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Is peat an alternative energy source?
The IPCC does not classify peat as either a renewable or non-renewable energy source. Even though it is not considered to be a fossil fuel, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions are comparable.
Can you use peat as fuel?
Peat can be dried and burned as fuel. wetland bog.
Is peat a renewable fuel?
that peat is a renewable fuel and used sustainably.
Why is peat not the best source of fuel?
Peat is the most damaging fuel in terms of global warming; even worse than coal. It has a lower calorific value than coal (generating less energy per tonne when it is burned) and yet it produces higher CO2 emissions per unit, so it is the least climate-efficient way to produce electricity or heat in Ireland bar none.
What is peat fuel?
peat, fuel consisting of spongy material formed by the partial decomposition of organic matter, primarily plant material, in wetlands such as swamps, muskegs, bogs, fens, and moors. Although peat is not strictly a fossil fuel, its greenhouse gas emissions are comparable to that of fossil fuels.
How is peat used for fuel?
Wet bricks of raw peat are pressed to force out water. The bricks are then dried further, using heat or pressure. The bricks are then used as fuel, mostly for heating homes and businesses. Northern Europe, particularly Scandinavia and the British Isles, have the most peatlands harvested for fuel use.
Why should we stop using peat?
But peat bogssequester an astonishing one-third of the world’s soil carbon and their harvesting for horticultural purposes means removing the living surface in order to access the partially decomposed matter below, a process that causes millions of metric tonnes of carbon dioxide to be released into the atmosphere, the …
Is peat still used as fuel in Ireland?
The story of peat in Ireland Peat is still used to generate electricity and as a fuel for home fires to this day, however, sustainable energy policy and bogland conservation programmes indicate phasing out harvesting peat as a primary source of energy post 2030.
Is peat a coal?
The precursor to coal is peat. Peat is a soft, organic material consisting of partly decayed plant and mineral matter. When peat is placed under high pressure and heat, it undergoes physical and chemical changes (coalification) to become coal.
What is the alternative to peat?
What are the alternatives to peat moss? There are plenty of peat moss alternatives, including coconut coir, compost, bark or wood fibre, pine needles, leaf mold, and manure. Each has pros and cons, but are ideal alternatives to peat moss in many situations.