Press Release: IrBEA’s report demonstrates the potential of the sector to deliver decarbonised heating solutions using Solid Biomass

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For Immediate Release:

23/12/2024

The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) has launched its Solid Biomass Capacity Statement (SBCS) report. The objective of this report is to demonstrate the potential of the sector to deliver decarbonised heating solutions using solid (woody) biomass to a wide variety of heat users across the residential, commercial and industrial sectors.

Speaking at the launch, Seán Finan, IrBEA CEO said: “Ireland has a huge opportunity to embrace the potential to expand and use solid biomass as a clean, renewable heat solution across all use levels. According to Eurostat figures, Ireland has the lowest level of deployment of renewable heat in the European Union (EU) at 5.2%. This is well below target and sets out the scale of the challenge facing Ireland in order to decarbonise the heating sector and comply with renewable energy and greenhouse gas emission reduction targets”

Finan continued: “This document provides the evidence to commercial and industrial heat users regarding the capacity of the sector to deliver cost-effective decarbonised heating solutions using solid biomass. The current and future availability of solid biomass in Ireland and the supply network that exists to mobilise the resource across Ireland is showcased. Ireland has significant capacity in solid biomass systems design, installation and maintenance, technology availability and industry expertise, knowledge and skills. Sustainability and air quality in the use of solid biomass are addressed as well as the financial models and supports which exist and the potential contractual arrangements available for the sale and supply of renewable heat using solid biomass.”

Solid biomass used for renewable heat is derived from sustainably managed forests, with woodchip and pellet generally used in industrial and commercial heating sectors. The main objective of commercial forestry in Ireland and across Europe is to produce high quality timber for use in the construction sector as low embodied carbon building materials. Production of sawlog sized material involves practices such as thinning and the production of smaller size logs that have a number of markets, including for energy use, once existing board mills and other solid wood uses have been satisfied.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Eugene Hendrick, Chairman of the IrBEA Solid Biomass Group said: “In Ireland, the Council for Forest Research and Development (COFORD) has collated a series of All Ireland roundwood production forecasts over the past decade, and these set out the detailed methodology for calculating the supply of forest-based biomass. The Capacity Statement draws on the data from the forecast, with annual summaries of amounts. The solid biomass resource has the potential to increase from a current level of supply of approximately 9.5 PJ/year to 15-16 PJ/year or approximately 2.4 – 2.5 million green tonnes of biomass per year by the middle of the next decade.”

Hendrick continued “In addition to the solid biomass resource potential outlined, there is potential to sustainably increase Irish biomass production further through the establishment of Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) such as willow and Short Rotation Forestry (SRF) such as poplar and eucalyptus. This can be further supplemented with residual biomass recovery from agricultural management practices. It is estimated that all the additional sources could add to future biomass production by 300,000 to 400,000 tonnes per annum.”

Finan concluded: “The solid biomass capacity statement provides information and market certainty relating to energy users considering deploying biomass fuelled heating systems. The document will provide confidence and certainty to heat users and all stakeholders that the sector has the capacity to deliver and contribute significantly to the decarbonisation of heat and to the achievement of sustainable development now and into the future.”

ENDS.

For Further Information Contact: Seán Finan IrBEA CEO on 087 4146480

Notes to Editors:

Photograph Caption:

Pictured at the recent Wood Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) Scheme AGM held at the Tullamore Court Hotel, Co. Offaly, the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) presented the Solid Biomass Capacity Statement to Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Picture L to R are Stephen Mc Cormack Project Executive IrBEA, Noel Gavigan Technical Executive IrBEA, Senator Pippa Hackett Minister of State, Seán Finan IrBEA CEO and Dr Eugene Hendrick Chairman of IrBEA Solid Biomass Group.

 

Press Release: The Irish Bioenergy Association elects Maurice Ryan of Green Belt as its new president

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For Immediate Release:

16/12/2024

The Irish Bioenergy Association elects Maurice Ryan of Green Belt as its new president

The Council of the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) has elected Maurice Ryan, the business development director at Green Belt as the organisation’s new president. Maurice has served as the association’s vice president and takes over as president from Paddy Phelan, CEO at the Southeast Energy Agency, following his completion of the maximum 5-year term. Paddy will move to the role of company secretary, taking over from Padraic O’Neill who is also stepping down. Ger Crosse, the commercial director at WoodCo Energy takes up the position of IrBEA vice president.

Maurice Ryan, Green Belt and new IrBEA President said: “I am delighted to accept this role, to lead IrBEA and work with the members and wider stakeholder for the betterment, growth and further development of the bioenergy sector in Ireland. With negotiations commenced on a programme for Government, this is a pivotal time for enhanced Government recognition for bioenergy, presenting itself as an opportunity to be embraced. There is also significant potential and role for forestry and timber production as valuable income drivers in rural communities. It is incumbent on the new government to drive the forestry program, to increase the land availability for forestry and woodland development and work towards attaining our climate targets. The solid biomass & wood fuels, biogas & biomethane, biofuel, biochar and energy crop sectors are crucial to help householders and energy users to move away from dependence on fossil fuels to sustainable, locally produced bioenergy sources which will reduce emissions and address energy security while driving rural and economic development.”

