Did you know that the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) predicts that the global energy demand is projected to surge by 25% in the next two decades? The global consumption of fossil fuels has increased significantly in the 100 years. An article published in ‘The Varsity’ notes that our consumption of fossil fuels are “eight times higher than in 1950, and twice as high as they were in 1980”. 84% of primary energy usage around the world is from fossil fuels. https://thevarsity.ca/2022/10/23/are-we-past-our-peak-of-fossil-fuel-consumption/ use.
As our reliance on fossil fuels escalates, this leaves us at a crossroads — a juncture demanding innovative solutions for a more sustainable future. There has been a lot of talk about renewable energy for the last few years in Ireland also. In 2021, the Climate Action Plan was released by the Irish Government. The plan states that Irelands aim to reduce greenhouse gas admission by 51% by 2030 and to be net-zero emission by 2050. Research indicates that approximately 40% of Ireland’s energy-related emissions are from buildings so the reduction of energy use in our homes plays a significant role in meeting our Climate Action targets.
My name is Gerard McColgan the founder of EnerRating. EnerRating is a BER and Technical Assessment Provider based in Inishowen in Donegal. The shift towards cleaner energy extends beyond global initiatives, reaching into the very heart of our communities – our homes.
What are Renewable energy sources
There are three primary sources of renewable energy in Ireland Wind, Solar and Tidal. Wind Energy has been Ireland main investment focus with the first wind farm being built in1992. This is followed by solar and tidal. Wind Energy Ireland highlights that there are approximately 300 wind farms in Ireland including one offshore wind farm. Exciting in 2022, 34% of Ireland’s electricity needs was generated by wind turbines (Wind Energy Ireland). There are other exciting advisements including Biodiesel, Geothermal, Hydrogen, Biomethane, Landfill gas and biogas, Wood and wood waste
Renewable Energy on a Domestic Level
Census 2022 data showed that one in four Irish households use renewable energy. What are renewable energy options/ solutions for domestic homes I hear you ask? There has been a shift in the type of heating used in dwellings since 2016 with more than 50% now using electricity in the form of heat pumps (CSO,2022). The popular options for Irish Domestic homes are heat pumps and solar panels.
1. Heat pumps
- More than 71,000 households used heat pumps, with 57,198 using the air source variety and 13,958 using ground source (CEO, 2022). There are primarily two types of heat pumps:
- a) Air to Water Heat Pumps: Air to water heat pumps sometimes referred to as Air Source heat pumps, is an electrical device that draws heat from the outside air and transforms it into usable heat inside the home. The heat pump unit is located outside the home and provides heating and hot water for the home. It is run by electricity and no fuel is involved, making it a renewable energy source.
b) Geothermal heat pumps: Geothermal heat pumps sometimes referred to as ground to water heat pumps. This is where a series of pipes are embedded in the ground outside a building. Cold water flows through these pipes and gets warmed up to earth temperature. The heat pump then pushes the heat from the group loop into your central heating system that provides the home with heating and hot water. Research states that the underground temperature in Ireland remains fairly consistent at around 11 degrees and manufactures state that Ireland climate poses no difficulty for running a ground source heat pump. It is considered a renewable source as it uses free heat from the ground and electricity to run.
2. Solar panels
a) Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels turn sunlight into usable electricity for your home. The solar panel contains a photovoltaic (PV) cell that converts sunlight directly into electricity. The solar panels on your roof generate energy that can either be used to power appliances in your home, stored in battery (if you have one) or sent back to the power grid. (see my blog for information on our experience with solar panels installed in May 2022.
b) Solar thermal panels turn sunlight into heat that is used to heat hot water. It works by energy from sunlight absorbed and transferred to copper popes containing fluid. A pump is used to circulate the solar heated fluid back to the water tank and therefore gradually rises the water temperature in the hot water tank.
3. Biomass Energy
Biomass heating systems burn wood pellets, chips or logs to provide warmth in a single room or to power central heating and hot water boilers. It releases carbon dioxide when burned, but considerably less than if you were to use fossil fuels. An example used at times is a wood burning stove that is used to heat a single room. It can also be fitted with a back boiler to provide water heating as well.
4. Wind Energy
Domestic wind energy is not as popular option for homeowners in Ireland as one would imagine. According to an article in Dublin Inquirer, in the 2022 census there is only “394 wind turbines in private households in Dublin” https://dublininquirer.com/2023/08/29/across-county-dublin-around-400-homes-have-their-own-wind-turbines-census-data-shows/. Looking at the reasons why it is not a popular option for Irish homeowners there appears to a number of challenges at present including that its best to install a wind turbine away from house and tress, they can cause a hum which deters some homeowners and also the safety concerns for young children and animals. However, the research and innovation in this field is moving fast and hopefully it will become a viable option for homeowners in the near future.
Conclusion
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, the domestic sector emerges as a crucial player in the transition to renewable energy. Embracing renewable energy at home for people building their new home or embarking on a retrofit project is a huge opportunity. Renewable energy will contribute to a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
Talk to us at EnerRating about your home's Renewable Energy Potential
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