35 vehicles in the Biofuels for Transport pilot project funded by the Department of Transport are running on pure plant oil biofuel (PPO) on Irish roads.
Among those involved was the South Tipperary County Council, thus establishing itself as a future source of information on biofuels technology for other County Councils. According to Pat Fitzgerald, ‘South Tipperary County Council is delighted to be one of two County Councils bringing pure plant oil biofuel into the local authority circuit. We got two trucks converted under the Biofuels for Transport project and between them they have been doing over 10,000 km per month on PPO.’ There were also many challenges along the way, and some companies initially earmarked for the funding did not go ahead with the conversions, citing ‘lack of PPO supply in their area’ and ‘issues surrounding vehicle warranty’ as the main reasons for their respective decisions.
Ralf Lissek, CEO of the German-Irish Chamber of Commerce, was entirely supportive of these decisions. ‘This is a pilot project and, as such, we expected that there would be some twists and turns along the way.’ He continued, ‘The PPO market is a very new market for Ireland. The 20 participating companies have proven themselves to be real innovators. They have paved the way for many other Irish companies to benefit from their experiences and make a smoother switch to a greener fuel in the future.’ Some of the participating companies also overcame some initial challenges. According to Eugene Hall, chairman of participating company AAA Mobile Windscreens, ‘At first we had a few issues with regards to the choice of vehicle to convert, but after an in-depth consultation with our installer we now have 3 of our vans running successfully on PPO, one of them brand new.’
Biofuels for Transport also threw up some pioneering moves: among the 29 vehicles of transport is a narrow boat - ‘The Tom Rolt’. Used as a pleasure craft on the Grand Canal, it was converted to run on PPO last July. According to the owner, Meath tillage farmer Gerald Potterton, ‘I am delighted with the huge environmental advantages that such a conversion brings to boating on the inland waterways, where (mineral) diesel pollution is detrimental to aquatic life. To my knowledge it is the first boat in Ireland to run on PPO.’ Within the framework of this biofuels initiative, 29 vehicles of transport operators are now running on Irish roads and waterways with 6 more to follow by the end of November. Among them are heavy goods vehicles, vans, buses, cars and even the above mentioned narrow boat. The initiative has also been supported by experts from Ireland, Germany, Denmark and England, thus drawing on valuable experiences made in these countries.
For Further Information Contact Aideen Keenan Tel: 01 6424330 Email:
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The bioenergy business needs a voice on the international arena. The debate about biofuels has been intense over the last months, but the experts within our own ranks have not always been heard. Fruitful discussions have been held in the European Biomass Association, AEBIOM, about the possibilities to create a body acting globally with a loud voice telling the truth. We have come to the conclusion that we need a global organisation for bioenergy. Contacts with other actors all over the world have given the same impression. Our plan is to launch a global bioenergy organisation in Jonkoping at World Bioenergy 2008. The concept of the new organisation will be presented in the opening session of the conference. An interim board meeting will be held on the 28th of May. In the evening of the 28th we also plan a reception where it will be possible get information about the organisation and meet with members of the interim board. The closing session of the conference is organised as a panel discussion between members of the interim board – giving an overview of the situation around the world and the role of bioenergy in meeting the climate and energy challenges. The interim board will discuss the statutes of the new organisation and the timetable for further activity. They will also discuss the role of the organisation and its agenda.
As a starting point for discussions I have formulated a World Bioenergy Association Action Plan. It is essential that this new organisation will get representation from all parts of the world. The interim board will consist of around 10 – 12 people from all continents. Later on a larger body will have to be called in representing all interested member countries, businesses and institutions. I am very eager to get in contact with national or regional organisations and institutions interested in joining the new organisation. I would also much appreciate comments on the agenda. If you are interested of more information, don’t hesitate to contact me!
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Kent Nyström (Vice President)
European Biomass Association Managing Director,
Swedish Bioenergy Association
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4/24/2008
IFA Alternative Land Use Chairman, J.J. Kavanagh today questioned the Government’s real commitment to the development of an indigenous renewable energy using agricultural produce and by-products. While acknowledging the introduction of the Government’s “Biomass Energy Scheme (BES)” Mr Kavanagh said, “Bureaucracy has severely stifled significant uptake of the scheme. Failure to fully align the BES scheme with existing schemes such as REPS and the Disadvantaged Areas Payments Scheme has deterred many farmers from growing energy crops such as willow and miscanthus.
Further doubt has been put in growers minds over revenues proposed tax treatment of these energy crops.” “On the oilseed front the refusal to reallocate unused quota under the Motor Oil Tax Relief Scheme, to up-and-running oilseed crushers capable of supplying renewable transport fuel to the market shows a complete lack of commitment to developing an indigenous transport biofuels sector. It appears that despite all the promises we will end up replacing imported fossil fuels with imported renewable fuels.” “Government has set ambitious targets for the production of bioenergy, but if they are serious about bioenergy crop production they must follow the lead of other successful EU countries such as Germany and give incentives for the growing of these crops for the production of bioenergy.” “Perennial biomass crops such as miscanthus and willow are expensive to establish and their yield potential under Irish conditions and soil types has not yet been quantified. Farmers who grow these crops are taking a considerable financial risk given that it takes 5 to 6 years to achieve payback and the demand side for these crops is only in the very early stages of development.” “It is critical that Government stimulates the supply side of the market in order to give processors and investors the confidence to invest in and expand this fledgling industry. Increasing the energy payment top to growers would sent a clear message of Government intent to promote and develop this industry.” “The Minister for Agriculture must now increase the current national energy payment top up for energy crops from €80 to €125 / ha and ensure that the EU energy crop payment of €45 / ha is maintained in the upcoming Health Check in order to fast track the development of an indigenous bioenergy sector.”
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