Reliance on energy imports will have long term consequences
Statement by the Irish Offshore Operators’ Association
The failure of the published Programme for Government to recognise the urgent need to repeat the success of the Kinsale Head and Corrib Gas Fields will cost jobs, investment and increase our carbon emissions, according to the Irish Offshore Operators’ Association (IOOA).
The body which represents companies licenced to explore for and produce oil and gas off the Irish coast says failure to put in place proper regulations and policy will leave the country at the risk of global uncertainty and costs as we face the prospect of switching to imports, via the UK.
IOOA says such imports will make it far more difficult for Ireland to meet its international commitments on carbon emissions as such imports from a country which is itself a gas importer generate up to 30% more carbon emissions.
Mandy Johnston, CEO of IOOA added:
“Not everything in this document is good for the environment, measures such as banning gas exploration licences are virtue signalling gestures which while appealing to the Green voter, will ironically increase our emissions.
Mandy Johnston, CEO of the Irish Offshore Operators’ Association
In addition the measure will deny the west coast of Ireland significant investment from this industry. We are the only country in the world as reliant on energy imports to introduce a ban like this.
It will force our future generations to rely solely on imported fuel. Imported fuels have a greater impact on the climate due to transportation related emissions. Substituting such imports with indigenous supplies can make significant emissions reductions.
The facts are:
- This ban has the potential to cause more, rather than less environmental damage.
- This ban will force Ireland to rely on importing energy from others at a time when EU production is rapidly declining.
- Ireland’s import of its gas requirement will increase in the next decade from approximately 50% to almost 100%.
- This ban will not reduce Ireland’s carbon emissions.
- This ban will not help us to reach our 2020 or 2030 targets.
- This ban will not change the gas we use.
- This ban will not drive energy efficiency.
- This ban will not encourage investment in renewables; and
- This ban does not address the fuel needs of a growing population.
- France is the only other European country that has done this, and now relies on nuclear energy.
The incoming Government should now as a matter of urgency commence the long-promised Review on Energy Security and Supply. Include the expertise of all sectors in the process and use this as the basis for a way forward to ensure future energy security, rather than basing policy on the pursuit of political ambitions.”
ENDS