Imported fossil fuels still dominate Ireland's energy system, SEAI says
A report from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland reveals that the country remains heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels, which account for nearly 80% of its energy needs. While renewable energy usage reached a record 15.9%, the nation's dependence on foreign imports leaves it vulnerable to global price volatility.
Why it matters
High import dependency poses a significant risk to national energy security and economic stability in the face of fluctuating global energy markets.
IRELAND IS STILL “heavily dependent” on imported fossil fuels despite growth in renewable energy, according to new data from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
The State’s sustainable energy body said the reliance on imported fossil fuels leaves Ireland exposed to international energy price volatility.
Imported fuels still dominate Ireland’s energy system with almost four-fifths (78.2%) of Ireland’s energy requirement imported last year, substantially higher than the EU average of 57.3%.
Almost 93% of those imports were fossil fuels, with Ireland importing all of its oil and coal requirements and more than 82% of its natural gas. The UK remained Ireland’s largest supplier, accounting for more than half of all energy imports in 2025, followed by the US and EU countries.
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