Alternative Energy in Ireland

Alternative Energy in Ireland

Alternative Energy in Ireland

The Irish are currently pursuing energy independence and the further development of - their robust economy through the implementation of - research and development into alternative energy sources. At the time of this writing, nearly 90% of - Ireland's energy needs are met through importation the highest level of - foreign product dependence in the nation's entire history.  

This is a very precarious situation to be in, and the need for - developing alternative energy sources in Ireland is sharply perceived. Ireland also seeks to - conserve and rejuvenate its naturally beautiful environment and to clean up its atmosphere through the implementation of - alternative energy supplies. 

The European Union has mandated a  reduction in sulphuric and nitric oxide emissions for - all member nations. Green energy is needed to meet these objectives. Hydroelectric power has been utilized in Ireland in some areas since the 1930s and has been very effective; however, more of - it needs to be installed.  

Ireland also needs to harness the wave power of - the Atlantic Ocean, which on its west coast is a potential energy supply that the nation has in great store. Ireland actually has the potential to - become an energy exporter, rather than a nation so heavily dependent on energy importation. This energy potential resides in - Ireland's substantial wind, ocean wave, and biomass-producing alternative energy potentials. 

Ireland could become a supplier of - ocean wave-produced electricity and biomass-fueled energy to continental Europe and, as they say, “make a killing”. At the present time, Ireland is most closely focused on reaching the point where it can produce 15% of the nation's electricity through wind farms, which the government has set as a national objective to - be reached by 2010. 

But universities, research institutes, & government personnel in Ireland have been saying that the development of ocean wave energy technology would be a true driving force for the nation's economy and one which would greatly help to - make Ireland energy independent. A test site for developing wave ocean energy has been established in Ireland, less than two miles off the coast of - An Spideal in County Galway Bay.  

This experimental ocean wave harnessing site is known as “Wavebob”. The most energetic waves in the world are located off the West coast of - Ireland, says Ireland's Marine Institute CEO Dr. Peter Heffernan. The technology to harness the power of - the ocean is only just emerging and Ireland has the chance to become a market leader in this sector. 

David Taylor, CEO of - the Sustainable Energy Initiative,or SEI, tells us that SEI is committed to innovation in the renewable energy sector. Wave energy is a promising new renewable energy resource which could one day make a significant contribution to Ireland's electricity generation mix thereby further reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. 

Padraig Walshe, the president of - the Irish Farmers Association, tells us that with the closure of the sugar beet industry, an increasing amount of  -Irish land resources will become available for alternative uses, including bioenergy production. Today, renewable energy sources meet only 2% of - Ireland’s total energy consumption. 

From a farming perspective, growing energy crops will only have a viable future if - they provide an economic return on investment and labour, and if  - the prospect of - this return is secure into the future. Currently the return from energy crops is marginal and is hampering the development of - the industry. Biomass energies need to - be further researched by Ireland.