Energy

Industry contributes to emissions primarily through energy consumption, but also from on site processes such as cement production. Energy intensive industries in Ireland include pharmaceutical, food and drink processing, electronic, cement, mining and metals processing, manufacturing and refining.

Emissions from Energy (principally electricity generation) increased by 5.9% (0.71 Mt CO2eq) in 2012. This reflects increases in coal and peat used in conventional fossil fuel fired power stations for electricity generation, by 27% and 16% respectively, and a corresponding decrease in natural gas use of 12% in 2012. Electricity generated from wind decreased by 8.4% between 2011 and 2012 (EPA, 2013). Declining electricity consumption through both recession and more energy efficient practices and associated reductions in greenhouse gas emissions is, therefore, being off-set by changes in the fuel mix in power generation.

This data also indicates how industrial energy use tends to fluctuate. Although a few large companies dominate energy consumption, it is important to recognise that every company, regardless of size and emissions, has a part to play in combating climate change. No energy saving measure is too small.