Members can read an interesting report by Donal Magner in the Farmers Journal on IrBEA’s recent field-trip to Wexford to view industries in the area who switched their energy needs from oil to wood. From this report, we we can see that the switch to biomass has been successful for these businesses both from an economic and an environmental perspective. At Horeswood depot in Campile, Co Wexford Matt Wallace has managed to reduce his annual energy bill from €600,000 to €350,000. A major factor in the success of these business is guaranteeing security of local supply and the creation of wood supply depots. On the trip we visited, Clonroche Biomass Supply Depot, the largest depot in the country supplying 30,000m3 . Read more about this IRBEA tour here
/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/irbea1-300x119.png00demoirbea2015/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/irbea1-300x119.pngdemoirbea20152018-11-22 09:45:392019-01-22 09:46:25County Wexford Leads the way in Utilising Wood Energy
The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) released a press release this week welcoming the statement made on Climate Change by Minister for Communication, Climate Change and Environment Richard Bruton T.D. but are disappointed that it lacks specifics and a focus on the potential for renewable energy in addressing climate change. Climate action is not only a challenge but also a considerable opportunity for Ireland to become a leader in this space. We are in real danger of losing our green image with the lack of action over the past 15 years. Many long term plans and targets have been set for 2008, 2012, 2015, 2020, 2030 and now 2040. IrBEA empowers Minister Bruton to show progress on emissions targets within his own ministerial timeframe. Read more →
https://www.irbea.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Pr-e1705312837683.png131200demoirbea2015/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/irbea1-300x119.pngdemoirbea20152018-11-07 12:12:122018-11-13 12:17:49PRESS RELEASE: IrBEA Welcomes Statement from Minister Richard Bruton T.D. on the Potential for Renewable Energy
Eight organisations representing renewable energy in Ireland united today to call on Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten TD to set a target to supply 70 per cent of electricity from renewables by 2030.
In June 2018 the European Union agreed that 32 per cent of the EU’s energy – across electricity, heat and transport – will come from renewables by 2030. Ireland’s share of that target will be negotiated with the EU in the coming months.
It follows confirmation from the Climate Change Advisory Council in July that Ireland will miss its overall 2020 target for renewable energy, warnings from the Environmental Protection Agency highlighting the failure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and comes as the International Panel on Climate Change meets in Korea.
In September the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action began meeting to respond to the calls from the Citizens’ Assembly earlier this year for Ireland to become a leader in tackling climate change.
Currently, approximately 30 per cent of Irish electricity comes from renewables and while Ireland will fall short of its overall 2020 target it is expected to still reach its 40 per cent electricity target.
Speakers: Dr John Fitzgerald (Climate Change Advisory Council), Des O’Toole (IrBEA President),
Marie Donnelly (Former Directorate General for Energy),Michael McCarthy (CEO of ISEA), Dr David Connolly (CEO of IWEA)
https://www.irbea.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/IMG_4774.jpg12001600demoirbea2015/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/irbea1-300x119.pngdemoirbea20152018-10-05 19:51:102018-10-05 20:15:45Press Release Representing Renewable Energy Associations of Ireland
The Irish Bioenergy Association and the Western Development Commission invites you to a Biochar and Activated Carbon Conference in Mayo on the 25th October. This event will build understanding, raise awareness and help showcase the potential for carbon. Visiting partners from the RE-DIRECT project will present on installed technology at two sites in Germany and Wales.
This event is free but you do need to register for the conference. There is also an opportunity to join a Networking Dinner where you will meet with Conference Speakers and RE-DIRECT Partners, the cost is €40.00. Register for both here
For further information contact Stephen at stephenmccormack@wdc.ie
Conference Agenda
https://www.irbea.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Interreg-e1537369784354.png106200demoirbea2015/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/irbea1-300x119.pngdemoirbea20152018-10-02 14:53:052018-11-13 12:09:03IrBEA and WDC invite you to a Biochar and Activated Carbon Conference in Mayo on 25th October
The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) is delighted to announce that Seán Finan has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Association.