Seán Finan, Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) CEO said: “I would like to congratulate Maurice Ryan on his election as IrBEA president, Ger Crosse as vice president and Paddy Phelan as company secretary. I look forward to working with Maurice, Ger and Paddy in their new roles. On behalf of the members and broader bioenergy sector, I would like to acknowledge the immense and significant contribution that Paddy Phelan has made through his work as IrBEA president over the last 5 years. All involved in IrBEA appreciate the time and efforts that Paddy has put into the role and for being a strong advocate for the bioenergy and the broader renewable energy sector. Warmest thanks and appreciation for our outgoing company secretary Padraic O’Neill, whose steady hand, over many years has ensured the smooth, successful operation and running of the association on behalf of members. On behalf of the membership and the executive team, I extend a sincere gratitude for his works and efforts.”

Finan continued: “Some of the key priorities for IrBEA in 2025 include:

  • Continue to service a growing and expanding membership across all the bioenergy sectors through lobbying, advocacy, knowledge transfer, technical support, communications and training as vital services for the membership.
  • Enhanced policy, support and recognition of solid, liquid and gaseous bioenergy in policy and decarbonisation plans at all levels.
  • Advocate for the development of the Irish biogas/biomethane sector and the policy and market conditions necessary to attract investment to drive the implementation of the biomethane strategy.
  • The introduction of the renewable heat obligation  scheme to drive the market for indigenously produced bioenergy
  • Increased enforcement by local authorities and state agencies of the solid fuel regulations to secure the long-term future of the wood fuel sector in Ireland.
  • Growth and development of the indigenous biofuel and biogas/biomethane production sector in both transport and heat through obligation scheme, other policy measures and supports.
  • Lobby for the introduction of robust measures and action by the Irish Government which address the sustainability and traceability issues with non-EU sourced biofuels and feedstocks which are currently impacting significantly on indigenous biogas and biofuel producers.
  • Monitor development in the area of the carbon dioxide removal framework and carbon farming initiative to ensure biochar and bioenergy are recognised through the evolving policy.
  • Work with state agencies, energy users, partners and key stakeholders for the further growth, support and development of solid biomass as a renewable heating solution for domestic, commercial and industrial energy users through the use of sustainable forest management material and specified biomass.
  • Continue to advocate and promote enhanced research and development activities and the importance of collaboration with and between stakeholders.”

ENDS.

For Further Information Contact: Seán Finan IrBEA CEO on 087 4146480

Notes to Editors:

About Maurice Ryan MBA – IrBEA President

Maurice Ryan is the Director of Business Development for Green Belt, Ireland’s largest private forestry management group. Green Belt is your natural environment and forestry management expert. Green Belt provides professional services nationally through a network of foresters. Green Belt can manage your harvest, establishment, replanting and provide a structured plan for your lands and portfolio.

IrBEA welcomes Minister Ryan’s EU intervention on biofuel feedstock sustainability and traceability but must be followed with robust actions and measures

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For Immediate Release:

18/10/2024

The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) welcomes the intervention this week by Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan T.D. at the EU Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council where he called for concerted EU action to examine imported biofuels which would “help address fraud in the sector and provide a level playing pitch for indigenous biofuel supply across all member states.” Swift and robust Irish and EU action is needed immediately which would prevent fraud, verify sustainability, traceability and help indigenous biofuel production In Ireland and across all member states.

Seán Finan, Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) CEO said: “We welcome Minister Ryan’s intervention on the issue of biofuel feedstock sustainability and traceability. His intervention at the EU council was immediately supported by Ministers from Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium. This signifies the broader EU concerns relating to this matter. However, this is only a first step and starting point compared to what is needed. IrBEA calls for Minister Ryan’s intervention to be followed by swift and robust actions at  political, policy and regulatory levels in Ireland, across the EU and globally to tackle the issue.  This is needed to ensure a long term and successful future for the Irish biofuels sector which currently contributes to over 90% of the decarbonisation efforts of the transport sector here.”

Issues of sustainability and traceability within the biofuel’s feedstock supply chain beyond the EU’s borders requires a transnational response. The longer we wait for action to be taken the more this is impacting on the credibility of the broader biofuels sector and the viability & legitimacy of businesses in the sector who operate to the highest standards of sustainability and traceability.

Finan continued: “Imports of biofuel feedstocks into the EU with questionable sustainability credentials must be stopped immediately until a full investigation takes place and their sustainability and traceability status verified. Member states like Ireland and the EU commission itself can no longer ignore the issue which needs to be tackled with immediate measures to monitor and regulate the sector. IrBEA members call for Ireland to immediately act to apply a code for better sourcing of biofuel feedstocks. We cannot afford to wait for Brussels to do this. The future and viability of both Irish and EU indigenous liquid and gaseous biofuel production is at risk for as long as the sustainability and traceability issue associated with some non-EU derived feedstocks exist. Addressing this issue will help ensure a level playing field for the indigenous biofuel industry.”

