RENEWABLES
Scientists from University College, Cork, have recently published a report claiming that wave power is a practicable source of electricity in Ireland. The report has also identified 11 potential sites were wave power plants could be built.
The most favourable region was County Clare on Ireland’s west coast. Parts of County Kerry and County Cork were also declared to be suitable for wave power.
The scientists estimated that the wave power potential in Ireland exceeds the current generating capacity in the country by a factor of ten. However it admits that development on this scale is ruled out on grounds of cost. However it suggests that if the government were to fund a pilot plant, wave power could by developed to provide part of the national generating mix.