Hydroelectric power
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Since the inception of the state, the first Shannon hydroelectric scheme was constructed in 1929 with seven years of independence. Built by Siemens-Schuckert with Irish engineers doing much of the design and using mostly Irish labour, it has an 86MW capacity with an annual generation 332GWh.[1] This was followed up by the much larger Turlough Hill and only pumped-storage built into the mountain with a capacity of 292 megawatts completed in 1974 after 6 years of construction.[2] A few other smaller hydroelectric stations exist around the country, such as Pollaphuca[3] and Inniscarra Dam.[4] Catherine Halpin, Ardnacrusha's plant manager suggests that the four main hydro plants are availing of about 70% of the country's water resources.[5]
A tidal energy system is in operation since 2008 in Strangford Lough producing 1.2 megawatts using an underwater windmill" whose rotors at driven by the tidal currents. It has a capacity to produce enough electricity for about 1,000 homes.[6]
- ^ "Ardnacrusha". ESB Group. 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
- ^ "Turlough Hill". ESB Group. 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
- ^ "Pollaphuca". ESB Group. 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
- ^ "Inniscarra". ESB Group. 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
- ^ Doyle, Carmel (14 August 2012). "Ireland's Ardnacrusha hydro-electric power station – a clean-tech exemplar?". Innovation. Silicon Republic. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
- ^ "Tidal energy system on full power". Northern Ireland News. BBC News. 18 December 2008. Retrieved 30 December 2023.