The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has opened a consultation to seek views from interested parties on the potential introduction of a new Renewable Heat Obligation. This obligation, if introduced, would require the suppliers of energy used in the heat sector in Ireland to ensure that a certain proportion of the energy supplied is renewable.
Why a Renewable Heat Obligation?
Currently in Ireland 6.3% of heat sector demand is met by energy from renewable sources – e.g. biomass and biogas. This is the lowest percentage of any Member State and is well below the European Union average of 22%. While some progress is being made in terms of increasing the use of renewable heat in Ireland more needs to be done. An obligation in the heat sector would incentivise the use of renewable heat. Such an obligation could be spread across all non-renewable fuel types.
The overall objective of a Renewable Heat Obligation would essentially be to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the heat sector, though increased use of sustainable renewable energy – thus contributing to the Programme for Government’s target of a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.