Energy Resources: Renewable and Non-Renewable

Wind Power

Windfarming is an eco-friendly alternative to other methods of energy prodoction which result in large scale levels of GHG emissions. Ireland's first windfarm was built in Bellacorick, Co. Mayo in 1992. This wind farm can provide approximately 4,500 households with electricity.

Copyright the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Wind Power
Copyright the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Wind Power

Windfarming is an eco-friendly alternative to other methods of energy prodoction which result in large scale levels of GHG emissions. Ireland's first windfarm was built in Bellacorick, Co. Mayo in 1992. This wind farm can provide approximately 4,500 households with electricity.

Copyright the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

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Power Station

Copyright the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Power Station
Copyright the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Power Station

Copyright the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

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Energy sources can be differentiated into two types: renewable and non-renewable.

Renewable resources include wind, water, solar, and geothermal and are derived from sources that regenerate as fast as they are consumed. Some renewable resources, such as biofuels produced from agricultural crops and other plants, are replenished each year. Concerns over the sustainability of non-renewable resources has resulted in increased demand for renewable sources of energy in recent decades.

Non-renewable resources, including fossil fuels and nuclear material are extracted from the earth and can be depleted over time. These resources have been the most utilised type of energy in the 21st century. However, concerns surrounding their long-term use has increased in recent decades owing to the damage such resources cause to environmental and human health.