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Energy
energy
LEARN
Energy Where.
Energy powers our cities, our industries and our transport systems, it heats our homes (and our food), and has enabled the industrial and technological revolutions that have lifted millions out of poverty and
created unprecedented standards of living.
Fossil Fuel
Since the beginning of the industrial revolution fossil fuels functioned as a cheap, mobile and seemingly
infinite source of energy. However, despite what fossil fuels have helped us achieve, they have caused
massive damage to our environment. The burning of fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases into our
atmosphere, trapping excess heat and causing global warming.
'Petroculture'
An energy transition is perhaps the most pressing step in the fight against climate change. Centuries of reliance on fossil fuels has created a modern ‘petroculture’. The sunk costs of pipelines, oil rigs, power plants and the entire carbon-based electricity system are enormous. This must all change. If we are to prevent the worst effects of climate change, we must become a carbon-free society.
The burning of fossil fuels must end.
Energy. What
What Can We Do?
The fastest and most effective way to become a zero-carbon economy is to electrify as many sectors of our society as we can and generate power from renewable energy sources – mostly wind and solar.
Although we are a long way from where we need to be, the natural resources do exist. There is more than enough wind and solar energy resources on earth to power our needs many times over.
Carbon Neutral Pledges
Many nations have pledged to be carbon neutral by 2050 including the EU, US and Canada. China has pledged to be carbon neutral by 2060.
These are significant commitments. The energy transition has begun but it will need ‘moonshot’ levels of investment into new energy infrastructure such as the transmission system, transport system and the heating/cooling industry.
Advocate for The Environment
Contact your local politicians/energy
providers/businesses/pension funds to encourage them to transition to support zero carbon goals as a priority.
Manage Home Energy Usage
Be aware of high energy ‘guzzlers’ such as kettles, hot water immersion heaters, digital devices. Uses appliances at non-peak times.
Turn Your Heating Down
Heating a room to 19°C instead of 20°C, for example, reduces energy
consumption by 7%.
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Turn off TV's & Computers
Rather than leaving them in stand-by mode when not in use. This reduces energy consumption by about 10%.
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Take Shorter Showers
We all love singing in the shower and letting the heat get into your bones, but this isn't great for the environment. Limit yourself to one in-shower performance.
Cycle or Walk Instead
This one is a two-pronged benefit. Better for the environment, good for your health. Good overall.
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Consider Renewable Energy
If you are thinking of upgrading your power supply systems, consider solar panels or photovoltaic panels to power your home or business.
Consider Renewable Energy
Air source or geothermal heat pumps are a sustainable alternative for your home heating. These have an expensive principal cost but save you long-run.
Appliance Replacement
If you have to replace an appliance, consider the energy rating of the new appliance before you purchase it. This will save you on electricity bills too!
Clothes Washing
Wash your clothes at low temperatures. By washing at 30 instead of 60 degrees, you lower energy consumption by 50%.
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In The News
Wind generates almost 40% of electricity used in Republic
Wind generated almost 40 per cent of electricity used in the Republic last year but the industry is concerned at rising levels of “lost” power.
Wind Energy Ireland – formerly the Irish Wind Energy Association – says in its annual report that the industry supplied 36.3 per cent of the electricity used in the Republic, up from 32.5 per cent the previous year
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