Conflicts Between Energy Policy Objectives and the National Climate Change Strategy in Ireland

Synthesis Report for the ERTDI-funded project: 2001-EEP-MS1-M2

Summary: STRIVE Report 31 - Brian Ó Gallachóir et al.

The thesis underpinning this research project is that it will not be possible to deliver on the National Climate Change Strategy (NCCS) unless the conflicts between energy policy objectives and the NCCS measures are resolved.The project investigated separately the issues associated with, and measures arising from, the three pillars of energy policy, namely cost competitiveness, security of supply and environmental responsibility.

The project assessed the interactions, conflicts, potential conflicts, complementarities and resulting impacts of these on the NCCS measures targeting the electricity sector. The project focused on two NCCS measures in particular, namely:

• The closure of the Moneypoint coal-fired power plant in 2008, displacing it with gas-fired power generation, to achieve a target of 3.4 Mt CO₂ emissions reduction, and
• The achievement of an additional 500 MW of renewable energy power generation between 2000 and 2005, to achieve a target of 1 Mt CO₂ emissions reduction, with significant further targets for the period 2005–2010.

Also available for download:

• End of Project Report(e.g. Final Report).  EPA STRIVE Reports are formatted and proofread by the EPA. End-of-Project Reports are prepared and finalised by the authors:
  • Brian Ó Gallachóir et al.: Conflicts Between Energy Policy Objectives and the National Climate Change Strategy in Ireland.