Alternative Energy in Ireland - Energy Independence
As Americans and other people know, this is a very precarious situation to be in. The need for developing alternative energy sources in Ireland is sharply understood. Dovetailing with its desire for energy independence, Ireland also wishes to conserve as well as rejuvenate its naturally beautiful environment - the green hills of Eire - and to clean up its atmosphere. Supplying energy through alternative sources may accomplish both financial and envrionmental goals.
The European Union has mandated a reduction in sulphuric and nitric oxide emissions for all member nations (which includes Ireland). Implementation of green energy is needed to meet these objectives. Hydroelectric power has been utilized in Ireland in some areas since the 1930's with great effectiveness; and there is still plenty of potential for growth in this area. Ireland is also looking to harness the wave power of the Atlantic Ocean, the pounding waves on the Emerald Ilse's west coast holds a great store of energy to supply the nation.
It is easy to conceive Ireland actually becoming an energy exporter, rather than a nation so heavily dependent on energy importation. This renewable energy reserves that reside in Ireland include substantial wind, ocean wave, and biomass-production. Ireland could become a supplier of ocean wave-produced electricity and biomass-fueled energy to continental Europe and, as they say, “make a killing” financially. At the present time, Ireland is focused on reaching the point where it can produce 15% of the nation's electricity through wind farms by the years 2010. This is a national goal set by the government.
While wind power may be important, many universities, research institutes, and some government personnel in Ireland think that the development of ocean wave energy technology would be a true driving force for the nation's economy and one which would most likely make Ireland energy independent. Therefore, a test site for developing wave ocean energy has been established, less than two miles off the coast of An Spideal in County Galway Bay. This experimental ocean wave harnessing site is locally known as “Wavebob”.
INVESTORS TAKE NOTE: The most energetic waves in the world are located off the West coast of Ireland, states Ireland's Marine Institute CEO, Dr. Peter Heffernan. While the technology to harness the power of the ocean is only just emerging and Irish experts believe they have a good chance of becoming 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. 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 are available for alternative uses, including bioenergy production. Today, renewable energy sources meet a mere 2% of Ireland’s total energy consumption.
Padraig Walshe warns that 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. Still the global banking industry as well as various governments are beginning to factor in the real value of a sustainale ernergy source as well as the financial benefits of a healthy and clean enviroment. As these values are calculated into potential profits, biomass energy production research will get a needed boost in Ireland.
One final source of clean and renewable Irish energy that has barely been tapped is the magical powers of its wee folk. While many may not believe in Leprechauns, certainly one can believe that the power of Ireland's collective imagination combined with hard work, ingenuity and goodwill will eventually lead to both energy independence and a greener Ireland.
About the Author
Scott Harker is the publisher of several websites including: Sherlock Holmes Pastiches, On The Hook | Fishing Guide, Great Food | Great Recipes, Dieting Help | Move More - Eat Less, To The Stars | Astronomy, and Drive The Future | Hybrid Cars.
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