Ours To Protect with John Morley (EP 34)

Ours to Protect is a unique and exciting audio project – a collaboration of local and regional broadcasters from across the country who have come together to tackle climate change, champion climate action, and inform and educate audiences all over Ireland about how they can make a difference.

Today on ‘Ours To Protect’ John Morley talks to Alan Berry, research infrastructure manager in the Marine Institute about offshore renewable energy.

 

Did you know…

• Ireland boasts one of the world's richest tidal energy resources? The West coast, with its strong tides and deep waters, is particularly well-suited for harnessing this renewable energy source.
• Ireland’s rugged coastline and wild Atlantic waters create ideal conditions for wave energy generation?
• Ireland’s vast offshore territory and constant strong winds holds the potential to produce up to 5 GW of renewable electricity by 2030? This would significantly contribute to Ireland's goal of achieving a 70% renewable electricity target by 2030 and becoming carbon-neutral by 2050.

Why is it important to support offshore energy generation?

• Tidal energy, as a renewable and abundant source of power, holds immense potential to help meet the growing global energy demand without compromising the planet's health.
• Wave energy offers a domestic energy source that can help meet this growing demand while reducing reliance on imports.
• Offshore wind farms can even contribute to marine biodiversity by providing habitat for certain species and reducing the need for dredging and other activities that can harm marine ecosystems.

What can I do to help support research into offshore energy methods?

• Learn more about tidal wave energy, its potential benefits, and why it would be feasible off the west coast of Ireland.
• Make it known to local representatives that it is important to support and fund companies that are conducting research on offshore energy methods, such as Éirecomposites in An Spidéal.
• Share insights on its potential to reduce our carbon footprint, enhance energy security, and create new employment opportunities.

Here’s a few websites if you want to know more!

The Marine Institute

https://www.marine.ie/

Marine Renewables Industry Association

https://www.mria.ie/

The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC)

https://www.emec.org.uk/

For more info go over to galwaybayfm.ie, click on Our to Protect image on home page. You could try out the  ‘Ecological Footprint’ calculator and you can take a quick survey.

‘Ours To Protect’ brought to you by Galway Bay fm, the IBI and funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the television licence fee – check out ‘ours to protect.ie for more info.