1 Like
So cheaper electric?
Yes, wind is cheaper than fossil fuels mate
So my bill is coming down?
Of course mate
The integration of more renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, into Ireland’s energy grid has the potential to reduce energy prices over time. Here’s how and when this might happen, along with the role of recent wind auctions and the factors influencing the cost of energy:
When and How Renewables Will Make Irish Energy Prices Cheaper:
-
Increased Renewable Capacity:
- As Ireland continues to build more renewable energy infrastructure, particularly wind farms (both onshore and offshore), the overall supply of electricity will increase. This can help reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, which are subject to price volatility.
- The more renewables are integrated into the grid, the lower the marginal cost of electricity becomes, as wind and solar have near-zero operating costs once built.
-
Grid Stability and Storage:
- For renewables to significantly lower prices, Ireland needs to invest in grid stability and energy storage solutions (e.g., batteries, pumped hydro). This will ensure that excess energy generated during windy or sunny periods can be stored and used when demand is high.
- Improved interconnection with other countries (e.g., via the Celtic Interconnector to France) will also help balance supply and demand, reducing costs.
-
Economies of Scale:
- As renewable technology becomes more widespread and efficient, the cost of building and maintaining wind and solar farms decreases. This will further drive down energy prices.
-
Fossil Fuel Displacement:
- Renewables will displace more expensive fossil fuel-based generation, especially during periods of high wind or solar output. This reduces the need to burn costly gas or coal, lowering wholesale electricity prices.
Role of Recent Wind Auctions:
- Ireland has been conducting Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS) auctions to incentivize the development of renewable energy projects. The most recent auctions have seen record-low prices for wind energy, reflecting the declining costs of wind technology.
- For example, in the RESS 2 auction (2022), the average price for onshore wind projects was around €97.87 per MWh, which is competitive compared to fossil fuel generation.
- These auctions help secure long-term, low-cost renewable energy supply, which will gradually feed into lower consumer prices as more projects come online.
Cost of Energy Based On:
-
Wholesale Electricity Prices:
- The cost of energy in Ireland is heavily influenced by wholesale electricity prices, which are determined by the marginal cost of the most expensive generator needed to meet demand (often gas-fired plants).
- As renewables (with near-zero marginal costs) replace fossil fuels, wholesale prices should decrease.
-
Network Costs:
- A portion of energy bills covers the cost of maintaining and upgrading the electricity grid. While renewables require upfront investment in grid infrastructure, these costs are spread over time and offset by lower fuel costs.
-
Policy and Subsidies:
- Government policies, such as carbon taxes and subsidies for renewables, also influence energy prices. As Ireland phases out fossil fuels and increases renewable capacity, these costs may shift.
-
Global Energy Markets:
- Ireland is still partially reliant on imported fossil fuels, so global energy prices (e.g., natural gas) can impact Irish energy costs. More renewables reduce this dependency, insulating Ireland from global price shocks.
Timeline for Cheaper Energy:
- Short Term (1-3 years): Prices may remain volatile due to global energy market fluctuations and the ongoing transition to renewables.
- Medium Term (5-10 years): As more renewable projects from recent auctions come online and grid infrastructure improves, energy prices are expected to stabilize and gradually decrease.
- Long Term (10+ years): With a fully decarbonized grid and advanced energy storage solutions, Ireland could see significantly lower and more stable energy prices.
In summary, the combination of increased renewable capacity, declining technology costs, and improved grid infrastructure will help make Irish energy prices cheaper over the next decade. Recent wind auctions are a positive step in this direction, but the full benefits will take time to materialize.
And how they doing on the smoky coal ban 2022, considering this report is from Dublin and the smoky ban has been in place there since 1990?
Is your question whether banning fuels that give kids respiratory problems is worthwhile , then yes
Is your question should there be better enforcement , then yes
The Greens reduced our emmisons by 7% mate so we should be grateful to them for that especially since the west of ireland got a taste recenrly of what climate change will do
Based on taxation you’d think it would be more.
Then again, how do you tax an illegal product?
There’s obviously nil
No idea what based on taxation means mate, the lst Government lowered the tax rate for people and the increase in carbon tax was minimal
No you have no idea.
Looking good @Little_Lord_Fauntleroy
1 Like
Single use/fast fashion garment getting a like from the resident green?
@Little_Lord_Fauntleroy , youve sullied your bib
A van der graaf generator
The English are putting up signs in Irish now, it’s a disgrace.
Nasctha le Mullach Ide? What the fack is that?
Good old @flattythehurdler had a ‘hand’ in that one, surely.
It’s only out the road from my pal sure.
1 Like
Was thinking it wouldn’t be a million miles away.
Fuck that, I’ll stick to my car.
https://www.rte.ie/news/health/2025/0402/1505534-measles-health/