News

Information on the Gas Innovation Fund – Gas Networks Ireland

20th February 2016/in All News, Biogas & Anaerobic Digestion /by demoirbea2015

At the end of 2015 IrBEA and Cré jointly wrote to GNI requesting answers to the following questions about the Gas Innovation Fund.
– How can our members apply to this fund?
– What are the fund’s’ scope, terms and conditions?
– What projects have been supported to date?
– How much funding has been approved?
– What is the application process?
– What criteria determine success or failure?
– What provisions are in place to ensure fund transparency in the future?
This week we received the following response from GNI:
Gas Networks Ireland welcome your interest in the Gas Innovation Group. In order to obtain the answers to your questions below – please find the Gas Innovation Group section on our website. The application forms and evaluation criteria are outlined on the site and there is detail also in the application forms themselves. We would welcome applications from you and your members.

North’s RHI closure on 29th February confirmed

20th February 2016/in All News, BENI /by demoirbea2015

Last week we reported Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) Minister Jonathan Bell had announced the domestic and non domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) schemes in Northern Ireland will close on the 29th February. The NI Assembly duly approved the closure earlier this week, see Notice of Suspension. Responding to the move, John Martin, Chairman of Biomass Energy Northern Ireland (BENI) issued a press release and called for “urgent talks between the NI Government and the heat sector to plan an appropriate way forward”. The Belfast Telegraph reported this. In a further step this week, John Martin wrote to Minister Bell (cc’d to UK Minister for Energy and Climate Change Amber Rudd and to Patsy McGlone, MLA Chairperson, Committee of Enterprise, Trade and Investment) requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the implications of the suspension and to consider an appropriate policy framework going forward to 2020 and beyond. See letter.

IEA Bioenergy report on small scale AD

13th February 2016/in Biogas & Anaerobic Digestion /by demoirbea2015

This report explores the viability of small scale anaerobic digestion for livestock farming where there is a need to deal with animal manure and slurry in a manner that minimises the emission of greenhouse gases. The report is aimed at energy policy and decision makers as well as operators. IEA Bioenergy, also known as the Implementing Agreement for a Programme of Research, Development and Demonstration on Bioenergy, functions within a Framework created by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Download here

The Sustainable Energy RD&D call

13th February 2016/in All News /by demoirbea2015

SEAI has announced the first of two calls for proposals for the Sustainable Energy RD&D Programme. With a total fund of €1m, the programme aims to improve the coherence of Irish energy research and development, building a cleaner and more secure energy future, while enhancing the country’s knowledge economy. The deadline for the first call is 1st April. A second call is due to open on 1st May. See guidelines and application form here

North’s RHI to close on 29th February

13th February 2016/in BENI /by demoirbea2015

Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI)Minister Jonathan Bell has announced the domestic and non domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) schemes in Northern Ireland will close on the 29th February. The move is a severe blow to the renewable heat sector in the North, to jobs, and will also impact negatively on fuel and equipment suppliers into that market from the Republic. The decision comes following a surge in applications in the run up to the recent scheme changes introduced in November 2015. Responding to the move, John Martin, Chairman of Biomass Energy Northern Ireland (BENI), said the association is “extremely disappointed that DETI has not managed the policy and applications in such a way that would provide longer term certainty to investors and developers in the market”. BENI has called for “urgent talks between the NI Government and the heat sector to plan an appropriate way forward”. See DETI press releases one (initial announcement) & two (details of date), and BENI press release in response.