The efforts to develop an Irish biogas/biomethane industry as set out in the recently published biomethane strategy are under threat if this issue is not tackled. Indigenously produced biogases will not be able to compete in the market with liquid fuels derived from feedstock with questionable traceability and sustainability credentials.

Finan concluded: “The strategic threat to the Irish bioliquid and biomethane sectors and risk posed by non-EU biofuel feedstock sustainability is not recognised, understood and acknowledged by many stakeholders here. Hydro Treated Vegetable Oil (HVO) produced from fully traceable and sustainable feedstock and other liquid and gaseous biofuels have a significant part to play in the Irish transport decarbonisation agenda. However, biofuels produced from unsustainable and untraceable non-EU derived feedstock cannot be allowed to enter the market at the expense of and displace other full regulated, legitimate and traceable liquid and gaseous biofuels. These biofuels include biodiesel (FAME), HVO, biogas/biomethane and ethanol produced to the highest standards of sustainability and traceability.”

ENDS.

For Further Information Contact: Seán Finan IrBEA CEO on 087 4146480

 

Press Release: IrBEA National Bioenergy Conference discusses policy developments and the support and policy requirements for advancement of the sector

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Pictured at the IrBEA 23rd National Bioenergy Conference 2024 at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin are L to R: Tom Egan, Head of Operations, Bord na Móna Renewable Energy, David Kelly, Director of Customer and Business Development, Gas Networks Ireland, Ossian Smyth, Minister of State Department of Public, Expenditure & Reform and Department of Environment, Climate & Communications, Paddy Phelan, CEO, South East Energy Agency & IrBEA President and Seán Finan, IrBEA CEO.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For immediate Release

10/10/2024

IrBEA: Bioenergy delivering globally, Ireland’s opportunity locally.

IrBEA National Bioenergy Conference discusses policy developments and the support and policy requirements for advancement of the sector

The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) 23rd National Bioenergy Conference takes place today (Thursday 10th of October) at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin.

The bioenergy energy sectors of solid biomass, liquid biofuels, biogas/biomethane, wood fuels, energy crops and biochar are growing rapidly across Europe with bioenergy being the largest source of renewable energy at 58.9% (EU Commission). The focus of today’s conference is on the need to action and resource existing Government strategies and the rollout of new and enhanced policies and financial supports to advance the development of the sector.

Speaking at the opening of today’s conference, Paddy Phelan, Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) President and CEO of the South East Energy Agency said: “The gap between our renewable energy targets and actual delivery is widening which shows the significant opportunity to scale up ambition on the deployment of bioenergy across all the sectors. In the last year, we have had several Government roadmaps and strategies published including the Biomethane Strategy and the Roadmap for the Decarbonisation of Industrial Heat. What we urgently need now are the supporting policies including legislation, funding and supports which will make these plans a reality and drive the development of the bioenergy supply chain and sector to deliver on this opportunity.”

Paddy Phelan continued: “The European Commission has expressed significant concerns regarding Ireland’s renewable energy target of 43.5% by 2030. There is a growing apprehension that this target is in serious jeopardy. To avert substantial fines for failing to meet binding EU targets, it is imperative that bioenergy plays a crucial role in achieving these goals. The European Commission emphasises the need for immediate and substantial efforts in the bioenergy sector to ensure compliance and support Ireland’s transition to a sustainable energy future.”

IrBEA welcomes the sponsorship of Gas Networks Ireland for this year’s conference. Gas Networks Ireland, as the gas network operator in Ireland, is a key stakeholder in the mobilisation of the biomethane sector. They are actively engaged in encouraging the development of an indigenous biomethane industry as a way of delivering on its pathway towards achieving net zero, through biomethane and hydrogen in the gas network.

Padraig Fleming, Biomethane Programme Manager at Gas Networks Ireland said: “Gas Networks Ireland is delighted to co-sponsor the IrBEA annual Conference again this year. We have seen big changes since the last year’s conference with the publication of the National Biomethane Strategy. Now the real work begins in implementing the strategy. We hope the whole industry will engage in progressing the implementation of this strategy, not least of which is the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) and the long-awaited operational support for biomethane.” 

IrBEA also acknowledges and thanks Bord na Móna for their sponsorship of the conference. Bord na Móna has plans to further deploy a wide range of renewable energy generation technologies and projects nationwide. Specifically, in bioenergy, they have plans for the development of a biomethane production facility and the use of 100% biomass at Edenderry Power while also exploring the potential and opportunity of bioenergy carbon capture which will be outlined at today’s conference. 

Tom Egan, Head of Operations at Bord na Móna said: “Bord na Móna is continuing to deliver renewable energy generation projects across a range of technologies nationwide and we are delighted to co-sponsor IrBEA’s national bioenergy conference. Today, we are very pleased to present how Edenderry Power in Co. Offaly has completed its transition from Brown to Green. It is fuelled exclusively by 100% biomass, making it the largest generator of renewable dispatchable electricity on the island. Bord na Móna is activating the solid biomass supply chain through the production of renewable electricity, as part of our updated vision for how bioenergy carbon capture can assist in achieving Ireland’s net zero objectives. Bioenergy has huge potential in Ireland and a significant part to play in Ireland’s energy transition to a net zero carbon power system. Bord na Móna is at the forefront of this and driving opportunities locally.”

