Sustainability & Environment
For generations to come
Our sustainable fleet
Transport's role in lowering CO2
One of Ireland's major challenges is meeting our Kyoto Protocol commitments to reduce CO2.
In 2005, the country produced 70 million tonnes of CO2. ESB and other large industries accounted for 22 million tonnes.
Large industrial CO2 production is managed under the EU-wide Emissions Trading System (ETS).
Under the system, the EU gives carbon permits to industry, and reduces them year-on-year to ensure the 2020 target is met (this is called cap and trade).
In 2005, the other 48 million tonnes of carbon came from:
- Transport: 13 million tonnes
- Agriculture: 19 million tonnes
- Other (mainly buildings): 16 million tonnes
Ireland has been given a target to reduce this 48m to 38m tonnes by 2020, but because of natural growth, the current forecast - even with supporting policies - will leave us with a gap of 7m tonnes.
It is very difficult to achieve savings in the agricultural area, and buildings are already heavily targeted.
This means we must give an even greater emphasis to transport. In fact, we will need radical solutions.
ESB's strategic framework, announced last year, clearly sets out our targets for carbon reduction in:
- Our power station emissions (covered by the ETS)
- Our day to day business (non-ETS)
We are also keen to address the critical issue of CO2 from transport, both within our company and at national level.
Our biofuels initiative
Biofuels are to be used in all 2600 of our commercial vehicles - one of the largest fleets in the country - as part of a pilot project between ESB and the University of Limerick.
The initial phase involves almost 100 biodiesel-powered vehicles, ranging from small vans to large 4-wheel-drive hoists.
The biodiesel used by these vehicles is provided by Munster based Eco Ola and is sourced from rape seed grown on Irish farms as a rotation crop.
The fuel is being trialled at various levels between 30% and 100%, to ascertain the best mix for widespread use in the future.
University of Limerick will monitor and analyse the performance and maintenance of the biofuel vehicles over an 18-month period.
Why we're doing this
When rolled out to 2600 vehicles, the initiative will substantially reduce carbon emissions, helping Ireland achieve its Kyoto protocol targets.
While biofuels alone won't solve Ireland's transport emission problems, they are an important step.
ESB and electric vehicles
We have already taken delivery of a number of electric vehicles for trials, demonstration and promotion with more, including plug-in hybrids, to be delivered during 2009.
We are also taking a leading role to meet the government's target for 10% of the national fleet to be replaced by electric vehicles by 2010.
Our role involves research, developments and partnerships, such as a recently signed memorandum of understanding with the government and Renault-Nissan to enable:
- further developments in electric vehicles
- more detailed and precise infrastructure planning
- development of support mechanisms and benefits for electric vehicles
Types of electric vehicles
| Vehicle type | Fossil fuel use | Availability | Range limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional internal combustion engine | 100% | Available | None |
| Hybrid (e.g. Toyota Prius) | 60% | Available | None |
| Plug-in hybrid | 30% | From 2010 | None |
| Battery electric vehicle | 0% | Specialised retailers only | Needs fast charging or battery exchange to extend range |
Future developments
The ongoing development of battery technology and the provision of a charging point infrastructure are key elements in the roll out of electric vehicles for Ireland.
For ESB specifically, there are issues that need to be explored and solutions developed around:
- the provision of a charging infrastructure
- implications for load requirements
- the economic impact of electric vehicles on electricity generation
Night or off-peak charging would improve the use of power generation and network assets, and would mean wind generation could contribute more significantly.
The roll-out of electric vehicle recharging infrastructure throughout Ireland is one part of a recently announced job creation programme with an estimated 600 jobs planned.