Des O’Toole IrBEA President said “On behalf of IrBEA, I’m delighted to welcome Seán Finan to the Association. I wish him the best of luck and every success in his new role. Sean brings with him a wealth of experience and I believe he will show strong leadership to the organisation at this pivotal juncture as Ireland transitions to renewables away from fossil fuels”
Seán Finan is a Chartered Engineer with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering B.E. (Hons) Degree from National University of Ireland, Galway. He also holds a Certificate in Agriculture and farms part time. He brings a broad range of experience and knowledge to IrBEA having various positions and roles within many community, voluntary, representative and statutory organisations at a local, national and European level over the years.
Prior to joining IrBEA, he has over 12 years engineering and management experience with John Sisk & Son (Holding) Ltd and took a two-year secondment from Sisk between 2015 and 2017 to complete a successful term as the 35th National President of Macra na Feirme – the young farmers’ representative organisation.
Finan said “I relish the challenge and opportunity which leading IrBEA presents. I look forward to working with the board, executive committee, membership and executive staff in taking the organisation through its next phase of growth and development. The organisation has an invaluable and key strategic role to play in representing and advocating for the bioenergy sector on the island of Ireland against a backdrop and dealing with challenges such as climate change, emissions reduction and the provision of more renewable energy sources into the future. In my role as CEO of IrBEA, I will work with all stakeholders to ensure a sustainable future in bioenergy and to strategically position bioenergy to play a significant role in Ireland’s Sustainability Renewable Energy Roadmap”.
Sean Finan here on the right with Des O’Toole (IrBEA President), Teresa O’Brien(Communications Manager)
& Noel Gavigan (IrBEA Executive) at the Press Launch of ‘Our Energy Vision’, a report supported by 8 renewable energy agencies in Ireland
https://www.irbea.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Seán-Finan-PhotoTwitter-e1542110741300.jpg154200demoirbea2015/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/irbea1-300x119.pngdemoirbea20152018-10-01 11:51:512018-11-13 12:09:59New CEO Appointed to IrBEA
IrBEA plan to run a morning tour of biomass processing and heating facilities in Wexford on Wednesday 26 September. It will include visits to industrial and commercial biomass clients. Participants will be taken from Kilmokea Country House in Wexford and brought to 3 sites of interest followed by lunch and one 20-minute seminar with Q&A session. There will also be an opportunity to meet the IrBEA committee and other members.
09:00 Kilmokea Country House – Tea & Coffee – Bus departs at 09.30
09:40 Wexford Tomatoes, Horeswood Nurseries – (2MW load out is approx. 7.5GWh/pa)
Walking tour from Owen Power (Enerpower)
11.00 Clonroche Biomass Supply Facilities – Walking tour from Tom Sheehy (Clearpower)
12.30 Forest Park Leisure Park, Courtown – (0.55MW load out is approx. 1.5GWh/pa)
Walking tour from Owen Power (Enerpower)
02:30 Lunch & Talk at Kilmokea House – Maurice Ryan (Greenbelt) Presenting: Mobilising Biomass Supply from the Forestry Management Perspective
03:30 Finish- Optional complimentary short talk and entry to the organic gardens at Kilmokea House
IrBEA are partners in the RE-DIRECT project and in conjunction with this event IrBEA will have a representative available for discussion or one-to-one meetings about the concept of decentralised production of biochar and activated carbon from biomass residues at this event.
Tour Route
https://www.irbea.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Twitter-e1535479734128.png584614demoirbea2015/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/irbea1-300x119.pngdemoirbea20152018-08-28 19:11:482018-11-13 12:08:13IrBEA Tour of Biomass Process and Heating Facilities
IrBEA reported earlier in the month that Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) published the draft terms and conditions (including eligibility and sustainability criteria) for the Support Scheme Renewable Heat (SSRH). The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten, T.D. has welcomed the publication and commented. The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat is a key measure to increase renewable energy in the heat sector and decrease emissions. The scheme will also create new commercial opportunities for Ireland’s bioenergy and renewable heat industries. The draft Terms & Conditions are designed to ensure that the heat generated under the SSRH will be sustainable, applied for useful purposes and represent value for money for the taxpayer, said Minister Naughten.
The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat will financially support the replacement of fossil fuel heating systems with renewable energy for non-domestic heat users. The scheme will consist of two types of support mechanism – an operational support for biomass and anaerobic digestion (AD) heating systems and an installation grant for heat pumps. IrBEA believes right now that the levels of support for biomass heating and for biogas appear unchanged from those indicated in December 2017. Furthermore, IrBEA understands from conversations with SEAI that SSRH will be available for all commercial applications – with no lower limit and that the budget for the scheme for biomass has been €18 million per annum for 15 years.
