Annual energy savings reached Eur750 million in 2007

The Irish economy recorded savings of Eur750 million in 2007 as a result of energy efficiency measures undertaken since 1995. The economy recorded a 10 per cent improvement in energy efficiency between 1995 and 2007 and the savings made in 2007 alone were the equivalent to the annual energy usage of half a million houses. These are some of the findings of a new report on energy efficiency published today by Sustainable Energy Ireland. The report, Energy Efficiency in Ireland 2009, shows that Ireland performed better than the European average for energy efficiency gains in both the residential and industrial sectors.

According to the report, total final consumption of energy in the economy would have been 8.4 per cent higher in 2007 were it not for energy efficiency improvements made since 1995. The energy savings due to energy efficiency improvements recorded in 2007 were apparently two and a half times greater than the contribution of renewable energy, with energy efficiency for industry improving by 16 per cent between 1995 and 2007. Energy efficiency for the residential sector was also estimated to have improved by 15 per cent in the same period. Despite the fact that transport energy use grew faster than the economy between 1995 and 2007, energy efficiency in the sector improved slightly by 1.4 per cent.

Professor Owen Lewis, chief executive, SEI, said: “Energy efficiency is a key element of Ireland’s energy and economic policy and today’s report underlines the important role it plays. The carbon emissions savings made as a result of energy efficiency measures greatly exceed the contribution from renewable energy. It’s encouraging to know that through the recently launched National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP), Ireland can further build on this significant achievement and the Eur750 million in savings recorded in 2007 could be greatly exceeded in future years.”

The report also shows that Ireland’s final energy usage increased by 66 per cent (4.3 per cent per annum) between 1995 and 2007. Despite this increase, Ireland scores highly in most areas of energy efficiency when compared with the rest of the EU-15, showing a 10 per cent improvement when compared to the EU-15’s average of 9 per cent. In the transport sector however, Ireland was ranked second lowest for energy efficiency improvements.

Professor Lewis added: “Ireland’s ambition in the area of sustainability is to lead, not follow. In this regard, the role of energy efficiency must be prioritised for its economic, social and environmental benefits. Ireland’s transformation to a smart, green economy will depend on how we use energy, as much as how we produce or source it.”

The Energy Efficiency in Ireland 2009 report examines energy usage and efficiency. The research examines energy trends, based on the most recent data available. SEI hope it will add to our understanding of how we use energy and what policies and measures are required to improve efficiency further. SEI has a lead role in developing and maintaining comprehensive national and sectoral statistics for energy production, transformation and end use.