Ireland and renewable resources

• What is the focus of the section on Ireland in the study material?

  Production of hydroelectric and wind energy
• What is the role of the government and organizations in Ireland regarding renewable energy?

  They work towards producing more sustainable energy
• What is the first and largest hydroelectric power station in Ireland?

  Ardnacrusha HEP station
• In what year was the Ardnacrusha HEP station built?

  1927
• What percentage of Ireland's electricity is generated from hydroelectricity?

  About 2.5 percent
• Why is hydroelectric power ideal for Ireland?

  Due to its climate and rainfall levels
• What recent trend has been observed in hydroelectric power usage in Ireland?

  Increase in small-scale hydropower
• What are the advantages of hydroelectric power (HEP)?

  • Generates cheap, clean, renewable electricity
  • Reservoirs provide local water supply
  • Reservoirs can be used for leisure activities
  • Dams help prevent flooding
• What are the disadvantages of hydroelectric power (HEP)?

  • Loss of good farmland due to reservoirs
  • Relocation of families can be costly
  • New infrastructure needed around reservoirs
  • Dams can block fish migration
• What is the world's largest hydroelectric power station mentioned in the study material?

  Three Gorges dam in China
• What is the primary reason Ireland is suitable for wind energy production?

  Strong winds from the Atlantic Ocean
• Where are most wind farms located in Ireland?

  Upland areas near the west coast
• What is the largest wind farm in Ireland?

  Galway Wind Park
• How many wind turbines does Galway Wind Park have?

  58 wind turbines
• How many homes does Galway Wind Park power?

  More than 140,000 homes
• What percentage of Ireland's electricity is produced by wind energy?

  Over 20 percent
• How much money does wind energy save Ireland annually?

  About €200 million
• How many people does wind energy employ in Ireland?

  More than 3,400 people
• What are the advantages of wind energy?

  • Clean and sustainable energy source
  • Reduces energy import costs
  • Creates employment in rural areas
• What are the disadvantages of wind energy?

  • Wind is unreliable
  • High costs for building wind farms
  • Noise and visual pollution issues
  • Hazardous for local wildlife
  • Increased human activity can lead to bog bursts
• What is the impact of wind energy on local wildlife?

  It can be hazardous for birds
• What event occurred in Derrybrien, Co. Galway?

  A bog burst due to wind farm construction
• What questions should be addressed in the Portfolio Activity regarding wind farms?

  1. Name Ireland's first HEP station.
  2. Percentage of electricity from wind energy.
  3. Two positives of HEP production.
  4. Two negatives of wind energy production.
  5. Ways acid rain impacts the environment.