5 The quantity of energy generated by peat has declined steadily. Suggest two reasons to explain this trend.
The bar chart in Fig. 24.5.1 is based on data that was collected between 1990 and 2013. This is known as baseline data. This data provides a basis for comparison with projections of future energy requirements.
The SEAI have collected further data that predicts our future energy demand and the sources that will meet it. The table below shows their projections for the period 2009–2020.
Fuel
Coal Oil
Gas Peat
Renewables
Electricity imports Total
Total primary energy supply (million tonnes of oil equivalent) 2009
2016
1.214 7.745 4.309 0.856 0.665 0.066 14.855
1.397 7.984 4.394 0.723 1.184
–0.098 15.584
2020
1.256 8.245 5.243 0.507 1.196
–0.298 16.149
6 Based on this data: a. Which fuel will show the biggest growth in energy supply from 2009 to 2020? b. Which fuel will show the biggest decrease in growth over this period? c. Which fossil fuel will show the biggest increase in growth over this period? d. Calculate the average percentage growth per year for each of the fuels.
A manufacturing company is considering relocating its business to Ireland. It is part of company policy to invest in renewable energies. As a team, you and your classmates have been tasked with advising them on the advantages and disadvantages of relocating to Ireland.
7 Produce a summary for this company, based on the data, to include the following:
a. The story of Ireland and its energy demand from 1990 onwards.
b. Data presented in an appropriate way that shows the major trends in the use of different energy sources over this period.
c. The future of energy supplies in Ireland. Identify current and future trends for energy supply from the different sources.
It might be helpful to compare the data from 1990 to 2020 on one bar chart and to draw trend lines along the data. It might also be helpful to produce a number of evidence-based statements about the use of renewables compared with the other energy sources during this time period.
8 Would you advise the company to relocate? Write a concluding paragraph in your report, identifying at least two evidence-based statements why the company should or should not relocate to Ireland.
