Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Ireland 3rd highest in EU for oil consumption per capita
RTÉ highlights one of the policy options, Ireland may need nuclear power, recommended by Forfás, the national board responsible for providing policy advice to Government on enterprise, trade, science, technology and innovation in Ireland, in its latest report [full document here pdf file], but the report’s main focus is the Irish economy’s increasing dependency on oil and how to lessen the risks that dependency holds.
The key finding of the report were -
Key Findings
- There is growing evidence to suggest that the era of a plentiful supply of conventional oil is approaching an end2. Various experts and groups have developed projections for when peak oil will occur. While there is a wide variation of estimates about the likely timing, most expert commentators believe that 10-15 years from now, conventional oil supply will no longer be capable of satisfying world demand at current prices. While this subject is clouded by a low level of quality data, there is near global consensus that the potential consequences of peak oil for governments, economies, businesses and indeed individual consumers should be considered now as it will take at least ten years to prepare for its onset.
- Ireland consumed nine million tonnes of oil in 2004, an amount that has doubled since 1990. In 2002, Ireland ranked 3rd highest among the EU-25 countries in terms of oil consumed per capita.[emphasis added]
- Electricity generation and transportation are the two main factors for Ireland’s high oil dependence. Ireland has relied considerably more on oil for electricity generation than most other EU countries and, as of 2002, had the 6th most oil dependent electricity generation system of the EU-25 countries. The amount of oil used for transportation in Ireland tripled between 1972 and 2002, leaving Ireland consuming at least 50 per cent more per capita than the average of the EU-25 by the end of the period4.
- Taking into account the Irish economy’s relative dependence on imported oil and the relative share of oil in total Irish energy consumption, Ireland is among the most sensitive to rising oil prices and therefore among the most vulnerable to a peak oil scenario.
And the policy options recommended in the report, as summarised -
Key Policy Considerations for Ireland
The findings of this study suggest that Ireland needs to develop a national strategy to prepare for the challenge of peak oil. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is currently preparing a Green Paper setting out Ireland’s proposed medium to long term energy policy and this provides an opportunity to develop options for dealing with this challenge. Sweden has already taken a pro-active approach to the challenge of peak oil, putting in place a strategy designed to greatly reduce its remaining dependence on oil by 20205. Ireland also needs to consider pro-active measures.
An important consideration in the context of a peak oil scenario is the need for an EU energy policy that sets out a common co-operative approach to dealing with oil peaking. The European Commission recently launched a Green Paper that put forward proposals for a new comprehensive European energy policy, focusing on sustainability, competitiveness and security as the core principles6. In order to react to the challenges of high and volatile oil prices, increasing import dependency, strong growing global energy demand and global warming, the EU needs to have a clearly defined energy policy and Ireland should be fully supportive of this.
This report outlines a list of key policy options for Ireland that should be considered in developing a strategy on peak oil (see section 6). A summary of these options are outlined below.
- Ireland should undertake a number of initiatives to reduce the usage of oil in transportation, for example, by bringing about the replacement over time of the existing stock of vehicles with more fuel-efficient vehicles and the provision of alternative modes of transport, particularly public transport, that run on electricity rather than petroleum related fuels (e.g. electrified trams, trains and buses). The potential of using biofuels for transportation should also be investigated
- Ireland should assess options to address security of supply concerns that may arise in the context of peak oil. Options should include expanding domestic oil storage capabilities and contracting bilaterally with oil-producing countries that continue to have a surplus of production relative to their domestic requirements. Accelerating plans to develop more East-West electricity interconnection with the UK would also provide a significant degree of energy security, subject to the UK resolving its own security of energy supply problems.
- Ireland should consider increasing the use of renewable energy sources for electricity generation (such as wind, wave, tidal energy etc), maintaining the continued operation of Moneypoint (Ireland’s only coal fired power station). Although not economically feasible in the short to medium term, Ireland should consider the possibility of developing nuclear energy as a more long-term solution.[added emphasis]
- Ireland should adopt a proactive approach to energy efficiency, seeking to place Ireland at the leading edge of energy efficiency practices. The EU Energy Performance Building Directive (EPBD), which came into effect in January 2006 will provide a basis for assessing and improving energy usage in commercial and residential buildings that is intended to result in a more efficient use of electrical energy.