Update on SSRH from Energy in Agriculture Event in August
Delegates and Exhibitors did hear an update from Ray Langton (SEAI Programme Manager of SSRH) this week at the Energy in Agriculture event, he confirmed that heat pumps will open for applications next month but they are still waiting for the state aid approval for the biomass side of the scheme and they hoped this will open before the end of the year. Ray talked through the application process which lined-up broadly into two categories, firstly online application procedures followed by inspections. Online Application Guidelines
Online Application Portal
Project Assessment Application Form
Letter of Offer Inspection
Project Installation and Commissioning
Project Inspection and Verification
Payment Stage and Contract
Ongoing Obligation
*************** Eligibility Criteria’s were discussed including eligibility of applicants, eligibility of heat, heat use in building, energy efficiency, heat technology, installation standards and project funding. He said all these criteria’s would be closely assessed in the application process before contracts were offered.
Ray Langton commented that the SSRH scheme is going to help meet 2020 targets and help bridge the gap by increasing the renewable heat target by 3% getting closer to 16% target set by the EU Directive. He hopes that the main beneficiaries are commercial, industry, agriculture, district heating, public sector and agriculture. In a Q&A session he commented that any grandfathering terms (biomass installations already completed) will be determined by State Aid rules and they will only be able to accept applications after the date set by EU regulators.
https://www.irbea.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/image009.jpg200450demoirbea2015/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/irbea1-300x119.pngdemoirbea20152018-08-28 18:54:002018-08-28 18:54:00Update on Support Scheme for Renewable Heat from Energy Agriculture Event
Several hundred farmers attended the annual farm energy open day, where according to journalist Thomas Hubert discussions swung between progress on Government support and continuing hurdles to renewable projects. Farmers and renewable energy professionals showed both eagerness for the imminent launch of support schemes and frustration at delays, the scheme itself has be promised for years and now many farmers are frustrated at the endless wait and planning bureaucracy associated with connection to the national electricity grid. Along with an array of talks and presentations on renewable energy and schemes in the pipeline there was also several impressive demos including a Wind Demo, Solar PV Demo, Wood Mobilisation, and Anaerobic Digestion Demo. Padraic O’Neill, Noel Gavigan and Michael Doran all members of IrBEA management presented at this event and we hope to make all the presentations available shortly.
WFQA Stand Box Media talk to Trish Lawlor on the IrBEA Stand Denis Naughten talks with Owen Power from Enerpower Padraic O’Neill talks at the Biogas Demo
https://www.irbea.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/PanelEA.jpg528756demoirbea2015/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/irbea1-300x119.pngdemoirbea20152018-08-28 18:31:462018-10-02 14:38:25Report from Energy in Agriculture on the 21 August 2018
AEBIOM started representing the interests of the bioenergy sector in Brussels 30 year ago. They have now decided to move to a new identity, establishing more clearly the central role of the organisation in the European marketplace. Discover more in this launch video here and visit Bioenergy Europe’s new website.
https://www.irbea.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/AEBIOM.png397610demoirbea2015/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/irbea1-300x119.pngdemoirbea20152018-08-28 17:52:122018-08-28 18:03:11AEBIOM Becomes Bioenergy Europe
County Wexford Leads the way in Utilising Wood Energy
/in All News /by demoirbea2015PRESS RELEASE: IrBEA Welcomes Statement from Minister Richard Bruton T.D. on the Potential for Renewable Energy
/in All News, Featured, Press Releases /by demoirbea2015PRESS RELEASE
Bioenergy sector offers unlimited potential in addressing climate change challenges – IrBEA
The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) released a press release this week welcoming the statement made on Climate Change by Minister for Communication, Climate Change and Environment Richard Bruton T.D. but are disappointed that it lacks specifics and a focus on the potential for renewable energy in addressing climate change. Climate action is not only a challenge but also a considerable opportunity for Ireland to become a leader in this space. We are in real danger of losing our green image with the lack of action over the past 15 years. Many long term plans and targets have been set for 2008, 2012, 2015, 2020, 2030 and now 2040. IrBEA empowers Minister Bruton to show progress on emissions targets within his own ministerial timeframe.
