What is an Energy Master Plan?
Galway City has an ambitious target to achieve a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, in line with the requirements of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan. The Energy Master Plan is an evidence-based study that outlines the current use of energy, the future growth of energy demand and presents opportunities for decarbonising projects to achieve the carbon emissions reductions required by 2030.
How will the Energy Master Plan help achieve GHG emission reduction targets?
The Energy Master Plan (EMP) reviews current energy use and future energy demands for different sectors such as residential, transport, commercial and agricultural and provides realistic, evidence-based pathways for Galway City to help achieve a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
The Energy Master Plan will present:
- An energy baseline with sectoral breakdown of energy use and fuel and greenhouse gas emissions
- An estimation of future growth in energy use in line with regional and local planning plans and policy for land use and transportation
- The gap to target of 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030
- A register of opportunities for decarbonising projects; and
- A roadmap that can potentially achieve a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Why does this matter to me?
The Energy Master Plan is an important part of proactively addressing energy efficiency and decarbonisation. The Plan will facilitate the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner alternatives that will lower greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate negative climate impacts in Galway City. The creation of the Energy Master Plan will enable an understanding of the energy and supply demand in Galway City and identify projects that will improve energy efficiency and help promote a transition from fossil fuels regionally and in Galway City.
The local community will play a vital role in the development of these plans, stakeholders are actively being engaged throughout the process to ensure that the needs and priorities of all key stakeholders are recognised and addressed to achieve positive procedural and behavioural change.
Galway Energy Master Plan: how can you help?
Large energy users are crucial in helping Galway City achieve a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. To develop our Energy Master Plan, we are gathering information that will help us estimate the current energy and greenhouse gas emissions baseline for Galway City. We are also gathering information on any relevant strategies organisations have developed to reduce energy emissions. To help us gather this information please fill in the questionnaire below and send it to the Environment and Climate Change Department, Galway City, City Hall, College Road or by email to: Environment@gawaycity.ie
Next steps
We will work in partnership with local stakeholders including public bodies, utility providers, businesses, home owners, community groups and the established Sustainable Energy Communities to prepare the Energy Master Plan.
As part of an initial phase the range of policies and projects that will be developed will be specific to the energy and climate characteristics of Westside decarbonising zone and we will be seeking your input as we develop Galway’s Energy Master Plan.