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What is Renewable Energy?
A renewable energy is an energy source which can be
replenished naturally and indefinitely and thus is not going
to run out.
The benefits of such energy sources are obvious in terms
of supply – but another important benefit is that renewable
energies are much better for the environment than
conventional fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal. This is
because burning fossil fuels adds greenhouse gases, which
have been ‘locked up’ within the Earth, back into the
atmosphere. This is a major cause of the phenomenon
known as ‘Climate Change’.
Another benefit of using renewable energy is that while we
import most of our fossil fuel, there are abundant sources of
RE available locally.
Renewable energy sources are all around us and many are
as old as civilization itself - yet we don't always appreciate
them or use them as much as we could. There are many
different types of renewable energy, some you may have
heard of - like solar power, others may be new to you - like
biomass energy. CKEA have information on the various
renewable energy resources and technologies available to
you by clicking on the links to the left.
Direct benefits for users of renewable energy
- Almost every energy user has at least one source of
renewable energy available to them, from the
geothermal heat in back gardens to the solar energy
falling on roofs. - Modern renewable energy systems can provide a
high level of automation, reliability and
responsiveness, operate with high energy conversion
efficiency and produce very low or zero emissions. - Many companies are now offering a wide range of
renewable energy services and equipment for
domestic, commercial and industrial energy users. - Locally sourced renewable energies can provide
clean, sustainable, and cost effective sources of
heat, electricity, and transport fuel. Significant
savings can be made by using renewable energy in
terms of both energy costs and Carbon dioxide
emissions reduction when compared to using fossil
fuel. - Renewable energies can offer stable, predictable and
long term energy prices. - For certain renewable energy developments, grant
aid may be available to support projects.
Benefits to the economy and environment
There are many environmental benefits associated with
using renewable energy:
- The main environmental benefit of using renewable
energy is the reduction in greenhouse gas
emissions. This will in turn reduce the fines resulting
from not meeting our Kyoto and EU targets for
greenhouse gas emissions reductions and renewable
energy implementation. - Renewable energy technologies produce little or no
pollution, whereas energy from fossil fuels is a
primary source of air, water, and soil pollution.
Pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide,
nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter all impact
negatively on the local environment. - Using locally sourced renewable energies also
reduces the harmful emissions and pollution risks
associated with the transport of fossil fuels. - Using the renewable energy sources available locally
reduces fossil fuel imports, thus improving the
balance of payments for the exchequer and keeping
money within the local economy. - Using renewable energy reduces exposure to
fluctuations in fossil fuel price and security of supply,
especially oil. - Renewable energy offers the opportunity to create
new jobs in rural areas as well as providing
alternative land uses for farmers.
Renewable Energy Resources in Carlow and Kilkenny
There is a huge renewable energy resource waiting to be
tapped into in Co. Carlow and Co. Kilkenny. Full
exploitation of the Accessible renewable energy resources
in the Counties would mean that we could meet 50% of our
primary energy requirements from local renewable energy
resources.
The development of renewable energy sources is a priority
at local, regional, national and at a European level. It is an
objective of the existing County Development Plans of both
counties to encourage and facilitate the development of
renewable energy developments where it is consistent with
the proper planning and development of the area.
The Carlow Kilkenny Energy Agency carried out a survey in
2005 of the potential and practical availability of the
renewable energy resources in Co. Carlow and Co.
Kilkenny. All these resources have potential to be used to
reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels.
The Agency can offer support and advice to anyone wishing
to utilise the renewable energy resources in the Counties
whether using wood, solar or geothermal energy to heat
homes and other premises, for the development of wind and
biogas projects, or for the use of biofuels for transport.
The renewable energy resource reports can be downloaded
form the links below:
Carlow Renewable Energy Resource
Kilkenny Renewable Energy Resource
If you require Adobe Acrobat Reader > CLICK HERE
Carlow County Council, Athy Road, Carlow. Phone: 059-9170300, www.carlowcoco.ie
Kilkenny County Council, John Street, Kilkenny, Phone: 056 7794000, www.kilkennycoco.ie
