Non-Renewable/Finite Energy in the Economy

Oil - Ireland has no significant oil reserves of its own. We are forced to rely on the importation of oil & oil related products e.g. petrol and diesel. A small amount of refining of imported crude oil occurs at the Whitegate Refinery in Cork. However, given that all of our soil is imported, our economy is very vulnerable to rising prices and the availability of supplies in the world market. A large proportion of our imported oil is used either to generate electricity or to fuel our transport; Ireland is the sixth most oil dependent country in the EU for electricity generation. This is largely due to the way that the majority of other EU countries place great emphasis on hydroelectric and nuclear power while Ireland does not. Because of this, Ireland’s oil consumption is about 50% above the EU average.

Natural gas - In 2005, Irish gas fields supplied only 13% of the gas consumed in Ireland. The remaining 87% was imported through interconnectors from the UK. All of Ireland’s imported gas is sourced in the North Sea meaning that prices are dictated by the European market. It accounts for 25% of our primary energy demands.

Coal - This type of fuel is also imported. Mainly used for domestic heating but also for electricity generation at Moneypoint power station in Clare.

Peat - This is one of the few fossil fuels which we supply ourselves in Ireland. In the past, it was used in the majority of power stations to generate electricity. Commercial exploitation was carried out in Bord na Mona, particularly on the large raised bogs in the midlands which make up the Bog of Allen. However, the recent closures of both the Lanesboro and Shannonbridge power stations is signalling change in this regard. Peat is also frequently used in the manufacturing of turf and briquettes, both of which are used for domestic heating.

Nuclear - This energy source acts as an attractive alternative to other non-renewable/finite resources as it does not add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. However, it poses other significant threats to the environment. E.g. problems which arise from the inappropriate disposal of radioactive waste. Ireland does not have any nuclear power plants currently. However, we use it indirectly through the interconnector from the UK.