In the quest for a fully renewable electricity supply, Ireland is at the forefront of a significant shift, blending established and emerging renewable energy sources to create a robust, sustainable grid. A groundbreaking study led by Hafiz Ahsan Said from the Centre for Ocean Energy Research at Maynooth University sheds light on the potential benefits and challenges of this transition, with implications that could reshape the energy landscape not just in Ireland, but globally.
The research, published in the journal Energy Conversion and Management: X, (which translates to Energy Conversion and Management: Cross-disciplinary), focuses on the complementarity of renewable energy sources around the island of Ireland, including Northern Ireland. Said and his team assessed the combination of wind, solar, wave, and tidal energy, revealing that diversifying the resource mix could significantly enhance the reliability and efficiency of the electricity supply system.
“The highest complementarity is achieved by combining all four resources,” Said explained. “This means that when one resource is low, another is likely to be high, providing a more consistent energy supply.”
The study also conducted an optimal storage sizing analysis, considering both 100% renewable and transitional scenarios. Surprisingly, the results indicated that maintaining some level of fossil-fuel generation, though not ideal from a climate action perspective, could be beneficial in terms of reducing the required storage size and associated costs. This finding underscores the complex trade-offs involved in the transition to renewable energy.
The techno-economic feasibility analysis for different storage modalities revealed that hydrogen storage, often touted as a panacea, may not be the best option for Ireland due to its lower cycle efficiency compared to other storage technologies. However, hydrogen’s potential in other applications, such as transport and industry, should not be overlooked.
So, what does this mean for the future of Ireland’s electricity supply system? The research suggests that a diversified approach, combining established and emerging renewable energy sources, could provide a more reliable and efficient electricity supply. However, it also highlights the need for careful consideration of storage technologies and the potential role of fossil fuels in the transition period.
The findings have significant commercial implications for the energy sector. Energy companies operating in Ireland and beyond may need to rethink their strategies, investing in a mix of renewable energy sources and storage technologies. Policymakers, too, will need to consider these findings, balancing the need for climate action with the practicalities of energy supply.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, Ireland’s experience could provide valuable lessons. The transition to renewable energy is not just about replacing fossil fuels with renewables; it’s about creating a complex, interconnected system that can provide reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy. Said’s research is a significant step in this direction, offering insights that could shape the future of the energy sector.
