1.
BIOENERGY NEWS
2008

2.
C O N T E N T S
P A G E
1-2 Biofuels - challenges and the future
The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
3 A roadmap for sustainable bioenergy supply in Ireland
Pearse Buckley – Sustainable Energy Ireland
4-5 Hardwood fuel from our new forests
Tom Kent,Waterford Institute of Technology
Séamus Dunne, Forest Service, Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food
6-8 Incorporating low energy design into our schools
John Dolan, Energy Programme Co-ordinator and Senior Engineer,
Department of Education and Science
9 Balcas delivers brites on time throughout Ireland
Richard Smith, Brites Business Manager, Balcas
10-11 Bio-CNG: transport fuel for the future?
Dr Jerry D Murphy,University College Cork
12-13 Large scale biomass projects by Powertech
Francis Martin, Powertech
14-15 Biofuels roadmap for Europe – The REFUEL project
Marc Londo, ECN,The Netherlands
16-17 IFA’s plan to access farm forestry energy potential
Geraldine O’Sullivan, IFA Farm Forestry Development Office
18 €6 million investment by D Pellet Limited for new wood pellet plant in Kilkenny
Larry Doyle, D Pellet Ltd
19-20 Providing green energy: the role of the common agricultural policy
Andreas Pilzecker, European Commission Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development,
F6 Bioenergy, Biomass, Climate Change & Forestry
21-22 Growning of Hemp in Ireland (Cannabis Sativa)
Barry Caslin, Bioenergy Specialist,Teagasc
23-24 IrBEA – developing the bioenergy industry in Ireland
Vicky Heslop, President IrBEA
25 SEI REIO Resources
26 Recommended events
* front cover shot: cereal fields

3.
BIOENERGY NEWS
2008
Biofuels – challenges and the future
The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
Introduction of their production, use and impact. the surge in commodities prices would
There have been mounting concerns Biofuels have a role, and it is an have happened even without biofuels,
expressed about the consequences of important one. noting that “a sharp drop in supply
increased global demand for feedstocks mainly due to adverse weather condi-
for biofuels, some rational, others less so. Increasing global food prices and tions in top producing countries such as
Given that the draft Renewable Energy concerns about possible food security Australia, tight stocks worldwide and
Directive, published in January 2008, sets issues, particularly in the developing higher demand for food in developing
a mandatory target of 10% inclusion of world, have led to a series of calls for countries were playing the biggest role
biofuels in road transport fuels by 2020, reviews of biofuels policies. These in the rally”and that“the supply shortfall
it is important to examine the role bio- concerns appear to have been brought in the main grain producing countries --
fuels can play in combating climate to a head by reports from the various UN the United States, Canada, Australia and
change and helping us deal with Development and Food Agencies as to the European Union -- had been of 60
increasing energy prices, and the impact an impending supply shortage, and the million tons, four times as large as the
they have had on communities and social, human, and economic effects it increase in demand (for biofuels) ” .
commerce. would have in developing countries.
It is also clear, from a series of other re-
Crucially, biofuels are not a ‘silver bullet’ It is important to note that while these ports, that the manner in which biofuels
solution to either greenhouse gas conditions have been partly caused by are produced is crucial in determining
emissions or fuel security. In their first the increasing use of crops as feedstock their sustainability. Some production
generation guise (where the main for energy production, there are a pathways result in negligible (or even
feedstocks are commodities that can number of other factors at work that negative) energy gains (and thus GHG
also be used as food, along with waste have been instrumental also. Drought in savings).The growth in demand has also
products), there are clear limits to their major grain producing regions such as led to the destruction of important
production and use. Yield of finished Australia has had serious impacts on habitats (and carbon sinks) and to the
fuels per hectare are often low; it would global output of cereals. Moreover, displacement of indigenous communi-
be extremely difficult for the EU to meet increasing demand for food, not least ties in some parts of the world. If the
its proposed 10% target by 2020 from due to the developing purchasing developed world is to make use of these
existing tillage land using extant tech- power of large numbers of consumers in fuels, it is crucial that we do so in a
nologies. The amount of energy gained Asia and a resulting demand for‘western’ way that is environmentally sound,
from the fuels can vary widely, with foods, such as white bread and beef has commercially viable and not harmful to
some producing very little savings at all. also played a role. Equally, measures human rights or welfare.