Bioenergy is uniquely placed in providing a solution to the current challenges which Ireland faces in terms of decarbonisation, emissions reduction and the renewable energy transition.

Seán Finan, Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) CEO said: “This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Association. We thank Gas Networks Ireland and Bord na Móna for their co-sponsors of the 23rd national bioenergy conference, partnership with the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) scheme and the Interreg NWE Cascade project for this conference. Both sponsors are keenly focused on developing and transmitting clean, renewable energy, along with carbon storage and resource recovery solutions. The reality is that we need all renewable technologies and all renewable fuel options to be deployed as part of a broad renewable energy policy in Ireland. The bioenergy sector is growing strongly across the EU and bioenergy remains the largest source of renewable energy at a European and global level. In Ireland, we have the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) for biomass and the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation scheme for liquid and gaseous fuels. For the biomethane/biogas sector, the recently published Biomethane Strategy is a welcome first step, but further policy intervention is required to drive market certainty and the target set out. ”

Seán Finan concluded: ”We are now entering the election cycle and soon to elect a new Dáil. We require the next Government to show real leadership in recognising the bioenergy potential that exists in Ireland. An ongoing operational support for the biogas/biomethane sector to replicate what is available for wind, solar and biomass needs to be prioritised. Promotion of the opportunity to drive and develop an indigenous renewable fuels production market needs stronger focus. The Government needs to work closer with other EU states to tackle sustainability and traceability issues in the liquid fuel sector from non-EU biofuel feedstock sources. They need to recognise the strong potential for solid biomass at all levels for heat decarbonisation and ensure that bioenergy and biochar features strongly as carbon dioxide removal technologies in a future carbon farming framework. All these topics are on our agenda today, where we will further advance the discussion.”

ENDS.

For Further Information Contact: Seán Finan IrBEA CEO on 087 4146480

 

 

Press Release: IrBEA welcomes the biomethane strategy publication but further market certainty is required to attract investment

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Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) Press Release
For Immediate Release
29th May 2024
 
IrBEA welcomes the biomethane strategy publication but further market certainty is required to attract investment.
 
The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) as the representative voice of the Irish bioenergy industry and biogas/biomethane sectors welcomes the publication of the biomethane strategy but strongly highlights that further market certainty is required from the Government to provide the necessary conditions to attract investment and ensure the long-term viability and financial sustainability of the biomethane sector.  
 
Seán Finan, IrBEA CEO said “The publication of the biomethane strategy is another step forward in the development of the industry in Ireland. The initial feedback from members on the strategy is that further market certainty will be required to attract investment and to make projects fundable and viable. While capital grants and the renewable heat obligation (RHO) are outlined as mechanisms to stimulate a market for biomethane, further details and long-term certainty will be required on these measures to encourage investment.”
 
Finan continued “IrBEA members in their response to the initial consultation on the draft strategy indicated their concerns regarding capital grants driving up development costs and favoured an ongoing operational support mechanism.  It’s disappointing this has not been considered, explored or referenced in the strategy. Ongoing operational support has been the funding mechanism of choice used in many developing and established European biomethane markets including Denmark which is broadly lauded as a best practice example. Given the cost of feedstock and ongoing feeding requirements of a biomethane system, the fundamental question of AD plant economic viability exists. A capital grant alone or with an obligation will not eliminate this viability challenge.”
 
The strategy commits to the introduction of a renewable heat obligation (RHO) in the heat sector in 2024 which will incentivise suppliers of fossil fuels used for heat, to ensure a proportion of the energy they supply is renewable. Until the details of this obligation are finalised it is not possible to determine if it will constitute an adequate market stimulant.
 
Finan commented “We welcome the commitment to introduce the RHO. The RHO introduction has been talked about for years. Why the delay? Why are the main design components not included in the biomethane strategy to give the market confidence that it can deliver. The obligation threshold level, the percentage obligation by 2030, the types of renewable fuels allowed to fulfil the obligation and the buyout rate are all critical components which require particular attention in the design for a successful obligation scheme to deliver. The industry awaits these details to give the certainty that it will deliver as envisaged”.
 
The biomethane strategy correctly identifies that one of the by-products of anaerobic digestion is digestate, which can serve as an alternative to chemical fertilisers, thus reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers in agriculture.
 
Finan commented “Digestate presents a considerable opportunity for Ireland. However, the strategy fails to acknowledge in either the text or actions to deliver, the regulatory challenge posed by the Nitrates Directive and the 170kg/N/Hectare limit in replacing inorganic chemical fertiliser with organic digestate despite this issue being flagged in our consultation response on behalf of members.”
 
