Renewable energy comes from energy resources that are continuously replenished through the cycles of nature. Unlike fossil fuels, their supply will never become exhausted. The main sources of renewable energy are:

• The sun (solar energy)
• The wind
• Moving water (hydropower, wave and tidal energy)
• Heat below the surface of the earth (geothermal energy)
• Biomass (wood, waste, energy crops)

Renewable energy resources are clean sources of energy. They can be harnessed without damaging the environment, unlike using fossil fuels which release carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) and other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Increasing the use of renewable energy is therefore a key strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting Ireland's Kyoto commitments. Renewable energy resources will never become exhausted. Unlike finite fossil fuels, renewable energy resources are continuously replenished and will not run out. Renewable energy resources are indigenous resources. Ireland is heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels. We now import approx 89% of the fuels we need for energy. By tapping into the renewable energy resources with which Ireland is richly endowed, we could reduce this reliance on imports. By increasing our use of renewable resources, we can achieve a more secure and stable energy supply for the long term.

Renewable energy is a supply-side solution for a sustainable energy economy. Renewable energy measures promote sustainability by increasing the supply of energy from sustainable sources. Energy efficiency measures promote sustainability by reducing demand for and consumption of energy.

There are a number of options available to homeowners wishing to go the renewable route. Currently there are grants available for domestic users who wish to install solar panels, wood pellet stoves / boilers, and heat pumps. Information relating to these grants can be found at www.sei.ie/greenerhomes or call 1850 734 734 for further details.

Yes. Ireland receives enough annual solar energy to allow a correctly sized solar thermal collector system to provide an annual average of 60% of a building's hot water requirements (the figure will be higher in summer and lower in winter).Clean renewable heat energy for buildings of all sizes can also be obtained using passive solar design, heat pumps and wood fuel.

Various sources of support are available for project development and research/demonstration projects. Information is available in the Reference Section. The Greener Homes Scheme provides assistance to homeowners who intend to purchase a new renewable energy heating system for either new or existing homes. The scheme is administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland and aims to increase the use of renewable energy and sustainable energy technologies in Irish homes over the next 5 years. Go to www.sei.ie/greenerhomes for more information about how to apply for a grant for installing renewable energy in your home.

In Irish conditions a 1 MW wind turbine or hydro plant could provide between 2.5 and 3 million units of electricity - enough for around 650 homes. A 1 MW wood or waste biomass plant could provide over 6 million units of electricity - enough for around 1,300 homes. The average Irish home uses about 5,000 kWh of electricity per year.