- Ireland should accelerate the implementation of the National Spatial Strategy in preparation for peak oil. Current spatial patterns in Ireland militate against the development of an efficient and effective public transport system. The development of regional gateways and hubs will play a key part in enabling urban communities to respond to the challenges of peak oil. Those communities that are adequately resourced in terms of public transport infrastructure will have greater choice in relation to how they respond.
Pete Baker @ 11:27 AM
This is one thing i would fight to the end. I believe that the irish people would never allow a nuclear plant anywhere on the island of Ireland.
If the government north and south got their fingers out and radically overhauled public transport and started using alt sources of energy.
For god’d sake this place is coming down with water and the west coast you would get your head blowin off you by the wind.
Get your fingers out and do something about it and not resort to the easy and most dangerous way out.
No to Nuclear Power!!
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 01:22 PMOur oil consumption figures are disgraceful considing the size of the country and our relatively mild climate. This is a disaster waiting to happen. All we need is another oil crisis and the the country will come to a halt. Far more money needs to be spend on public transport and our petrol prices need to be brought in line with those in the U.K.
As for nuclear power, we are already using it, as we are part of an inter-connect system with the U.K. But adopting our usual ostrich approach we ignore the fact and many people take the NIMBY approach. Bring it on, I say and the sooner the better.
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 01:34 PMIreland’s entire energy needs would be met by one nuclear reactor. So, where would it be built? How would it be paid for (including waste management)? and how wise is it to put the country’s energy needs all in one basket, so to speak?
Far, far wiser to go for the renewables & learn a bit of energy efficiency. Stick pump prices up by 10% to curb some car usage.
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 01:41 PMIt is time, and well past time, that the Irish Republic raised its petrol tax to harmonise with the UK at the very least.
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 01:44 PMSlug,
It is time, and well past time, that the Irish Republic raised its petrol tax to harmonise with the UK at the very least.
You obviously don’t live near the border!
Do I sense some sour grapes?
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 01:54 PMI think the whole “Celtic Tiger” era will be judged in the very near future to have been a massive wasted opportunity.
All the development that has been carried out in Ireland over the last couple of years should have been undertaken with a view to the not distant future.
Shame.
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 02:01 PMIt should be built, and it should be built in Mayo. Rossport, possibly, although the natives are a little restless in those parts. The West needs industrial development - time for an industrial development overdose! It could also serve as a dual purpose station, serving both gas and building for nuclear, offering a medium and long term solution. Makes all the sense in the world.
As for Keith M’s point, he’s absolutely right, we are already using nuclear power. It would be cool to be able to *sell* power though, wouldn’t it! And let’s face it, we’re already subject to nuclear threat, let’s at least get some benefit out of it by owning the bloody thing.
As for waste disposal, isn’t that what they do in Sellafield? That would be one way to settle our dispute - dump all our nuclear waste on Sellafield.
The Finn’s are just completing a massive new plant, and they reckon it’s the best thing since sliced bread. Saw it on Newsnight a few weeks ago, I think.
Anybody fancy South Armagh?
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 02:06 PMThe Irish Republic has beggar thy neighbour tax policies.
Fact.
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 02:09 PMDK “So, where would it be built?” I would have thought that that was obvious; Cork. Nobody would notice any generitc disorders ;-)
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 02:10 PMslug,
The Irish Republic has beggar thy neighbour tax policies.
Are you arguing for tax harmonisation, or are you just envious of the lower tax rates in the south?
What you call “beggar thy neighbour”, others might call a business friendly fiscal environment. And since it does appear to benefit business, and also workers and consumers, why argue against it? If southern voters feel that they would like higher taxes to pay for extra public goods, then they have the freedom to elect a party that will raise those taxes and provide those public goods. We call it democracy. Every other state can do the same, and if they chose not to do so, they cannot claim that they were not aware of the possibility, and the likely consequences.
