Sir, – Justin Egan (Letters, October 29th) omits important context and was misleading in comparing fossil gas and induction hobs.
The comparison relied upon fuel emissions intensity only, and not how efficiently that fuel is used by the appliance. In fact, induction hobs are at least twice as efficient as gas hobs. Therefore, allowing for current electricity and gas emissions, an electric induction hob is at least 25 per cent less carbon intensive than a gas hob.
By 2030 this could be as much as 75 per cent less carbon intensive as more renewable electricity will be generated. Of course, it can be 100 per cent less carbon intensive today if you generate your own renewable electricity on your roof. The cost difference is also negligible.
And this is before you even consider the indoor air quality (IAQ) and health impacts of gas hobs.
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Suffice to say, it should be patently obvious that removal of fossil fuels from our homes deliver a multitude of benefits to our health, wallet and planet.
– Yours, etc,
FERGUS SHARKEY,
Sustainable Energy
Authority of Ireland,
Dundalk, Co Louth.