And perhaps most importantly, taken by some governments to reduce
increased demand for the feedstocks exports have also had an impact on Measures to date
have been blamed for encouraging global inventories and prices. The Programme for Government
deforestation, increased food prices and underlines our commitment to the
for displacing people from their land. Analysis carried out for the EU sustainable development of an Irish
However, these fuels do offer a clear Commission in the preparation of the biofuels market. The biofuels Mineral Oil
opportunity in terms of ensuring greater draft Renewable Energy Directive Tax Relief (MOTR) schemes have resulted
security of supply and of reducing GHG suggests that the cumulative impact of a in biofuels already being mainstreamed
emissions from transport. Given the fact 10% biofuels target for EU member in blends of up to 5% at a number of
that the transport sector has proven to states would be a 3%-6% rise in cereal existing petrol and diesel pumps with
be one of the most globally intractable prices, with (for example) the price of oil higher blends being sold to identified
in terms of emissions reduction, this seed rape rising by approximately 8%. vehicle fleets (both bioethanol and
is particularly important. Moreover, On the other hand, prices of animal feed biodiesel).
increased demand for agricultural will fall due to the increased availability
commodities, if managed sensibly, has of co-products. Projects granted relief under the MOTR
the potential to return economic include operations producing fuels from
viability to rural communities around There is also significant evidence that a number of waste to energy streams
the world. Therefore, while there are those other factors listed above have (including animal and milk by- products
limits to their use and some difficulties played a much more important role than and recovered vegetable oil) along with
associated with their production, it is increased demands for biofuels in the more conventional cereals based
critical that we rely on a rational analysis recent past. The OECD have stated that projects. Ireland will also be introducing
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4.
a biofuels obligation in 2009 which will remain untouched for biofuels light of the emerging concerns in
require all fuel suppliers to ensure that production. relation to sustainability, will be fully
biofuels represent a certain percentage factored in and will be publicly debated.
of their annual fuel sales. The Slovenian Presidency has set up an Specific details of the obligation will be
ad hoc group to coordinate a position developed as part of the consultation
One of the objectives of the biofuels on the sustainability criteria for biofuels. process. The recent introduction by the
obligation is to enable Ireland to move DCENR take an active role in the work of UK of a biofuels obligation will also be
progressively towards meeting EU this group in close consultation with the closely monitored by us for lessons to be
targets for biofuels penetration in a cost- Department of Environment, Heritage learned.
effective way while taking full account of and Local Government and the
environmental sustainability in line with Department of Agriculture. Our
EU developments. Ireland is currently objective is to ensure that the
working to deliver the target of 5.75% conclusions reached by this group will
penetration of biofuels by 2010. The EU strike a careful balance to ensure the
Commission’s new Renewable Energy optimum outcome in terms of reducing
Directive proposes a minimum GHG emissions in transport, providing
mandatory target for all member states real opportunities for developing
of 10% market penetration of biofuels in countries based on robust sustainability
transport by 2020. The directive is criteria and at the same time minimising
currently under discussion with a view risks in terms of food production and
to Council Agreement by end 2008. The increasing our security of fuel supplies.
The future
Government is committed to existing First generation biofuels, or biofuels
targets, but they must be set in the As things stand currently, the feedstocks made from food crops, offer real
context of a framework for robust used for biofuels production by Member opportunities, but can have significant
sustainability criteria in relation to states are generally sourced on the open limitations, not least in terms of the
production and deployment. The internationally traded commodities volumes that can be produced from
Commission has proposed such a market with little or no information farmland.The solution to this problem is
framework in the new Renewable about their origins. It is only by setting to use crops that are higher yielding, and
Energy Directive. stringent sustainability criteria that which can be grown on land less
member states will be able to verify the suitable for producing food crops.
