Renewable energy resources and technologies applicable to Ireland

Fergal O. Rourke, Fergal Boyle and Anthony Reynolds

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2009, vol. 13, issue 8, 1975-1984

Abstract: The energy consumed in Ireland is primarily achieved by the combustion of fossil fuels. Ireland's only indigenous fossil fuel is peat; all other fossil fuels are imported. As fossil fuels continually become more expensive, their use as an energy source also has a negative impact on the environment. Ireland's energy consumption can be separated into three divisions: transportation, electricity generation and heat energy. Ireland however has a vast range of high quality renewable energy resources. Ireland has set a target that 33% of its electricity will be generated from renewable sources by 2020 [I. Government. Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland; 2007.]. The use of biomass, wind and ocean energy technologies is expected to play a major part in meeting this target. The use of renewable energy technologies will assist sustainable development as well as being a solution to several energy related environmental problems. This paper presents the current state of renewable energy technologies and potential resources available in Ireland. Considering Ireland's present energy state, a future energy mix is proposed.

Keywords: Renewable; energy; Ireland; Sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (32)

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