Read more →
Bioenergy Funding RD&I Breakfast Briefing with Deloitte – 15 November
/in All News, Featured /by demoirbea2015CLICK LINK FOR REGISTRATION
Press Release Representing Renewable Energy Associations of Ireland
/in All News, Featured, Press Releases /by demoirbea2015Eight organisations representing renewable energy in Ireland united today to call on Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten TD to set a target to supply 70 per cent of electricity from renewables by 2030.
In June 2018 the European Union agreed that 32 per cent of the EU’s energy – across electricity, heat and transport – will come from renewables by 2030. Ireland’s share of that target will be negotiated with the EU in the coming months.
A comprehensive report from leading energy and utilities experts Baringa says it is technically possible and cost neutral to the consumer for Ireland to use renewable energy to supply 70 per cent of our electricity by 2030, which would go a long way towards reaching the EU target. A summary of the report can be found here.
It follows confirmation from the Climate Change Advisory Council in July that Ireland will miss its overall 2020 target for renewable energy, warnings from the Environmental Protection Agency highlighting the failure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and comes as the International Panel on Climate Change meets in Korea.
In September the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action began meeting to respond to the calls from the Citizens’ Assembly earlier this year for Ireland to become a leader in tackling climate change.
Currently, approximately 30 per cent of Irish electricity comes from renewables and while Ireland will fall short of its overall 2020 target it is expected to still reach its 40 per cent electricity target.
Speakers: Dr John Fitzgerald (Climate Change Advisory Council), Des O’Toole (IrBEA President),
Marie Donnelly (Former Directorate General for Energy), Michael McCarthy (CEO of ISEA), Dr David Connolly (CEO of IWEA)
Read more →
IrBEA and WDC invite you to a Biochar and Activated Carbon Conference in Mayo on 25th October
/in All News /by demoirbea2015The Irish Bioenergy Association and the Western Development Commission invites you to a Biochar and Activated Carbon Conference in Mayo on the 25th October. This event will build understanding, raise awareness and help showcase the potential for carbon. Visiting partners from the RE-DIRECT project will present on installed technology at two sites in Germany and Wales.
This event is free but you do need to register for the conference. There is also an opportunity to join a Networking Dinner where you will meet with Conference Speakers and RE-DIRECT Partners, the cost is €40.00. Register for both here
For further information contact Stephen at stephenmccormack@wdc.ie
Conference Agenda
New CEO Appointed to IrBEA
/in All News, Featured, Press Releases /by demoirbea2015The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) is delighted to announce that Seán Finan has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Association.
Des O’Toole IrBEA President said “On behalf of IrBEA, I’m delighted to welcome Seán Finan to the Association. I wish him the best of luck and every success in his new role. Sean brings with him a wealth of experience and I believe he will show strong leadership to the organisation at this pivotal juncture as Ireland transitions to renewables away from fossil fuels”
Seán Finan is a Chartered Engineer with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering B.E. (Hons) Degree from National University of Ireland, Galway. He also holds a Certificate in Agriculture and farms part time. He brings a broad range of experience and knowledge to IrBEA having various positions and roles within many community, voluntary, representative and statutory organisations at a local, national and European level over the years.
Prior to joining IrBEA, he has over 12 years engineering and management experience with John Sisk & Son (Holding) Ltd and took a two-year secondment from Sisk between 2015 and 2017 to complete a successful term as the 35th National President of Macra na Feirme – the young farmers’ representative organisation.
IrBEA Tour of Biomass Process and Heating Facilities
/in All News /by demoirbea2015IrBEA plan to run a morning tour of biomass processing and heating facilities in Wexford on Wednesday 26 September. It will include visits to industrial and commercial biomass clients. Participants will be taken from Kilmokea Country House in Wexford and brought to 3 sites of interest followed by lunch and one 20-minute seminar with Q&A session. There will also be an opportunity to meet the IrBEA committee and other members.
Agenda
09:40 Wexford Tomatoes, Horeswood Nurseries – (2MW load out is approx. 7.5GWh/pa)
Walking tour from Owen Power (Enerpower)
11.00 Clonroche Biomass Supply Facilities – Walking tour from Tom Sheehy (Clearpower)
12.30 Forest Park Leisure Park, Courtown – (0.55MW load out is approx. 1.5GWh/pa)
Walking tour from Owen Power (Enerpower)
02:30 Lunch & Talk at Kilmokea House – Maurice Ryan (Greenbelt) Presenting:
Mobilising Biomass Supply from the Forestry Management Perspective
IrBEA are partners in the RE-DIRECT project and in conjunction with this event IrBEA will have a representative available for discussion or one-to-one meetings about the concept of decentralised production of biochar and activated carbon from biomass residues at this event.