Sustainability criteria source of these fuels, and mitigate the Unfortunately, processing these
In establishing these targets, the cumulative effect of unsustainable cellulosic feedstocks has proven to be
Commission recognises that while practices. The Government fully very difficult, and commercially viable
biofuels could offer opportunities for supports the Commission’s work to second generation biofuels are still
developing countries, sustainability in ensure that member states agree a generally reckoned to be five years away.
the production and use of biofuels rigorous sustainability framework under There has been very considerable global
would be critical. In setting out a the new directive. Monitoring, investment in research in this area, not
mandatory target of 10% biofuels verification and compliance will of least through our own Charles Parsons
penetration by 2020, the Draft Renew- course be critical to the effectiveness of research awards. As set out above, both
able Energy Directive also includes the sustainability criteria. Moreover, the sustainability criteria and the
sustainability criteria designed to set these criteria will place a premium on forthcoming Biofuels Obligation
minimum standards, which biofuels more sustainable biofuels, further Scheme are aimed at encouraging and
have to meet in order to be considered encouraging investment in second facilitating more sustainable production
as eligible for the targets. The generation fuels.These fuels, made from of first generation biofuels, and
Commission’s proposals set out a range non food crops, are much more encouraging investment in second
of environmental sustainability criteria, productive in terms of fuel produced per generation technology.
which would be mandatory and subject hectare and do not have a direct effect
to verification. The criteria will set strict on food prices. Recent events have shown us that
targets for biofuels in terms of the GHG biofuels are not without their difficulties.
emissions they must save before they Biofuels obligation However, with careful management and
can be considered eligible as counting DCENR is currently finalising a appropriate regulation, we stand to gain,
towards national targets. The criteria consultation paper in relation to the environmentally and socially, from the
also preclude changing land use from proposed biofuels obligation which will use of these fuels, and we can do so
long established forest or grasslands to be rolled out shortly and allow all without compromising the livelihood or
growing feedstock for biofuels, and also interested stakeholders to submit their wellbeing of people elsewhere on the
include measures to ensure that views on the proposal. In that context, planet.
protected species and ecosystems EU developments on biofuels policy in
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5.
BIOENERGY NEWS
SUMMER 2008
A roadmap for sustainable bioenergy
supply in Ireland
Pearse Buckley, Sustainable Energy Ireland
Bioenergy in Ireland is undergoing resources compared to the present level. produced a foundation for the roadmap.
significant change in recent years with a The current use of bioenergy in Ireland It includes a resource dataset which is
number of important developments. (in 2006), mainly as renewable heat in derived from the best available
Following the publication of 1Bioenergy wood industries (using wood fuel) and information at the time. This could form
in Ireland the Ministerial Task Force on animal rendering facilities (using tallow), the basis of an updatable database
Bioenergy, which was formed in 2006, is 9 PJ (218 ktoe) or about 1.4% of the which would be an integral part of the
was designed to ensure delivery of a Total Primary Energy Requirement. 3To roadmap.
coordinated, inter-departmental action achieve the targets identified in
plan on bioenergy. The output of its Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future forFinally, sustainability is fundamental to
deliberations – the Bioenergy Action Plan Ireland would require a seven fold the development of all renewable forms
for Ireland – sets out an integrated increase in biomass supply, to of energy, and in particular to bioenergy.
strategy for collective delivery of the approximately 60 PJ (1,425 ktoe) per Competition with food or other uses for
potential benefits (climate change year.To further illustrate the scale of the
biomass materials (e.g. wood for panel
alleviation, increased competitiveness challenge the renewable heat and board production) and the associated
and increased fuel security) of the co-firing targets alone would require 28 environmental and social impacts are
exploitation of bioenergy resources PJ (663 ktoe), which is equivalent to an issues that are much discussed both in
across the agriculture, enterprise, annual 3.1 million tonnes of woodchip the literature and in the media, as
transport, environment and energy at 50% moisture content. This is illustrated by the debate on biofuels
sectors. It informed the government approximately 125% of the estimated targets versus rainforest preservation.
energy policy document – Delivering a total removal of wood from the Irish These issues should be fully examined in
Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland – forest estate (for saw log, panel board the roadmap in order that the bioenergy
which established ambitious targets for manufacture, bioenergy, etc.) in 2006. sector in Ireland grows in a sustainable
bioenergy for 2020, including: way while gaining wide public
The development of a roadmap for acceptance.
