Ireland/Waterford Energy Requirements

Ireland and Waterford is extremely dependant on imported energy into the country / county. A total of approximately 7 Billion is spent annually in Ireland on energy, this equates to € 280 millions being spent in Waterford on energy per year. The increase usage of indigenous energy resources such as the “Corrib Gas Field” and the utilization of the Irelands / Waterford’s renewable energy potential will contribute to eliminating energy imports, eliminating security of supply issues and keeping wealth within the local economy.

In 2009 Ireland imported 89% of its energy requirement, the usage of renewable energy at 4.9% of gross final total, highlights that there is significant potential for the development of alternative renewable energy sources.  
The current break down per sector in renewable energy usage in 2009

•    Electricity generated from renewable energy reached 14.1% of gross electrical consumption.
•    Energy contribution to thermal energy saw an increase to 4.2% of total thermal energy consumption.
•    Renewable Energy usage in Transport reached 1.8% in 2009
                         
National Target for 2020 include

•    Electricity generated from renewable technology includes a target of 40% by 2020.
•    Renewable energy generated for thermal energy has a national target of 12% by 2020.
•    Renewable energy generated for Transport has a national target of 10% by 2020

In the five years from 2005 to 2009, total energy related CO2 emissions have decreased by 10%, while the economy has grown modestly. This indicates a continued decoupling of energy from economic growth. The carbon intensity of electricity has decreased from 896 G.CO2/kWh in 1990 to 533 G.CO2/kWh in 2009; this has largely being contributed by changing from coal / oil to natural gas as the primary electrical generation fuel. The national sum for CO2 emissions will reduce further as a result on the increase usage of more efficient generation plants, increased usage of renewable energy technologies such as wind energy and through improvements in energy efficiency.

Potential for further sustainable energy developments in Waterford will include:

•    Commercial Wind Farms
•    Micro Wind Turbines
•    Insulation Schemes
•    Bio Energy
•    Solar Water / Heat Pumps
•    Electrical Vehicles