Delivering on Climate Commitments
As we approach a critical milestone – the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement; governments, markets, and communities are revisiting the commitments made to limit global temperature rise and transition to sustainable energy economies.
Within this agreement, the United Kingdom and Ireland have made substantial progress, yet remain at risk of falling short of their 2030 carbon reduction targets unless the pace of action ramps up.
At Entrust Services, we work closely with clients across infrastructure, energy, and development sectors to support effective decarbonisation through strategy, planning, and delivery.
Here’s a closer look at where the UK and Ireland stand, and how we can bridge the gap to a net zero future.
Understanding Decarbonisation: From Policy to Implementation
The Paris Agreement, signed by 195 nations in 2015, committed each signatory to
● Limit global warming to below 2°C (ideally 1.5°C)
● Cut global carbon emissions by 45% by 2030
● Achieve net-zero emissions by 2050
Decarbonisation involves actively reducing the carbon intensity of industries, energy systems, construction, transport, and urban development, primarily by replacing fossil fuels with renewable and low-carbon alternatives. By rapidly automating data review, AI reduces the time needed to screen for optimal locations, supporting faster development cycles.
Where Do the UK & Ireland Currently Stand?
The UK has been a global frontrunner in carbon reduction, achieving a 52% reduction in emissions from its peak levels. This has been largely driven by decarbonising the electricity sector:
● 48% of the UK’s electricity now comes from low-carbon and renewable sources
● Wind energy contributes nearly 30%, with significant investment in offshore capacity
● Coal-fired generation has been largely eliminated, signalling a major energy transition
The UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC) also confirmed that the country has met all three of its carbon budgets to date. However, challenges persist:
● The current trajectory falls short of the 2030 emissions target by 19 million tonnes of CO₂
● Industry and transport remain carbon-intensive sectors
● Policy reversals (e.g., rolling back bans on internal combustion vehicles) have affected momentum
● Volatility in energy markets has slowed industries’ shift toward renewables
Without a strategic uptick in regulation, investment, and behavioural change, the UK risks missing its mid-term climate goals.
Ireland: Improving, but held back by Fossil Fuel Dependence
Ireland’s decarbonisation journey has been slower, though recent gains signal potential:
● 2023 recorded the lowest national emissions since 1990
● The energy sector reduced emissions by 21%, hitting its cleanest output in 30 years
● Fossil fuels, however, still dominate the energy mix – comprising 82.7% of capacity in 2024
● Renewable energy accounts for just 14.1%, underscoring the scale of retrofit and expansion required
To accelerate progress, the Irish government recently pledged €300 million to support the decarbonisation of its manufacturing sector.
According to the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ireland must now reduce emissions by 8.3% each year to remain on track through 2030.
The Bilateral Approach: UK and Ireland Collaboration
There is shared recognition across the UK and Ireland that cross-border cooperation will be essential to closing the decarbonisation gap.
In 2023, both nations signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen collaboration across:
● Offshore renewable energy deployment
● Shared grid infrastructure and interconnectivity
● Green hydrogen research
● Circular economy frameworks and emissions reporting
This partnership presents opportunities for internationally coordinated projects, infrastructure investment, and climate resilience planning.
Entrust Services: Supporting Practical Decarbonisation
Your Delivery Partner for Low-Carbon Infrastructure
At Entrust Services, we work across sectors – supporting public and private clients to embed decarbonisation across:
● Land acquisition and route feasibility planning
● Energy systems engineering and renewable deployment
● Transport strategies and clean mobility projects
● Environmental impact mitigation and permitting
● Compliance with UK, Irish, and EU climate policy and funding frameworks
Our team is uniquely positioned to bridge the technical, regulatory, and commercial aspects of delivering decarbonisation. With offices and specialists embedded in both the UK and Ireland, we bring local insight and national reach to every project.
