Ireland has a long history of using hydro power to generate electricity. In the early 20th century, Ireland was a world leader in the development of hydro power, with the construction of the Ardnacrusha hydroelectric power plant on the River Shannon. The plant is still in operation today as one of the largest hydroelectric power generators in Ireland.

Hydro power is a renewable energy source, and it is a low-carbon way to generate electricity. It is also a reliable source of energy, and it can be used to generate electricity during peak demand periods.

In recent years, there has been renewed interest in hydro power as a way to help Ireland meet its climate change targets. The Irish government has set a target of 70% renewable energy by 2030, and hydro power could be a part of meeting this target.

There are a number of ways that hydro power can be used to help Ireland meet its climate change targets. One way is to build new hydro power plants. Another way is to upgrade existing hydro power plants to make them more efficient. Finally, Ireland can also import hydro power from other countries.

Hydro power is a clean, reliable, and affordable source of energy. It can play a major role in helping Ireland meet its climate change targets.

Long-term energy storage and pumped hydro storage

One of the challenges of using renewable energy sources like wind and solar is that they are intermittent, i.e. they do not produce electricity all the time. This can present a problem for the electricity grid, which needs to be able to meet demand at all times.

Long-term energy storage is a way to store energy for later use. This can help to ensure that the electricity grid has enough electricity to meet demand, even when renewable energy sources are not producing.

There are a number of different technologies for long-term energy storage. One of the most promising technologies is pumped hydro storage. Pumped hydro storage works by pumping water from a lower reservoir to a higher reservoir. When electricity is needed, the water is released from the higher reservoir and flows back down to the lower reservoir. This generates electricity.

Pumped hydro storage is a mature technology that is already in use in many countries and, of course, at the existing pumped storage plant at Turlough Hill, Co Wicklow. It is a reliable and efficient way to store energy. It is also a cost-effective way to store energy, and it has a long lifespan.

Pumped hydro storage can play a major role in helping Ireland meet its climate change targets. It can help to store energy from renewable energy sources like wind and solar. This can help to ensure that the electricity grid has enough electricity to meet demand, even when renewable energy sources are not producing.