An alternative option for excess supply from wind energy is to
convert to hydro energy by pumping water into storage stations.
This technology is already practiced in Ireland and is therefore considered
a realistic alternative for further implementation due to
existing technological knowledge. During times of additional electricity
generation the energy is used to pump water into an elevated
storage facility. When electrical demand rises the water is
passed through turbines to convert the hydro energy back into
electrical energy [18].
Ireland experiences the most suitable climate in Europe for biomass
growth [6]. Purpose-grown energy crops refer to short rotation
forestry such as short rotation coppice (SRC) willow, which
Ireland has the ideal climate to produce [19]. Most recent figures
indicate that just over 3000 ha are currently sown with a purpose-
grown energy crop [20]. Assuming an average yield of
10 t DM ha1 and a three-year harvest cycle [21], this produces
approximately 10,000 t DM ha1 of woody biomass. The primary
method by which woody biomass is used to generate electricity
and heat in Ireland is the combustion of wood pellets with an average
energy content of 17 GJ t1 [22] either on-site or in centralised
power stations