Is Irish Oil Coming to an End?

With Irish Prime Minister Leo Eric Varadkar pledging to end fossil fuel exploration at the recent UN Climate Summit, the switch to a carbon-free economy could be coming sooner than expected. The promise comes in the wake of new scientific evidence revealing the extent of Ireland's climate impact. Speaking at the summit, Varadkar confirmed that following independent recommendations from the Climate Change Advisory Council, Ireland plans to end exploration for oil and commit to a low-carbon future.

The pledge comes just months after the Irish government was slammed for continuing to issue oil and gas exploration licenses, despite environmental NGOs warning this type of activity was not sustainable and could accelerate the climate crisis. While the council has recommended oil and gas exploration continue for the time being, Varadkar has confirmed that eventually projects will be phased out completely. He also promises that by 2025, coal will be eliminated from the electricity grid.

A new focus on climate action funding

Varadkar also pledged that starting in 2020, all new carbon tax revenue will be channelled into climate action projects. Varadkar stressed that a significant chunk of the revenue will be allocated to "transition" initiatives designed to "protect those most exposed to higher fuel and energy costs and for whom new jobs must be found." Decarbonising public and private transport, electricity, buildings and food production industries will also be a top priority.

“Our renewable electricity will rise from 30 per cent today to 70 per cent in 10 years," pledges Varadkar. "By 2030, we will have prohibited the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles. By then we will have substantially electrified our fleet. All new public buses bought from now are hybrids."

Varadkar is backing his pledge to end fossil fuel exploration will eco-friendly initiatives like the nationwide planting of 440 million trees. He also asserts Ireland will "work with other countries to reform the EU Common Agriculture Policy to shift payments towards farmers who farm in more sustainable and environmentally sound ways."

Ireland plans to live up to its "green" reputation

With fracking already banned in Ireland, vetoing fossil fuel exploration is the next step towards a greener future for the country. “For almost a thousand years, my country, Ireland, has been associated with the colour green… In the future, I want Ireland to be known as a green country because of how we respond to the climate and environmental challenges facing our planet.”

While crude is on track to be replaced by eco-friendly alternatives, until the transition is complete, new technologies will continue to emerge. Introducing the latest test method for analysis of nickel and vanadium, 'Are You Ready for the New ASTM D8252 Ni & V Method Using XRF?' presents a faster and easier way to certify incoming crude products.