12% renewable heat – while not sustainable bioenergy supply for Ireland
directly identifying biomass, never- is required in order to chart the path to
theless it is likely that biomass would achieve the 2020 renewable energy
need to contribute more than 90% targets. Among the topics that the
of this target if it were to be realised; roadmap should address are the
30% co-firing with biomass at the following:
three peat power plants (to be The ongoing availability of biomass
achieved by 2015); for energy with due regard to other
800 MWe of CHP with an “emphasis demands and taking account of the
on biomass fuelled CHP”; evolution of land use in Ireland and
10% biofuels – this would be the role that imports can play;
exclusively derived from biomass. The technology pathways that can
be deployed having regard for
These targets should be viewed in the commercial viability and resource
context of the recent proposal for a use efficiency;
Renewable Energy Directive 2(RED) from Assessment of the impacts of
the European Union, in which Ireland is different scenarios;
required to achieve from renewable The research, development and 1
Bioenergy in Ireland was the output from the work of the
sources by 2020 a 16% contribution to demonstration needs to achieve the Bioenergy Strategy Group which was established in 2004
by the Dept. of Communications, Marine and Natural
total final energy consumption and a goals of the roadmap; Resources, now the Dept. of Communications, Energy and
10% contribution to final consumption The policy requirements to support Natural Resources.
of energy in transport. the effective implementation of the 2
Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and
roadmap. of the Council on the promotion of the use of energy from
Delivering the biomass supply to meet renewable sources, COM(2008) 19 final of 23.1.2008.
these targets will require the The Bioenergy Strategy Group 3
Energy in Ireland 1990 – 2006, Energy Policy Statistical
mobilisation of significant additional established by the DCENR in 2004 Support Unit of SEI, 2007.
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6.
Hardwood fuel from our new forests
Tom Kent,Waterford Institute of Technology
Séamus Dunne, Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
The first thinning in hardwoods, like ash, removes the poorer formed trees and the trees that are competing most intensively with the best – final crop – trees.
Here the trees were cut into delimbed, 3 metre long logs for loading onto a forwarding tractor and trailer and extraction for firewood processing.
The Irish landscape has changed Forest energy programme Firewood
considerably over the last 20 years not These issues are the focus of the Forest Firewood has traditionally been
least as a result of the creation of new Energy Programme funded by COFORD, produced largely from the branchwood
woodlands on farms during this period. the National Council for Forest Research of mature hardwoods, felled primarily for
The level of new woodland planting has and Development. The Forest Energy commercial sawlog. The sector is
averaged over 10,000 hectares per Programme is a collaborative project characterised by being local in scale,
annum since 1988. During this period the between Waterford Institute of Technol- disassociated and sporadically distrib-
policy of increasing broadleaf forest ogy and the Danish Forestry Extension. uted across the country. The firewood
cover to 30% of total planting has had a The main project aim is to explore cost quality is highly variable, with poor
positive impact on the landscape and effective methods of production of high distribution channels and no clear
amenity of our countryside but will also quality wood fuel from first thinnings of pricing structure. Recently, the market for
bring with it hardwood market both hardwoods, as the timber from firewood has increased for a number of
opportunities in the future.We have now broadleaved woodlands is called; and reasons: rising oil prices are driving
arrived at the stage where these softwoods, the wood from conifer forests. individuals to re-assess solid fuel domes-
broadleaved woodlands require to be The work programme has involved tic heating; the interior design trend
thinned and in these early thinning years thinning several hardwood sites using a towards installing solid fuel stoves as
the opportunities are already emerging number of different harvesting and centre pieces to living rooms; and the
for the production of hardwood fuel logs processing systems. In each case we are appearance of firewood gasification
and woodchips. But how competitive will trying to assess the productivity and cost boilers on the Irish domestic heating
this newly available local fuel be? How effectiveness of the wood energy supply market. The hardwood thinning
will it be removed from the forests? How chain.All systems incorporate a period for programme could supply this developing
must the timber be treated to maximise seasoning to take place.This reduces the market with increasing quantities of
its energy value? And what is the best water content in the wood and increases high quality, homogenous hardwood
form of fuel for this material, fuel logs or the energy output of the fuel. firewood.
woodchip?
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7.
