Is lithium used as outdoor power supply in Ireland

Could a lithium find be found in Ireland?

The possibility of a substantial lithium find in Ireland illustrates the hard choices ahead in accelerating a clean energy revolution while balancing other environmental risks, where local concerns often wrestle with the greater good.

Are there lithium deposits in Wicklow & Wexford?

Photograph: Alan Betson Two prospecting companies are evaluating levels of lithium deposits over a vast area of Wicklow extending into Carlow and Wexford, though this is not long-odds speculation. It was always known that hardrock in this area contains the metal, but the context in recent years is much changed.

What is lithium ion battery used for?

Lithium is regarded as an essential metal in the transition to green energy. Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and widely used in personal electronics such as smartphones, tablets and laptops. They are also used in electric vehicles, electric bicycles and scooters, and in backup storage for solar power.

Why is lithium recycling so attractive?

Just as the use of lithium is getting more efficient, so are the recycling technologies. And if we do start to get to a point where the supply of lithium starts to dwindle, or demand outstrips supply, that will probably make the market price go up, which will make recycling all the more attractive.

What is lithium & what is it used for?

Lithium is the lightest metal on the planet, and is also used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Demand for lithium is currently growing at 30 per cent a year, with prices having surged more than 10-fold since 2020 to record highs of almost $80,000 (€73,998) per tonne.

Can we find lithium in hard rocks in Co Wicklow?

Significant lithium deposits in granite in Co Wicklow were known to be present, but exploring for the metal in hard rocks has only been viable since 2018. “Lithium is a valuable commodity but so too is natural beauty and tourism in Wicklow.