Ireland’s EU Council Presidency: An Opportunity to Drive Investment in Clean Tech
15 July 2026
NEG8 Carbon’s Dr David Mulrooney, Head of Business Development, wrote a guest article for the SASHA Coaltion: “By showing ambition in Brussels, Ireland can champion innovation at home“.
In the article, David proposes that Ireland should use its EU Council Presidency to support extending the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to international flights and encourage investment in cleaner aviation technologies. The article covers:
The ETS is a boon, not a burden
A stronger ETS would direct carbon-pricing revenue towards research, development and commercial projects while putting financial pressure on aviation to reduce emissions.
The market mechanism businesses need
A stable carbon price would improve the commercial case for Direct Air Capture, green hydrogen and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (eSAF) production.
What’s in it for Ireland?
Investment in Irish-owned clean technology companies would create domestic jobs, exports, manufacturing capacity and local supply chains.
A surer route to energy security
Producing eSAF in Europe would reduce dependence on imported fossil jet fuel and keep more climate-investment funding within the EU.
“The world needs affordable sustainable aviation fuel and Direct Air Capture at scale. Europe is positioned to lead in both. And Ireland with its high-value manufacturing, its university research base and its growing clean technology cluster is well placed to be a significant part of that story. The Presidency puts Ireland in the chair at the precise moment this decision is made. The question is what it does with it.” David Mulrooney
Read the full article: By showing ambition in Brussels, Ireland can champion innovation at home
For more:
- EU ETS Review: International Aviation, DAC and eSAF Move into Focus
- NEG8 Carbon’s Dr David Mulrooney Sits at the EU Parliament Roundtable on the EU ETS Review
- CORSIA vs EU ETS