User:Ww2censor/Brian Tuke

Since the inception of the state, the first Shannon hydroelectric scheme was constructed in 1929 with seven years of independence. Built by Siemens-Schuckert with Irish engineers doing much of the design and using mostly Irish labour, it has an 86MW capacity with an annual generation 332GWh.^[1] This was followed up by the much larger Turlough Hill and only pumped-storage built into the mountain with a capacity of 292 megawatts completed in 1974 after 6 years of construction.^[2] A few other smaller hydroelectric stations exist around the country, such as Pollaphuca^[3] and Inniscarra Dam.^[4] Catherine Halpin, Ardnacrusha's plant manager suggests that the four main hydro plants are availing of about 70% of the country's water resources.^[5]

A tidal energy system is in operation since 2008 in Strangford Lough producing 1.2 megawatts using an underwater windmill" whose rotors at driven by the tidal currents. It has a capacity to produce enough electricity for about 1,000 homes.^[6]