Other IrBEA feedback on the biomethane strategy includes:
 

  • The strategy does not identify the strategic risks associated with imported fuels including biomethane (fuel or certificates) or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO)  and its traceability, as a cheaper drop in fuel, on the development of the Irish biomethane industry.
  • Minister Ryan’s statement in his foreword suggests a considerable reduction in gas usage by the mid-2030s, “as we shift our economy away from gas in favour of electrification”. The substantial reduction in dependence is unrealistic given the dependence of the energy system on gas and the need to balance growing intermittent electricity generation by wind and solar with dispatchable generation. Domestic and industrial heating will, through inertia, not deliver the considerable gas dependence reduction suggested with current policy.
  • IrBEA welcomes the strategies recognition that different sizes and scales of AD plant will be required in Ireland to deliver the target including a mix of Scenario 1 ‘Widespread Deployment’ (farm scale) and Scenario 3 ‘Economic Deployment’ (large scale).
  • IrBEA welcomes the recognition of existing Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plants currently operating to produce biogas and that they will be eligible for capital support to upgrade their facilities to produce biomethane and other biobased products, along with new AD plants.
  • IrBEA welcomes the opportunity and potential for biogas transported directly to users and that the Biomethane Implementation Group, GNI and SEAI will determine the best method for certifying this biomethane that is directly transported to end users from biomethane developments.
  • IrBEA states that the Biomethane Sustainability Charter must be developed by active and meaningful engagement through meetings and structured dialogue with the industry and not just an online consultation without engagement.
  • IrBEA is concerned that the industry or their representatives are not recognised as a stakeholder in any of the measures for delivering the National Biomethane Strategy. How will industry feed into the implementation group, the biomethane charter or any of the other actions? How will the Biomethane Implementation Group interact with industry (plant operators and developers) and IrBEA as their representative body?

Finan concluded “The strategy is another step toward the mobilisation of the biomethane industry. We must move quickly towards implementation to deliver on the ambition and targets set out by the Government.”

ENDS.
For further information contact Seán Finan  at seanfinan@irbea.org or 0874146480

Notes to editors
IrBEA Webinar No 45 on the biomethane strategy
The Irish Bioenergy Association will hold webinar No 45 as part of the bioenergy webinar series on Wednesday the 5th of June 2024 at 9:30am. The title of this webinar will be “The Biomethane Strategy – Industry insights, feedback and analysis”
At this webinar, the main elements within the strategy will be outlined and an expert panel will share their industry insights, feedback and analysis on the strategy. The webinar will be hosted by Seán Finan IrBEA CEO who will be joined by a panel of industry experts. Speakers details will be confirmed in the coming days. 
Register for the webinar:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bRYrJyfLQ5GK87MsDxfGCg

Press Release: Ireland must immediately activate Bioenergy’s essential role in emissions reduction and achieving renewable energy targets

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Pictured here: L to R Padraig Fleming, Biomethane Programme Manager at Gas Networks Ireland (GNI), Shannon Oldfield, Events Manager, Gas Network Ireland, Seán Finan, IrBEA CEO, Minister Eamon Ryan T.D., Leader of the Green Party and Minister for Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Paddy Phelan, IrBEA President & CEO Southeast Energy Agency, Brendan Kelly, Head of Commercial at Bord na Móna Renewable Energy.

IrBEA’s 22nd National Bioenergy Conference took place last week (Thursday 12th of October) at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin.

Bioenergy is the largest source of renewable energy globally. Today’s national bioenergy conference is focusing on the need to accelerate the uptake of bioenergy’s recognition in both policy and technology deployment in Ireland.  Solid biomass, biogas/biomethane, liquid biofuels and biochar all have a significant role to play in a broader mix of technology and fuelling options to reduce emissions and promote a transition to renewable energy.

Paddy Phelan, Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) President and CEO of the Southeast Energy Agency said: “We need all renewable technologies and renewable fuels to be deployed as part of a broad renewable energy policy in Ireland. The conference title ‘Bioenergy’s essential role in emissions reduction and the energy transition’ is very appropriate in the current environment of a climate crisis and worries about energy security. IrBEA members have the technologies and fuelling solutions which will address all those concerns.”

Phelan continued “Our pursuit of renewable energy, specifically bioenergy, stands at a crossroads in Ireland. We must address policy gaps and foster wider adoption to ensure that all sectors can participate in carbon neutrality, Environmental, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) excellence, and insulation from energy price volatility. Together, we can overcome challenges and seize the opportunities presented by bioenergy to create a greener, more sustainable, and resilient Ireland for future generations.”

Bord na Móna and Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) are the co- sponsors of the 22nd national bioenergy conference. Bord na Móna has plans to deploy a wide range of renewable energy generation. Specifically in bioenergy this includes 100% biomass use at Edenderry Power limited and the development of biomethane production capacity. Gas Networks Ireland is actively engaged in encouraging the development of an indigenous biomethane industry here.

From 2024 onwards, Bord na Móna’s Edenderry Power Plant will operate off 100% biomass. This shows the potential of bioenergy and how it can help Ireland transition from fossil fuels to low carbon, renewable energy generation. By 2024, Bord na Móna’s Edenderry Power Plant will be supplying 100% renewable electricity to the national grid. As a dispatchable plant, this will help support the national grid when the wind doesn’t blow or the sun doesn’t shine. It will also stabilise the national grid and enable more MW of intermittent renewable energy (such as wind and solar) to be brought onto the system to help Ireland achieve its Climate goals. Upwards of 80% of the Biomass material used at Bord na Móna’s Edenderry Power Plant is supplied by Irish suppliers. The company’s focus is on maximizing indigenous biomass supplies in the coming years. Bord na Móna only sources sustainable biomass meeting the strict criteria outlined in the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive. Bord na Móna’s biomass requirement provides a significant socio-economic benefit to rural Irish communities.

