Shannon Estuary

[jack01986]

Basically Im trying to find out for part of my thesis people what would think about developing part of the Shannon Estuary for renewable energy.

It would be a hydro power generation scheme where there would be generators below the surface of the water. There is very little environmental impact and they do not obstruct the migratory fish etc. The estuary would still be navigable by ships. The Estuary could potentially provide up to 367 GigaWatt hours annually. Ireland uses 35 TeraWatts a year an there is 1000 GigaWatts in a TerraWatt so its a considerable amount of electricity. The Arklow bank wind farm provides enough power for 16,000 homes and is only 25 MegaWatts for a bit of perspective. 1000 MegaWatts in a GigaWatt.

It would either be something like this called sea gen which there is actually one of in Strangford Lough


Or this one which is called open hydro and is being tested in Nova Scotia at the moment. It is also an Irish Company.

Last edited by jack01986 on Sat Aug 28, 2010 12:12 am, edited 1 time in total.

Dont be afraid to comment.

would the greens tax it

jack i think you should change the wording on the question
i think you should remove (or against) from the question so there is no confusion.

They should look at the irish sea to harness some of the energy that is pushed along here
go out 18 or 20 miles and you can get a 3lb lead to surf off the stern of the boat

Changed it there John should clear it up a bit. Dont get me started on the Greens Martin.

think it would work....car drove off tarbert pier once and it was carried a half mile before it sank scary fast tides back there

There is some serious tides down there allright.

For those who voted know could I ask why. If you dont want to say thats cool.

Ive seen the ones that they are using in the east river in new york. they look Fantastic, I done my dissertation on renewables and briefly touched on them. And i thought that the Shannon would have been perfect. If as little impact on the surrounds could be achieved.

Ive seen the ones that they are using in the east river in new york. they look Fantastic, I done my dissertation on renewables and briefly touched on them. And i thought that the Shannon would have been perfect. If as little impact on the surrounds could be achieved.

Nice one man, they are pretty cool allright.

Come on people there is nearly 240 views on this topic and there are only a few comments (thanks those who did) and 16 votes. Its only a click.

i would support it if :

its financially viable - doesnt need constant state funding to help it exist, can it be competitive to other cheaper power sources internationally?

is proven not to disturb the environment both in the sea, air and sea bed and the various flora and fauna in the area

actually results in less reliance on fossil fuels imported to the state

prevents the state considering nuclear power - or buying from the international grid de facto nuclear power

would be good if it is such a runner and can produce cheap energy that the state rights are not signed away ala the corrib gas field in the longer term