BIOENERGY NEWS
SUMMER 2008
Woodchip
Woodchip can be automatically fed into
boilers at a wide range of scales for both
heat and electricity generation. Currently,
the main market for woodchip is
commercial boilers, particularly in the
hotel sector. This market is rapidly
expanding. In addition, other markets for
woodchip for energy are developing,
such as co-firing wood with peat by Bord
na Mona in their power plants and as the
raw material for making pellets.
Hardwood chip has advantages over
softwood chip. The energy density of
hardwood woodchip may be over 50%
higher than that of softwoods as the
basic wood density is higher. Particularly
in the case of ash, our main native
hardwood, the innate low moisture
content of the wood at harvest time
means that it makes excellent fuel.
Future supply is secure further build on our native fuel resource Firewood from hardwoods is both an attractive
While we are still getting to grips with the and economic alternative to other solid fuels.The
by continuing to plant new woodlands
energy content of seasoned hardwood is
optimum methods of utilising our new and forests. Ireland, at 10% forest cover, is approximately 3500kWh per tonne.The average
found national fuel resource one thing still one of the least afforested countries Irish house requires 20000kWh of heating per
that’s certain is that hardwood fuel is here in Europe. Wood energy is another good year or less than six tonnes of firewood. Planting
to stay and with 18,000 ha of broadleaves reason to plant tree’s and under the new a two hectare woodlot of broadleaves would
allow a household to be completely self-
newly planted since the year 2000 alone FEPS (Forest Environmental Protection sufficient.
the future looks secure. Additional Scheme) planting grants for farmers and
supports to farmers to assist in harvest- tax free 20 year premiums have never
ing young broadleaf forests will act as a been better.
major catalyst in bringing much of this
renewable energy to market. We can
Mr.Tom Nixon,Trojan Heavy Horses Ltd., is actively keeping traditional logging methods alive and well. Horse logging is suitable on smaller sites and where sites
are sensitively managed.
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8.
Incorporating low energy design
into our schools
John Dolan, Energy Programme Co-ordinator and Senior Engineer,
Department of Education and Science
Using minimum energy in as reliable and appropriate for morning heat up which represents a
Ireland’s schools application in schools they are incorpo- significant portion of the school’s total
Since 1998 the Planning and Building rated into the Department’s guidelines heating.
Unit have been using a process of and introduced in all new schools.
design, awareness, research and How is low energy design Good natural daylight in a learning
technology known as DART to develop environment is highly desirable. The
energy efficiency in educational
incorporated into schools? window design, configuration and
Low energy design has been locations maximize available daylight
buildings. Currently all primary schools
built in accordance with the incorporated on a hybrid basis by such that all classrooms can operate
Departments Primary Schools technical maximising natural resources and without artificial lighting for up to 80%
guidance documents are capable of utilising technologies. Maximising of the occupied period. Computerised
being up to 2.3 times more energy natural resources involves focusing on modeling is used to ensure that the
efficient than schools built to best areas such as passive solar design, good design targets are achieved.
natural daylight, natural ventilation and
International Practice.
air infiltration. Natural ventilation in schools is
provided, without draughts, through a
Passive solar design in school building mix of high- and low-level open able
terms means positioning the teaching windows; again this is assured through
spaces to face east south east. This can the use of detailed computer
produce up to 25% savings on early simulations.
As part of its energy research
programme, the Department of
Education and Science have developed
generic repeat designs; promoted the
school building itself as a learning tool
and in addition are undertaking a
biomass demonstration project, are
preparing the next generation of low
energy schools and are developing a
web based energy certification scheme
for school buildings.
Rather than focusing uniquely on
energy design, the Department’s
Planning and Building Unit have taken a
holistic approach, integrating energy
efficiency in school designs into their
suite of technical guidance documents.
These documents are available on
www.education.ie. As new design
techniques and technologies are proven
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9.
