Background Information

Support Underground Powerlines

A short paper on Energy Development in Rural Areas

Introduction.

This short paper follows on from our investigations into the proposal by the ESB to erect yet another overhead power-line on pylons across the rural landscape. Much of the information is already available, yet, there seems to be an unwillingness to address the issues involved. Whilst our primary objective is to have this power-line put underground, we believe that it is important to highlight these other concerns.

It is our contention that rather than continue will old, discredited answers that alienate people, our leading Suppliers of Energy, State, Semi-State and Private, should be working in partnership with the people. The importance of energy was recognised early by the state and ESB were to the forefront with ambitious projects and rural electrification. Bord Na Mona's role should not be overlooked either. Both organisations were socially focused rather than market focused and played an important role in supporting local communities. Both organisations are now in the process of maintaining their own viability against aggressive international competition and issues such as rural economic revival and care of the environment for future generations are not practical concerns.

Bord Gais was established in 1976 and since then has made considerable progress. For many years they have been active promoters in the area of Combined Heat and Power Systems (CH Ps?) culminating in the formation of BG Cogen, a dedicated business unit within Bord Gais, which specialises in the development of such systems. They are now responsible for more installed capacity of this nature in the State than any other entity.

Attach:ESB? underground cable cross section.jpg

Summary.

Over the years, lack of access to cheaper fuel has meant major job losses in rural areas. Traditional energy businesses have closed or restructured. With access to a natural gas pipeline, this scenario could change.

There is an international agreement on limiting CO 2? emissions - known as 'The Kyoto Protocol'. It will be difficult for many of the developed countries to meet their targets set out in the protocol. However, Rural Ireland, and the BMW Region, can easily meet Ireland's obligations.

At the moment, energy targets are seen as an obligation rather than an opportunity. Proper appraisal of renewable energy, the available technologies and a proper integrated planning approach would give Rural Ireland, and the BMW Region, a competitive advantage in the medium and long-term.

Energy impacts on all areas of rural life. Technologies exist to reduce Energy expenditures and, at the same time, be more efficient. Combined Heat and Power Units (CH Ps?) are the prime example. The proper use and distribution of these would also create local jobs. Other resources such as Biomass, Biogas, Wind, Wave, Hydro and Sun are all available in Rural Ireland. Some of these are already economically viable, others, while improving, need further research and financial support.

Relevant Technologies.

CH Ps?: - At it simplest, this means that instead of burning diesel/peat/gas in a boiler for hot water, the diesel/peat/gas is put through an engine which produces both heat and electricity. This doubles the energy for the same fuel and is more efficient. For example, electricity can be generated at 90+% efficiency compared with 50% efficiency for traditional methods.

At a more ambitious level it is possible to run a hot water/electric system around an entire town or industrial estate, allowing consumers to use a cheap source of energy. Villages as small as 150 houses have had district heating installed in Austria and Denmark. The average domestic house consumes about Ł1000 of heat and electricity per annum. This is a sizeable market and in the case of the village of 150 people could represent 5 full-time local jobs.

Wind:- Ireland is committed to producing 10% of its energy using wind by the year 2005. Testing is getting underway off the East Coast. We should not suppose that wind turbines need to be placed on the top of mountains. Competitive bidding and the lack of local involvement have caused severe setbacks in this area of energy. Reversing this policy and involving local people could bring benefits and energy.

Wave:- The same arguments as for wind energy. Waves beat on the West Coast of Ireland, in winter, at between 8000 to 10,000 pounds pressure per square foot. The technology exists to harness such power and supply local employment.

Bio-Digesters:- These offer the chance of diverting considerable quantities of slurry, offal, food processing waste and other organic materials into a benign and useful industry. By agitating and heating the mixtures in large containers, methane is given off and this can be used for heating and electricity. The material is odourless and has high value as fertiliser and soil-enhancer. A side effect is the killing of weed seeds during the process. The technology exists and is developing. The benefits in terms of the Environment are as relevant as the energy production.

There are other relevant technologies that would be of help to Rural Ireland. Much of the research has already been carried out and published by Branches of The Association of Irish Energy Awareness Agencies. Currently there are 12 Energy Agencies established throughout Ireland. These are locally based and are active in promoting the rational use of Energy in all sectors of the community.

Conclusion.

4.1 We believe that the opportunity now exists to put forward the BMW Region as the 'area of best practice'. This can only be done if there is a considered and analytical approach where all the options are identified. The tendency appears to be to look at the past for solutions to present day problems and ignoring the modern technologies that will give a better future. If Tourism and Agriculture are our base industries, then we should be protecting the value of our Land, our Health and our Environment. We do not want to offer prospective businesses more of the same that they can get anywhere else in Ireland.