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, and 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 labor, 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.
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