Brendan Kelly, Commercial Manager, Bord na Móna Renewable Energy said: “Bord na Móna is delighted to co-sponsor the 2023 IrBEA National Bioenergy Conference which highlights the critical role Bioenergy is playing and will continue to play in Ireland’s drive towards Net Zero. Leveraging biomass as a carbon-neutral energy source through its Edenderry Power Plant forms an important part of Bord na Móna’s climate solutions offering.  Edenderry Power Plant will operate off 100% biomass from January 2024, assisting Ireland meet its vital climate action targets. We welcome the ambition of IrBEA and the wider industry in looking to play an even bigger role in helping Ireland reach its Climate Action Plan targets.”

A Biomethane Energy Report has been compiled and published by Gas Networks Ireland based upon Request for Information (RFI) responses and outlines the development of the gas network to prepare for increased biomethane connections and injection.

Key facts and figures from the Gas Networks Ireland Biomethane Energy Report:

  • 176 prospective producer responses received
  • in volume terms, responses total to 14.8 TWh annual production
  • Median plant production capacity is 40 GWh per annum
  • Median distance from producers to the gas network is 5km
  • Emissions reductions from 14.8 TWh of biomethane of 3.94 Mt CO2 eq per annum by 2030

Padraig Fleming, Biomethane Programme Manager at Gas Networks Ireland said “Gas Networks Ireland is delighted to co-sponsor the 2023 IrBEA National Bioenergy Conference. The RFI response in terms of production volumes is more than two and a half times that of Ireland’s stated ambition of 5.7 TWh of biomethane production by 2030.  Responses, both in number and volume terms, serve to underline the robustness of the Government’s 2030 biomethane ambition. Furthermore, analysis of current domestic consumption of natural gas relative to the estimates for the national biomethane production potential in 2030 from the RFI indicates that 26% of total gas demand could be met by biomethane.”

Fleming continued “Biomethane is one of the renewable gases of the future and is available today to decarbonise the energy system.  Ireland has a real opportunity to develop a biomethane industry at scale, which will offer numerous benefits for our agricultural industry, the decarbonisation of our economy and the development of a key indigenous energy resource in the coming years.”

Seán Finan, Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) CEO concluded: “IrBEA is active in the promotion and deployment of solid, liquid or gaseous bioenergy. Today, we explore the many aspects associated with our industry including its potential and opportunity as well as hearing from experts in the emerging carbon removals sector. IrBEA members are keenly focused on developing and delivering clean, renewable enRergy, along with carbon storage and resource recovery solutions.”

Picture Caption: L to R Padraig Fleming, Biomethane Programme Manager at Gas Networks Ireland (GNI), Shannon Oldfield, Events Manager, Gas Network Ireland, Seán Finan, IrBEA CEO, Minister Eamon Ryan T.D., Leader of the Green Party and Minister for Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Paddy Phelan, IrBEA President & CEO Southeast Energy Agency, Brendan Kelly, Head of Commercial at Bord na Móna Renewable Energy.

Press Release: Bioenergy’s essential role in emissions reduction and the energy transition

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For Immediate Release:

09/10/2023

Bioenergy’s essential role in emissions reduction and the energy transition

IrBEA announces details of upcoming National Bioenergy Conference

The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) 22nd National Bioenergy Conference will take place on Thursday 12th of October at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin.

Bioenergy is uniquely placed in providing a solution to the current challenges which Ireland faces in terms of emissions reduction and the energy transition. IrBEA looks forward to welcoming a wide and diverse range of stakeholders to this flagship event. At this year’s conference, the focus will be on the need to accelerate the uptake of bioenergy’s recognition in both policy and technology deployment in Ireland.

Seán Finan, Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) CEO said: “We need all renewable technologies and renewable fuels to be deployed as part of a broad renewable energy policy in Ireland. The conference title ‘Bioenergy’s essential role in emissions reduction and the energy transition’ is very appropriate in the current environment of a climate crisis and worries about energy security. IrBEA members have the technologies and fuelling solutions which will address all of those concerns.”

Bord na Móna and Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) are the co- sponsors of the 22nd national bioenergy conference. Bord na Móna has plans to deploy a wide range of renewable energy generation. Specifically in bioenergy this includes 100% biomass use at Edenderry Power limited and the development of biomethane production capacity. Gas Networks Ireland is actively engaged in encouraging the development of an indigenous biomethane industry here.

Finan continued: “We are very pleased that both Bord na Móna and Gas Networks Ireland have agreed to co-sponsor the conference. Both companies are keenly focused on developing and delivering clean, renewable energy, along with carbon storage and resource recovery solutions.”

