Electricity Supply Board Esb

Electricity Supply Board (ESB) is committed to achieving net zero by 2040, building on its 2017 "Brighter Future" strategy. This ambition aims to support Ireland's national goal of a net-zero energy system by 2050.

In 2025, ESB reported total emissions of approximately 8.4 kg CO2e. This breakdown includes:

• Scope 1 Emissions: Approximately 4.69 billion kg CO2e.
• Scope 2 Emissions (Market-based): Approximately 374.76 million kg CO2e.
• Scope 3 Emissions: Approximately 3.31 billion kg CO2e, with significant contributions from capital goods (approximately 601.72 million kg CO2e) and the use of sold products (approximately 1.43 billion kg CO2e).

For 2024, ESB reported total emissions were not explicitly calculated but comprised:

• Scope 1 Emissions: Approximately 5.11 billion kg CO2e.
• Scope 2 Emissions (Location-based): Approximately 474.97 million kg CO2e.
• Scope 3 Emissions: Approximately 3.93 billion kg CO2e, with fuel and energy-related activities accounting for a substantial portion (approximately 1.80 billion kg CO2e).

In 2023, the company's total emissions were approximately 9.12 billion kg CO2e, with Scope 1 emissions at around 5.17 billion kg CO2e and Scope 2 emissions at approximately 804.10 million kg CO2e. Scope 3 emissions for that year were approximately 3.15 billion kg CO2e, heavily influenced by fuel and energy-related activities (approximately 1.16 billion kg CO2e) and the use of sold products (approximately 1.59 billion kg CO2e).

ESB's sustainability reporting also shows a commitment to decarbonising its electricity generation. For instance, its reported generation carbon intensity was 0.43951 kg CO2e per kWh in 2021.

While ESB's 2017 strategy set a clear direction, its more recent "Net Zero by 2040" strategy, published in a document dated 2025, reiterates its commitment to achieving net zero emissions across all scopes by 2040. This target aligns with the broader national objective for a net-zero energy system.

ESB's Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) data indicates that its commitment was removed in March 2020, with an expired commitment noted for near-term targets. However, the company's overall strategy and reporting reflect ongoing efforts towards decarbonisation and a net-zero future.