Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 9 October 2019

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action

Hydraulic Fracturing Exploration: Discussion

Dr. Paul Deane:

It probably is. The role of natural gas as a fuel within our analysis to 2050 is predicated on technologies for capturing the carbon dioxide from the fuel and putting it back in the ground, either for the production of hydrogen or for the production of electricity. I agree with what the Deputy said about the net zero target. The European Commission is proposing a net zero target for 2050. The UK is legislating for a net zero target for 2050. I certainly think Ireland needs to head in that direction of travel.