Some of the highlights at the national bioenergy conference will include:

  • Insight to the hotel’s biomass heating system
  • The role of bioenergy in Ireland’s renewable heat, transport and agricultural policy
  • Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) delivery so far and future plans
  • Indigenous Irish biofuel production – delivering a circular economy approach
  • Update on Gas Network Ireland’s biomethane energy report
  • Mobilising the solid biomass supply chain
  • Bord na Móna’s Edenderry plant – Powering ahead with bioenergy
  • Opportunity for bioenergy and perspective from the Climate Change Advisory Council
  • Conversations with leading industry pioneers
  • An international perspective on the emerging biochar and carbon dioxide removal industry
  • Implementing the Irish biomethane strategy and market development opportunities for biomethane
  • Latest updates from Europe and the UK on biomass and biogas/biomethane developments

Finan concluded:  “All those involved in this year’s conference are active in the promotion and deployment of solid, liquid or gaseous bioenergy. We look forward to welcoming a broad range of delegates to Dún Laoghaire for intensive engagement on many aspects associated with our industry including its potential and opportunity as well as hearing from experts in the emerging carbon removals sector.”

ENDS.

Press Release: Biomethane strategy must include medium- to long-term market supports. – IrBEA

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For immediate release

9 May 2023

The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) highlights that it is essential that there be meaningful engagement with key stakeholders and anaerobic digestion (AD) facility operators in the development of the Government’s promised biomethane strategy.

CEO of IrBEA, Mr Seán Finan, on behalf of its members is also emphasising that:

“The promised biomethane strategy must include medium- to long-term market supports, similar to what has been demonstrated to work in other renewable energy sectors in Ireland and across Europe.”

 

Last week, IrBEA highlighted to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Oireachtas Agriculture Committee) that the promised biomethane strategy needs to:

  • “be developed in association with key stakeholders and AD facility operators who understand the cost of production and economic models to develop these facilities.
  • contain details of what medium- to long-term supports, incentives and measures are going to mobilise the Government target by 2030. The gap between cost of production and the market return has closed in recent times with the increased fossil energy prices, but still exists. This cost-gap must be bridged through long-term policy, support, incentives, and measures.
  • the support introduced needs to be adequate to give market certainty and ensure that it is enough to be able to develop, operate and maintain facilities and pay for feedstocks over the long-term.
  • recognise that a fair return is required along the supply chain for all stakeholders, from the farmer growing grass silage as a feedstock to the operator who is running the plant and all those involved in between.
  • deliver the Government target on a phased basis where lessons can be learned with all phases and amendments made as required; and
  • ensure that the biomethane sector is complementary to our agricultural and farming systems rather than compete with them.”

A range of invited speakers at the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee, including from IrBEA, and its members Biocore Environmental and Gas Networks Ireland, pointed out that there is both an energy opportunity and a nutrient recovery or transition opportunity, diversifying from imported chemical farm fertiliser produced from fossil gas, for Ireland in developing a biogas/biomethane sector.

In reflecting on the Oireachtas Committee meeting and looking ahead to IrBEA’s biogas/biomethane webinar this week, Pádraic Ó hUiginn, Project Executive at IrBEA said:

“Digestate from a biogas/biomethane industry is a circular economy, bioeconomy, and environmental opportunity, in terms of potentially enabling a transition from imported chemical fertilisers, and land-spreading of slurry, to this locally-recovered and more nutrient-available fertiliser. It offers a better pathway for fertilising farm-land, reducing the potential impact of run-off, as well as the broader energy and environmental benefits. AD offers more than just sustainable and renewable energy. However, it will require policy and regulatory understanding and support to enable it to happen.”

This week, IrBEA maintains a spotlight on the biogas/biomethane sector, with one of its Wednesday webinars, on a new report produced by bioeconomy consultants NNFCC on current deployment of AD in Ireland.

“We look forward to tomorrow’s webinar: ‘NNFCC’s 2023 Irish anaerobic digestion report explores current deployment ahead of expected biogas and biomethane market growth’, with guest presenter Andrea Muñoz García. NNFCC has worked with Irish project partners for over a decade, particularly in supporting innovation and business development for anaerobic digestion technologies for biogas, biomethane and digestate, through EU-funded projects like Bio Base NWE and BioBase4SME. I have been fortunate to have been part of international teams with NNFCC on those projects. It’s important in a post-Brexit environment that the biogas/biomethane sector can continue to find ways to work alongside UK-based organisations such as NNFCC, including in an island of Ireland context,” commented Mr Pádraic Ó hUiginn, Project Executive at IrBEA.

To register for tomorrow’s IrBEA webinar (Wednesday, 10th of May, at 09.30am), please access this link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lXXtREopQzSaTBmjTPgvjQ#/registration

A recording of the webinar will be available on the IrBEA website www.irbea.org subsequently.

ENDS

For further information contact: Seán Finan IrBEA CEO on 087 4146480

 

Access the recording of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine here: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/committees/33/agriculture-food-and-the-marine/videos/

 

PRESS RELEASE: IrBEA launches National Biochar and Carbon Products conference

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For immediate release

The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) is delighted to launch its upcoming National Biochar and Carbon Products conference, which will take place on Wednesday 3rd of May in the Landmark Hotel , Carrick-On-Shannon, Co Leitrim. IrBEA, as the national representative body for the biochar and carbon products sector, seeks to raise the profile of these sectors here in Ireland. Biochar is a stable form of charcoal, produced from a wide variety of biomass streams using pyrolysis (heating without oxygen) technology. It is increasingly recognised for the important role it can play in environmental or agricultural applications.

