Nuclear energy considered in bid to cut emissions

NUCLEAR energy and coal-fired generation using carbon capture techniques are some of the possibilities being mooted by Eirgrid bosses as they attempt to de-carbonise Ireland’s energy needs over the next 40 years.

Eirgrid, which controls the country’s electricity transmission network, published a report drawn up by Poyry energy consultants which examines the various technology options open to Eirgrid if they want to achieve the 2050 target. These also include accelerating beyond the planned target of generating 40% of electricity from renewables by 2020, further interconnection with Britain and Europe and investing in increased energy storage. Ireland has just 11 days worth of gas supply storage whereas in France they have 92 days and 84 days in Germany.

According to Eirgrid, the move towards a de-carbonised electricity structure is driven by climate change and our lack of energy security. Ireland has the fourth highest dependency on imported fuel in Europe. The advent of the smart electricity grid and electric cars is also pushing the need for change. Eirgrid chief executive Dermot Byrne said “it was not about picking winners at this stage”.