Embracing sustainable energy will be crucial in hitting the new European Commission target for carbon emissions reduction by 2030, writes Doug Casey
The European Commission is throwing down the gauntlet to EU member states on carbon emissions, with tough new targets set for 2030. In her first ‘State of the Union’ address to the European Parliament in September, commission president Ursula von der Leyen proposed a new GHG emissions reduction target of at least 55% by 2030, compared with 1990 levels.
The new target is significantly higher than the previous goal of a 40% reduction, and one-third of the EU’s €750bn Covid-19 recovery fund is earmarked for Green Deal objectives. Cramming down carbon emissions will require ongoing decarbonisation of power generation, industry and transport, as well as large-scale improvements in the energy efficiency of buildings.
Von der Leyen’s address identified measures such as investment in energy-efficient construction projects and the introduction of one million electric vehicle charging points across EU states. The Commission also wants to encourage a ‘renovation wave’ to improve housing quality, and further regulation around CO2 standards for cars and vans.
In Ireland, wind power provided one-third of Ireland’s electricity demand in 2019, the second-highest level in Europe. The new coalition government is promising an average 7% annual reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions up to 2030. The forthcoming Climate Action Bill is expected to impose strict carbonemission limits on transport, agriculture, business and the energy supply sector from 2021.
Jon Jerromes, Head of Sales at Pinergy, says that industries across the board in Ireland are making the need to reduce carbon emissions a core goal. “Now is certainly the time to make the change,” he adds. “The need for carbon
neutral energy is only going to increase over time, and being proactive in this area is great for both a businesses cost base but also for reputation. Consumers care about the green credentials of companies that they buy from.”
Jerromes says Pinergy is Ireland’s leading authority on smart energy technology. “We supply 100% renewable energy to thousands of businesses and homes across Ireland. Our sector-specific insights include property management services, retail and hospitality, manufacturing, farming and agri-business as well as commercial property,” he says.
“There are a number of energy solutions that Pinergy can provide to SMEs to optimise their existing systems or to upgrade with innovative energy-saving technologies. From reducing costs with LED lighting and solar, to changing company cars to EVs, there is a mix of options available from Pinergy and our business energy services team.”
Pinergy power supply is a 100% renewable energy mix. Jerromes notes that this is a big step for many businesses in achieving accredited carbon neutrality. “In addition, Pinergy can provide insight into our customers’ energy consumption.
“This greater understanding of how much energy is being used and when allows a business to reduce their consumption. In tandem with being more sustainable, it reduces costs while doing so.”
According to Jerromes, energy monitoring through smart meters is the key to better understanding the energy cost. “Along with smart metering technology, Pinergy also provides sector-specific advice and energy use coaching from a dedicated energy advisor,” he adds. “We differentiate ourselves from other utilities by partnering with our clients to take the data we have delivered through Pinergy Smart Business, our unique smart meter based energy supply service, to highlight opportunities to reduce consumption.
“This will vary from business to business, with some needing a solar solution or others modernising their heating solutions, while for many the change to informed energy consumption data is already a huge step forward. This model of Supply, Analyse, and Advice which we use to help businesses make data-driven decisions on their energy use is the biggest change that many will find when they move to Pinergy.”
Extract from Business Plus, October 2020