can encourage greater electrification and support the transition away from fossil fuels.
Ireland Electrified are developing research papers on electrification topics that will assist in advocating for the use of this technology and highlight its broad benefits. These include reforms of the electricity price pass-through costs to encourage growth and policy positions on connection reforms.
Electrification can benefit Ireland
Electrification is better for Irish homes, businesses and the Irish industry. It is better for Irish transport, private and public, better for the Irish electricity market and better for our environment and society.