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 02:17 PMAnthony B,
Nuclear power stations need lots of water to work, so you couldn’t locate it in South Armagh. It would need to be coastal - West coast may be too stormy/distant. So, probably somewhere on the East Coast - ideally replacing an existing power plant (Northwall or Poolbeg).
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 02:20 PMStephen I am not arguing for anything, I am just saying that the Irish Republic has classic beggar thy neighbour tax policies.
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 02:24 PMWhat the hell is begger thy neighbour tax policies??
We need so badly to invest in renewable energy sources. The wind coming in off the sea on the West coast is constant and strong we could easily have 25% of our electricity generated from this alone in 5 years if there was a will to do it.
We need to act now or it will be too late. Putting 10 - 15c per litre on the price of petrol would hugely offest the costs of setting this up.Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 02:32 PMNuclear power plant in Ireland. Er sorry but that sounds like a bit of a crap idea to me.
Why not have a referendum on whether building a nuclear power plant in Ireland is a good idea or not. But I would suggest a catch to the vote. If one ever does get built it should be located in the constituency where the highest percentage of people voted in favour of nuclear power…Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 02:32 PMIf memory serves DK, there was a plan many moons ago to build one in Wexford. Mayo has lots of water, it comes out of the sky ;) I’m not sure why storms would be a problem…no hurricanes in any case :)
Anyway, the site was picked and everything was prepared for the Wexford site, but local opposition was too strong.
If anyone objects in Mayo, we can always lock them up.
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 02:33 PMThe term beggar thy neighbour is explained here Beggar thy Neighbour in the context of international exchange rate policy.
More generally it is a policy that, if one country adopts, it harms others but benefits its self. Such as low petrol tax or company tax. If, everyone adopted it, would leave all no better off or sometimes worse off. Also called “race to the bottom”.
The Irish Republic practices classic beggar thy neighbour tax policies.
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 02:49 PMWhat’s it called when you invade Iraq in order to safeguard oil supplies?
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 03:35 PMWhat’s it called when you invade Iraq ...
Bugger thy neighbour?
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 03:39 PM“What’s it called when you invade Iraq in order to safeguard oil supplies?”
Irrelevant?
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 03:40 PMIf we can’t afford oil and don’t want nuclear, then the only viable renewable source that could generate a useful amount of electricity would be wind. Are people willing to accept the west coast covered in a blanket of wind farms and the resulting visual impact that this would have?
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 03:51 PMPaul
“Irrelevant?”
On a thread about oil consumption? Hardly.
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 03:55 PMat least the south have openened the debate on the idea-what if blair goes for nuclear is there then not an opportunity for the north to play its part and have one sited here?
there would be construction jobs as well as the possibility of far lower energy charges -who could disagree with that-as well as lower charges for industry which could attract new businees and stimulate the economy.
if the french and the Finns can use this form of energy why can’t we?
i wonder what our “politicans” think re this.Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 04:09 PMWhats with Denis Donaldson being dead?
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 04:25 PMShuggie
“Irrelevant?”“On a thread about oil consumption? Hardly.”
And on a thread about Ireland’s oil consumption?
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 05:38 PMPaul
“And on a thread about Ireland’s oil consumption?”
Maybe you think oil grows on trees - in Ireland
It doesn’t.
Ireland gets it oil from abroad.
Indeed, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland invaded Iraq a few years ago with the primary objective of freeing up some of the world’s largest supplies of oil. Maybe you missed that.
Irish regiments are still there.
The troops haven’t managed to free up the oil yet. In fact it has become even more expensive, hitting record highs on world markets since the United Kingdom of GB & Northern Ireland invaded.
Oil dependant Irish consumers share the burden of those increases as well as the tax burden paid directly by those taxpayers in Northern Ireland to finance and service the invasion force.
Phew!
Can you tell me again - what’s irrelevant?
Posted by on Apr 04, 2006 @ 06:50 PM
