Ireland still relies on fossil fuel for almost 80% of energy as demand rises
Ireland remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels for nearly 80% of its energy needs, despite climate targets and rising costs. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland warns that increasing demand from data centers and transport is making it difficult to transition to renewable energy sources.
Why it matters
Ireland's struggle to decarbonize highlights the broader global challenge of balancing economic growth and infrastructure needs with climate commitments.
Ireland is still overwhelmingly reliant on fossil fuels for power, heat and transport despite the climate and cost impacts, latest data shows.
Almost 80 per cent of all the energy used by homes, businesses, industry and travel came from oil , gas or solid fuels, the figures for 2025 show.
The country now has the third lowest share of renewable energy in the European Union , the report from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) shows.
Growing traffic , increasing flights and data centre expansion are all complicating efforts to move away from the carbon-polluting fuels, it says.
It forecasts that overall energy demand will increase by 10 per cent by 2030 – driven largely by these sectors.
The trend is the opposite of what is required under 2030 energy efficiency and climate targets.
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