ASPO the Association for the Study of Peak Oil

Proceedings of the 2nd International Workshop on Oil Depletion, Paris, France, May 26-27 2003,
Edited by K. Aleklett, C. Campbell and J. Meyer, www.peakoil.net/iwood2003 .

Risks and Solutions to Ireland’s Energy Supply
David Callaghan

At the present time, 85% of Ireland’s energy requirement is imported. As gas and oil reserves continue to decline the Irish Economy becomes vulnerable and dangerously exposed to rising fuel prices. Also, there is an increasing demand for additional generating capacity. While wind turbines and peat-burning stations are commissioned, there is a renewable energy resource available in Ireland, which has not so far been tapped. This resource is the predictable kinetic energy in the strong sea currents around parts of the Irish Coast. A system incorporating Deflecting Vane Technology (DVT) has been developed in Ireland to harness this energy and the system could be applied to many parts of the EU. Breakthroughs occurred during DVT evolution and some are listed below:

·    A threefold increase in energy density at turbine entry (not possible with propeller systems).
·    Breakthrough in bearing protection with overall cost savings and reduced shutdown time.
·    Problem of marine growth on vanes has been resolved.
·    Onsite topography requirement recognised. Some sites have significant advantages.
·    The 24-hour cycle incorporates an energy storage sequence to capture best market price.
·    The structure is semi-submersible and maintains best position relative to the surface.
·    Main buoyancy is well below the surface, safe and away from storm waves.
·    The main elements of each platform and facility are in multiples and are dispersed.
·    The dispersed underwater nature of the system facilitates protection against attack.

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