Chapter 16 Information Communications and Energy
16.2.1 Electricity Generation
There is rightly an emphasis on renewable energy, with the assumption that of all the renewable energy sources, wind produces the most reliable source of clean energy without emissions by using its kinetic energy to generate electricity. Recent weather forecasts for the winter of 2021/22 suggest that this is not the case –calm weather means little or no electrical generation.
Hydro power is barely considered and yet there were historically over 300 watermills in Wicklow in the 1800s.
16.2.1.1 Wind Energy
The downside of wind energy is never mentioned; the lack of robust data on health and environmental effects throughout the lifecycle of the turbine. Decommissioning is rarely mentioned.
ISO 14040 life cycle assessments (LCA) are necessary for other industries but do not seem to be available in the public domain for wind farms if they have been done.
[ISO 14040. Environmental management – life cycle assessment – principles and framework. Geneva, Switzerland: International Standard Organization; 1998.]
In Ireland, it is not considered necessary, under current legislation, to have Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for wind farms. This has been adopted in photovoltaic (PV) sector and electrical industry (WEE). This could be the next ‘ecological ‘ disaster.
Currently at decommissioning, rotor blades are going to land fill. The turbine rotor blades are very complex; -60-70% reinforcing fibres and 30-40% polymer matrix by weight. Many of individual polymer chemicals areclassified as hazardous, (physical properties, health or environment), eg Bisphenol A, considered as ‘Substance of very high concern (SVHC) and included in the candidate list for authorisation’ by theEuropean Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Bisphenol A carries 3 hazard pictograms: corrosive; serious health hazard;Health hazard/Hazardous to the ozone layer. It is also considered an endocrine disruptor.
Rotor blades do not remain in pristine condition through out the expected 25- 30 year life cycle. The tip and leading edge of the turbine blade are the most exposed and thus vulnerable to rain erosion resulting in degradation. Recent studies from Ireland and Scotland have shown that monthly blade erosion rates in the Wicklow uplands could be between 0.05% and 0.07% blade weight.
16.2.1.3 Hydro Energy
In Wicklow,there are not only hydroelectric generating stations mentioned but numerous large and smaller drinking water sources administered by Irish Water. Wicklow water has supplied urban areas for over 150 years. This is an untapped energy source of clean water that could power turbines not just as it leaves reservoirs but at every entry into a housing estate. Water is also most plentiful in winter months when power consumption is highest. As the country is moving to electricity as the main energy source this should be utilised.
Wicklow County Council could be a pioneer in this resource. Currently Irish Water and Prof McNabola , TCD have a pilot project.