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| WHY ARE RENEWABLE ENERGIES IMPORTANT ? |
| The use of renewable energy is growing annually - this is
due to environmental and security of supply issues. |
| The world currently gets its energy from the burning of
fossil fuels. These are responsible for the release of nitrogen
oxides (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2) and volatile
organic compounds(VOCs). These contribute to acid rain, photochemical
smogs, and the greenhous effect which causes global warming. |
| Renewable energy is a clean green way of producing
electricity without the harmful by-products. |
| The second issue is security of supply. In Ireland we
import almost 90% of our energy needs. As has happened in the recent and
distant past oil and gas prices are prone to flucation and dramatic
price increase. |
| WIND ENERGY
Mayo has an excellent wind energy resurce. Ireland's first
commerical wind farm was built in Bellacorrick Co. Mayo in 1992. The wind
farm consists of 21 turbines with a total installed capacity of 6.45MW,
and produces enough electricity to supply 4,500 households. There are
further wind farm developments for the County in the pipeline.
Deregulation of the Irish electricity market has opened up new
oppurtuinites and now "green " electricity produced can be
sold directly to consumers . |
| HYDRO
Utilising the energy of our rivers and streams is one of the
oldest forms of power generation. Using turbines the power of flowing
water can be used to produce electricity. To-day hydropower supplies
almost 20% of world electricity . Mayo has an extensive hydro resource
only a small fraction of which is currently utilised. |
| BIOMASS
Because they are regenerated through natural cycles, agricultural
waste, wood from conventional forestry, short rotation coppiced willow
etc. can be regarded as Renewable Resources. They contain carbon and
so by various methods can be used as alternatives to fossil fuels to
produce heat or electricity.
By various methods these sources can be used to produce heat or
electricity and can be linked to farming and improve sustainable
development. Of all the renewable technologies bioenergy has the
greatest potential for long term job creation. |
| Solar
Solar energy can be utilsed to produce either electricity or heat. In
Ireland its most useful application is in the production of hot
water. A solar panel can be mounted the south facing roof and be plumbed
into your exisiting hot water cylinder.
Solar water heating systems typically have a pay back period (the
length of time need to produce energy to the value of the cost of
installation) of between five to eight years. |
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