Photograph: Bryan O’Brien / The Irish TimesPowering transport and heating with electricity instead of fossil fuel could save the Republic €2.8 billion a year, experts say. Electrifying heating and transport would lessen Irish reliance on imported fossil fuels, which provide 80 per cent of energy here, according to an agency report on the Republic published on Thursday. “Replacing oil- and gas-based boilers and vehicles with electric alternatives could cut direct fossil fuel imports by 38 per cent and lower annual import bills by €2.8 billion,” the agency calculates. This would continue to leave the Republic exposed to volatility in supplies of the fuel and its price. The Climate Action Plan wants to replace fossil fuels with electricity, generated mostly from renewables, to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Source: The Irish Times December 19, 2025 18:14 UTC