IrBEA project executive Stephen McCormack, said: “ we look forward to welcoming delegates to this conference and we are delighted that Leitrim County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Ita Reynolds Flynn could  join us for the launch photograph. This event will bring together farmers,  foresters, biochar producers, users and practitioners from around Ireland and Europe to discuss the potential of biochar and the development of carbon products and their role in a modern world.”

Speakers at the conference will be covering the topics of carbon farming and the potential for biochar, use of biochar within construction materials, biochar’s role within water quality ,its role within our farming community and the benefit it can have a soil or slurry amendment,  and also its role as a growing media within the horticultural sector. The event  will be sponsored by Arigna Fuels and Celignis Analytical , two key players within the sector in Ireland.

Brendan Layden, Managing Director of Arigna Fuels said: “Arigna Fuels produce both high quality biochar and Harvest Flame, a 100% renewable biomass product aimed at the home heating market. We are delighted to sponsor this National Biochar and Carbon products conference, here in the North West- as early innovators in the sector , it is great to see the interest around this grow and we look forward to welcoming attendees on the day.”

Danial Hayes , of Celignis Analytical  said “We here at Celignis have seen the emergence of this sector grow over the past few years, leading to us developing a suite of testing packages capable of serving the needs of Irish companies. By providing access to quality data and analysis as well as research, we hope to support the sector as it develops further.

Biochar and renewable carbon based products have seen a surge in growth globally in the last decade. But many people are still unaware of exactly what it is, the role it can play in carbon sequestration, how it is being used for environmental or agricultural applications or even its role in adding value to residual biomass or for the provision of bioenergy. IrBEA have been involved in a series of Interreg NWE funded projects (THREE C- Creating the circular carbon economy) exploring these topics and it is through this work we hope to continue to raise awareness and shine a light on the many potential benefits this emerging sector can offer.

Seán Finan, CEO of IrBEA concluded” We look forward to welcoming our European colleagues to Ireland , who we have worked closely with over a number of years through our involvement in the EU funded Interreg NWE programme. The conference delegates will hear from a European political perspective, with  Midlands North West Colm Markey MEP providing an insight into the current policy discussions in the European Parliament on carbon farming and the potential opportunity for Irish farmers and business.”

Further information regarding the conference please visit  www.irbea.org

Ends

PRESS RELEASE: IrBEA welcomes provision for Irish-produced biofuels in newly signed transport regulations.

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For Immediate Release:

The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) welcomes the inclusion of additional renewable certificates for biodiesel produced from category one tallow in the renewable transport fuel regulations 2023. Initially,  the Department of Transport’s draft regulation gave an enhanced multiplier to Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) over Irish-produced biodiesel. This had the potential to wipe out indigenous biofuel production in favour of imported HVO. If implemented, this would have been detrimental to Irish biofuels producers, placing them at a distinct disadvantage over imported biofuels. It would also have had significant adverse impacts on the rendering and animal processing sectors, who depend on biodiesel production as a circular economy outlet for their tallows and fats.

IrBEA CEO Seán Finan said “We are happy that the direct interventions of IrBEA, with and on behalf of our members, has resulted in the inclusion of biodiesel produced from category one tallow in the newly signed transport regulations. Direct jobs in the biofuel businesses impacted and indirect jobs in the broader supply chain were in jeopardy if the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan T.D. had not included biodiesel produced from category one tallow in the regulation.”

Finan continued “Irish biodiesel producers use animal fats (tallow) from the meat processing sector and used cooking oil (UCO) to produce biodiesel. This sustainable biofuel production and its viability was threatened if HVO received the additional renewable energy certificate and Irish produced biodiesel did not. We would like to acknowledge and thank Minister Ryan and his officials for listening to our concerns and including indigenous biodiesel production from category one tallow in the newly signed regulations.”

The National Oil Reserves Agency Act (additional certificates for renewable transport fuel) Regulation 2023 also contains provision for additional renewable fuel certificates for biomethane and mandates the inclusion of a minimum percentage volume of ethanol in petrol.

Finan concluded “For many years, IrBEA with our members, have campaigned for an increased ethanol blending mandate in petrol (E10). The introduction of E10 will result in an immediate reduction in transport carbon emissions. This cumulative emissions reduction per year is equivalent to taking tens of thousands of cars off the road. The additional certificates for biomethane are another step forward for the deployment of biomethane in the transport sector and the development of a mainstream Irish biomethane sector. We strongly encourage the Government to actively promote the development of the indigenous biofuels production sector and recognise it sufficiently in policy. Indigenous biofuel production is the sleeping giant of transport decarbonisation while simultaneously boosting Irish industry”.

ENDS

For Further Information Contact: Seán Finan IrBEA CEO on 087 4146480