In alternative energy ireland , engineers, scientists and businesses are collaborating to develop new paths for harnessing renewable power from the wind, waves and sun. Their work could help the country halve its own greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and deliver net-zero emissions across Europe by 2050.

Several analyses of long term transition pathways towards 100% renewable energy systems have been conducted, including the use of integrated assessment models (IAMs) [42]. These studies explore various aspects of future low carbon economies, such as trajectories toward 2°C consistent emission reduction targets, the feasibility of net zero emissions and the security of supply dimensions of a decarbonized energy system.

Energizing Ireland’s Future: Exploring Alternative Energy Sources

These studies have found that the main obstacles to increasing the penetration of wind energy are transmission costs and electricity demand growth. As a small island nation with limited interconnection to neighbouring power systems and with a growing population, the capacity of the national electricity grid is being stretched. Increased energy efficiency and decarbonisation of other sectors (heat and transport) will also be needed to ease the pressure on the electricity grid.

A number of Irish companies are developing technology to be part of the building block for a large meshed grid for Europe, including SuperNode and Mainstream Renewable Power. This global collaboration is facilitated by Ireland’s exceptionally open economy, which has more than 1,600 multinational companies based here. AEI, for example, was acquired last year by DCC plc, which operates fuel, home, business and lubricants brand Certa, which has a network of 39 unmanned pay@pump forecourts and 22 home heating depots nationwide.