Carbon Budgets in Ireland: Transition Pathways and Policy Implications (fiscalcouncil.ie)

• Ireland is projected to overshoot its carbon budgets
• Time is the main barrier, not technology
• Fossil fuels must be halved by 2030
• Renewables and electrification are key solutions
• Social equity and just transition are central

"Ireland is on track to breach its legally-binding carbon budgets, requiring urgent course correction. Prof. Hannah Daly presented at the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council's 2024 annual conference, emphasizing that time, not technology, is the main barrier. Fossil fuels must drop from 90% to 45-50% of primary energy by 2030. Key solutions include expanding renewables, electrification, and energy demand reduction. The cost is manageable but requires upfront investment before 2030. Just transition and social inequalities are highlighted."