However, as peat is a non-renewable resource this rate of exploitation is unsustainable. Because of this, Bord na Móna will cease to extract peat for energy production in 2030. Instead, it will focus on renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and biomass energy. It will also work with ecologists to restore the bogs and increase the biodiversity of these habitats.
Biomass:
a fuel made from organic materials (e.g. sawdust and agricultural waste). It is a
renewable and sustainable source of energy. It can be used to generate electricity.
Biodiversity:
a term used to describe the variety of life found in a particular habitat. A lot of variety is usually a sign of a healthy habitat.
(a) What does Bord na Móna hope to achieve by 2030?
(b) How many wind farms do they intend to build?
(c) How much land will be assigned a land use other than harvesting peat?
(d) Name three types of renewable energy mentioned in the clip.
Why bogs are ideal locations for the production of renewable energy
When the peat has been removed from bogs they are called cut-away bogs. Cut-away bogs are ideal locations for wind farms, solar panels and growing crops for biomass energy production.
• The land is flat and therefore easily accessible. • The exposed landscape means there is no shelter from the wind.
• There are few residential areas nearby, so there would be little objection to the construction of a wind farm or solar energy panels.
: Figure 16.24 Wind farm on a bog in Caithness, Scotland
• The existing power stations previously run off peat could be adapted to use renewable energy. • The existing light railways could be used to access the wind farms and solar panels.
(i) Name the two types of peat bog in Ireland. (ii) Explain the term ‘deforestation’. (iii) How can intense farming practices cause soil erosion? (iv) Suggest two ways to avoid soil erosion.
/ I can explain the impact humans have on soil. / I understand the need for sustainable exploitation of soil.
