Publications
Evaluating the consistency between Ireland鈥檚 carbon budget-aligned energy system pathways and EU energy and climate targets
This study assesses the alignment of Ireland鈥檚 energy system decarbonisation pathways 鈥 developed using the TIMES-Ireland Model (TIM) and aligned with approved and adopted national CBs - with EU climate and energy targets for 2030 and 2040. The analysis focuses on a composite 鈥淭IM-CBaligned鈥 pathway, representing the weighted average of scenarios underpinning Ireland鈥檚 third and fourth CB proposals, alongside current and planned policy scenarios.
- Authors
Ciara Doherty, Dr. Vahid Aryanpur & Prof Hannah Daly
- Year
- 2026
- Journal Name
- Environmental Research: Energy
- Category
- Journal Article
- Keywords
- Carbon Budgets, EU Targets, Decarbonisation, Climate Neutrality
- Link to Publication
- /en/media/research/energypolicyandmodellinggroup/Dohertyetal_2026_Environ._Res.__Energy_10.1088_2753-3751_ae4a2b.pdf
Abstract
Ireland鈥檚 climate legislation mandates greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions consistent with the Paris Agreement, implemented through legally binding carbon budgets (CBs) targeting a 51% reduction by 2030, relative to 2018, and climate neutrality by 2050. As an EU Member State, Ireland must also meet obligations under European climate and energy legislation, including the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), and the Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR). The extent to which national policy frameworks, such as Ireland鈥檚 domestic CBs, align with EU obligations is underexplored.