Our Approach

We are driven to make a difference by using our unique position as an integrated utility to deliver a sustainable energy future powered by clean electricity. Our strategic commitment is to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040. Through our portfolio of brands and joint venture partnerships, we are removing carbon from electricity generation, creating smarter networks capable of supporting massive growth in renewable generation, promoting electric vehicles and heat pumps to displace carbon in transport and heating, and developing customer-led solutions that will empower society to live more efficiently and sustainably.

Three windmills on a hill with sunset in background

Our Measures and Targets to achieve net zero emissions by 2040

KPI	Metric	2022 (Actual)	2030 (Target)
Increase our renewable generation portfolio	MW of operational renewables (GW)	923MW	>5GW
Reduce carbon intensity of electricity produced by ESB	Carbon intensity of the electricity ESB produces (gCO₂/kWh)	419gCO₂/kWh	140g/CO₂/kWh
Decarbonisation of our electricity output	Share of ESB generation output from zero carbon sources (%)	15%	63%
Energy storage and system balancing	Number of ESB hydrogen/large scale storage projects	Project in place with dCarbonX/Snaam/Bord Gais Energy	Two or more active lighthouse projects
Digital Maturity	Digital Maturity (independently assessed across a range of criteria)	Foundational/Mainstream	Mainstream/Leader
Smart tariffs	% of Electric Ireland residential customers availing of smart plans.	17%	80%
Internal ESB carbon footprint	Emissions from buildings and vehicle fleet (tCO₂)	18.3ktCO₂	50% reductions in absolute emissions
Electric Ireland Superhomes	Number of deep retrofits completed since business established	308	35,000

Our approach to sustainability leadership

Through electricity as an enabler of regeneration, we are driven to make a difference for planet, place and people. We are taking a regenerative or ‘net positive’ approach to our actions as we want to restore and regenerate communities and natural ecosystems to create the conditions for human and natural life to thrive.

What our sustainability leadership plan means

Our Sustainability Leadership Plan sets out our key ambitions and the actions we will take, as they relate to planet, place and people. Sharon McManus, our head of Sustainability, explains why the plan is critical to achieving our ambitions.

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