Tour Route
Update on Support Scheme for Renewable Heat from Energy Agriculture Event
/in All News, Featured /by demoirbea2015IrBEA reported earlier in the month that Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) published the draft terms and conditions (including eligibility and sustainability criteria) for the Support Scheme Renewable Heat (SSRH). The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten, T.D. has welcomed the publication and commented.
The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat is a key measure to increase renewable energy in the heat sector and decrease emissions. The scheme will also create new commercial opportunities for Ireland’s bioenergy and renewable heat industries. The draft Terms & Conditions are designed to ensure that the heat generated under the SSRH will be sustainable, applied for useful purposes and represent value for money for the taxpayer, said Minister Naughten.
The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat will financially support the replacement of fossil fuel heating systems with renewable energy for non-domestic heat users. The scheme will consist of two types of support mechanism – an operational support for biomass and anaerobic digestion (AD) heating systems and an installation grant for heat pumps. IrBEA believes right now that the levels of support for biomass heating and for biogas appear unchanged from those indicated in December 2017. Furthermore, IrBEA understands from conversations with SEAI that SSRH will be available for all commercial applications – with no lower limit and that the budget for the scheme for biomass has been €18 million per annum for 15 years.
Update on SSRH from Energy in Agriculture Event in August
Delegates and Exhibitors did hear an update from Ray Langton (SEAI Programme Manager of SSRH) this week at the Energy in Agriculture event, he confirmed that heat pumps will open for applications next month but they are still waiting for the state aid approval for the biomass side of the scheme and they hoped this will open before the end of the year. Ray talked through the application process which lined-up broadly into two categories, firstly online application procedures followed by inspections.
Online Application Guidelines
Online Application Portal
Project Assessment Application Form
Letter of Offer
Inspection
Project Installation and Commissioning
Project Inspection and Verification
Payment Stage and Contract
Ongoing Obligation
***************
Eligibility Criteria’s were discussed including eligibility of applicants, eligibility of heat, heat use in building, energy efficiency, heat technology, installation standards and project funding. He said all these criteria’s would be closely assessed in the application process before contracts were offered.
Ray Langton commented that the SSRH scheme is going to help meet 2020 targets and help bridge the gap by increasing the renewable heat target by 3% getting closer to 16% target set by the EU Directive. He hopes that the main beneficiaries are commercial, industry, agriculture, district heating, public sector and agriculture. In a Q&A session he commented that any grandfathering terms (biomass installations already completed) will be determined by State Aid rules and they will only be able to accept applications after the date set by EU regulators.
View Ray Langton’s Presentation from the day here
Report from Energy in Agriculture on the 21 August 2018
/in All News /by demoirbea2015Several hundred farmers attended the annual farm energy open day, where according to journalist Thomas Hubert discussions swung between progress on Government support and continuing hurdles to renewable projects. Farmers and renewable energy professionals showed both eagerness for the imminent launch of support schemes and frustration at delays, the scheme itself has be promised for years and now many farmers are frustrated at the endless wait and planning bureaucracy associated with connection to the national electricity grid. Along with an array of talks and presentations on renewable energy and schemes in the pipeline there was also several impressive demos including a Wind Demo, Solar PV Demo, Wood Mobilisation, and Anaerobic Digestion Demo. Padraic O’Neill, Noel Gavigan and Michael Doran all members of IrBEA management presented at this event and we hope to make all the presentations available shortly.
WFQA Stand Box Media talk to Trish Lawlor on the IrBEA Stand Denis Naughten talks with Owen Power from Enerpower Padraic O’Neill talks at the Biogas Demo
AEBIOM Becomes Bioenergy Europe
/in Featured, Newsletters /by demoirbea2015AEBIOM started representing the interests of the bioenergy sector in Brussels 30 year ago. They have now decided to move to a new identity, establishing more clearly the central role of the organisation in the European marketplace. Discover more in this launch video here and visit Bioenergy Europe’s new website.