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Ireland’s power generation and industrial greenhouse gas emissions down by seven per cent in 2024

Date released: April 04, 2025

  • In 2024, greenhouse gas emissions from Irish power generation and industrial companies covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) decreased by seven per cent.
    • Emissions decreased by 7.3 per cent from the electricity generation sector.
    • Industrial emissions decreased by 6.9 per cent, with the cement industry responsible for the most significant reductions due to lower production levels.
  • In contrast, greenhouse gas emissions from aviation increased by just under 17 per cent compared to 2023, which reflects continued growth in this sector.
  • Shipping companies, regulated under the EU ETS for the first time, reported over a half a million tonnes of CO2.

4 April 2025: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), today released its preliminary analysis of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Since the establishment of EU ETS in 2005, there has been a decrease in emissions of 50 per cent for the relevant sectors in Ireland. 

In 2024, emissions from Irish power generation and industrial companies decreased by 7.4 per cent (less than 1 million tonnes) to 11.3 million tonnes of CO2.  This compares with a decrease of approximately six per cent across Europe, according to data published today by the EU Commission.

The decrease in emissions from Ireland’s power generation and industry in 2024 was driven by a combination of factors.

Power generation: A decrease in the use of coal contributed to a 24 per cent reduction in emissions at ESB Moneypoint. There was also an increase in imports of electricity from the United Kingdom. Importation of electricity from other countries outside the EU will require a carbon price to be paid from 2027, for imports in 2026 and onwards, under the EU’s  Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

Cement industries: There was a 15.6 per cent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from cement industries due to a drop in production of cement clinker (a key component of cement) as the demand for less carbon intensive construction products increased.

Commenting today Laura Burke, EPA Director General, said:

“The decrease in emissions from the power generation and industrial emissions sectors covered by the EU Emissions Trading System is an indicator of further progress in Ireland’s move towards cleaner energy and manufacturing processes.  Scaling up investment in energy infrastructure is essential to support the further development of renewable energy sources to support Ireland’s energy transition.”

Aviation emissions from flights within the European Economic Area reported to Ireland by 31 March increased by almost 17 per cent compared to 2023, to over 13 million tonnes. This is now above the pre-pandemic levels of 12.8 million tonnes and reflects the ongoing growth of traffic in this sector. The use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels, while limited to date, offers potential to reduce aviation emissions into the future.

Dr Maria Martin, EPA Senior Manager, said:

“The EU Emissions Trading System has delivered decarbonisation since its introduction 20 years ago. The system is expanding to bring in new sectors, including buildings and road transport as well as the maritime sector, on a phased basis and this will provide an incentive to reduce emissions in those areas.”

Further details about Emissions Trading are available on the EU website and on the EPA website. Further information about Ireland's overall greenhouse gas emissions and useful infographics and detailed greenhouse gas inventory are also available on the EPA website. 

ENDS 

Further information: Emily Williamson, EPA Media Relations Office 053-9170770 (24 hours) or media@epa.ie 

Notes to Editor 

EU Emissions Trading System 

The Environmental Protection Agency is the competent authority for implementation of the EU Emissions Trading System in Ireland, including the administering of accounts on Ireland’s domain in the Union Registry. Fifteen aviation operators currently have reporting obligations to Ireland in the system, including five large, commercial airlines. 

The EU Emissions Trading System covers large energy users and electricity generators, these are known as “stationary installations”. 112 major industrial and powergen sites were required to report their emissions for 2024 to the EPA by 31 March 2025. These include sites operating in the power generation, cement, lime and oil refining sectors. Also included are large companies in sectors such as food & drink, pharmaceuticals and semi-conductors. 

Mobile sources in the form of large aircraft were introduced into the EU ETS for the first time in 2012. Aviation emissions reported to Ireland come mainly from flights in and out of Ireland and also flights anywhere within the European Economic Area (EEA) where the aircraft carrier has an operating licence from the Irish Aviation Authority or has been assigned to Ireland under the EU ETS. 

Additional sector changes in 2024: 

  • Emissions from the food and drink sector also showed a decrease in emissions of more than three per cent. 
  • Emissions from the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals increased more than five per cent.