The Evolution of Energy Use in Ireland: A Historical Overview from the 1950s to Present

1. Energy long ago • 1950s • In the 1950s people would heat their homes mainly with turf and coal fires . • Turf is cut from bogs. • Some would also use electric heaters . Click to find out more about bogs

2. Energy Long ago • 1960s – 70s • Turf and coal fires were still in use • Central heating came into use in the 1960s using tanks called back boilers which were at the back of fireplaces filled with water. • When there was a fire lighting the water would warm up and would then be used to heat the home

3. Energy Long Ago • 1980s • A lot more people were beginning to use central heating in Ireland and were moving away from coal and turf fires • Gas was discovered in Kinsale during the 1980s and so people were able to get gas central heating • During the 1980s the government banned coal in the amin cities because it caused a lot of smog

4. Energy long ago • 1990s • Almost every home in Ireland had gas or oil central heating • Coal fires were becoming less common • New homes were beter built and were insulated.

5. Energy long ago • 2000s • In the 2000s people were using insulation to keep their homes warm • New homes began to use under floor heating and double glazing.

6. Energy long ago • 2000-present • This decade saw the widespread use of wind turbines to generate electricity for homes and businesses

7. Energy long ago • 2000-present • Hybrid cars were introduced . These worked on petrol and electricity

8. Energy use in Ireland • Energy use in Ireland per capita has increased since 1960 • The peak was in 2001 • In that year it was 3737.54kg in kg of oil equivalent per person • In 2007 it fell back to 3456.56kg in oil equivalent Click to see Graph

9. Energy use in Ireland 1960-2007

10. Energy through the ages By Hugh 6th Class St.Marys