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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1975-1984 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 2009 |
Keywords
- Ireland
- Renewable energy
- Sustainability