BIOENERGY NEWS
2008
Air infiltration is a term used to describe To maximise the potential of natural ity and responsiveness of the heating to
unwanted and uncontrollable air daylight, lighting specifications for the excellent passive solar design
leakage to and from a building. It can schools are based on the most energy potential.
occur through minor gaps in efficient lighting available with
construction and results in heat wastage. automatic dimming/off controls. The school is also contracted to a wind
In effect a building that has a high generator electrical supply company for
infiltration rate will lose a significant Research by the Department of green electricity and has a rainwater
amount of heat during the day and even Education and Science showed that collection system.
more at night (due to lower night time young children used only the cold water
temperatures) and thus requires more taps in school for washing their hands as The gaelscoil project has received
time and energy to heat up in the they were afraid of the hot tap, associat- national and international awards
mornings. All schools greater than ing it with those in their homes which including Environmental Initiative of the
1000m2 are now tested for air tightness lack anti-scald provisions. Supplying a Year Award CIBSE London 2004;
and must achieve a minimum air blended reduced temperature to the hot Excellence in Design or Specification -
leakage rate that is twice as good as tap made no difference in their Sustainable Energy Ireland Awards 2004;
current building regulations. behaviour. In response, the Department and Inside Government Merit Award
has adopted a single tap solution to all 2004 for Best Project within an
Use of technologies wash hand basins where the hot and Organisation for Innovation through
The Department has focused on utilising cold water are mixed at the tap intake Technology.
technologies in a number of areas with anti-scald protection; thus all water
including heating, lighting and water outlets for ablution are single taps
efficiency. Boiler selection to maximise giving a blended safe water supply.
efficiency is encouraged in the technical
guidance documents and more energy Water usage is also minimised through
efficient heating controls are promoted. automatic shut off taps and dual flush
Each teaching space has its own toilets.
individual temperature sensor that
allows the teacher to adjust room There is good potential for recovering or
temperature within a limited band. harvesting rainwater in schools to use
for flushing toilets and where feasible
these systems are provided for in new
school projects. Retro-fitting rainwater Generic repeat design
recovery into existing buildings is not The Planning and Building Unit recently
possible without major intervention into developed a two-storey primary school
the internal fabric and services of the design for 8, 12 and 16 classroom
building (dedicated water supply to schools which is generic in nature and
every toilet in the building) and external can be repeated on various sites. The
drains (separating rain water and design also allows for the 8 and 12
external drains and re-routing to a classroom versions to be expanded in
central collection point). the future, if needed, with minimal
disruption to the existing school thus
The first project to feature the allowing the day-to-day functions of the
comprehensive DART approach was school to continue.
Gaelscoil an Eiscir Riada in Tullamore.The
school successfully encompassed all of In addition to the excellent low energy
the above natural resources and also consumption, the benefits of the generic
trialed new technologies.These included repeat design projects include the
lighting and heating controls as well as following:
the use of a heat pump.
the development of a considered
Part of the project was to assess the educational model,
suitability for future schools of the heat extendibility and future-proofing
pump with its underfloor heating potential of the core model,
system.The high energy performance of optimum standardisation of
the heat pump has not been matched educational facilities at primary level,
for a school environment in areas such reduced professional fees,
as reliability of the system, controllabil-
7

10.
optimum land use and usability on Biomass demonstration project The Department’s other energy research
restricted sites, This project comprises the design, projects include wind generation, solar
improved internal comfort electrical
installation and monitoring of biomass generation, web-based
environment, heating systems in primary and operation and maintenance manuals, a
durable use of materials resulting in post-primary schools. Fifteen systemspost-primary school low energy
lower maintenance and lifecycle have been installed. research project, and energy workshops
costs, for school managers.
quick delivery through the The objectives of the project are to For more information, contact
application of an off-the-shelf evaluate the suitable application, John Dolan at:
option, performance and compatibility of john_t_dolan@education.gov.ie
greater certainty in budget biomass systems with school heating
projection and programming withinrequirements in terms of demand
the overall capital programme. characteristics, controls, reliability, fuel
storage, maintenance and operation.
The GRD project has received a merit A good practice guide for the design
award for Excellence in Design or and installation of biomass heating
Specification - Sustainable Energy systems in schools will be prepared for
Ireland Awards 2007. school design teams and managers and
will lead to a suite of case studies on
selected projects.
Next generation of low
energy schools
Work on the design of the next
generation of low energy schools is Ballyfin N.S., Co Laois – first national school with
biomass heating system capable of both pellet &
underway via the Rural Schools Project woodchip burning
where the same design is developed for
use on different sites. The objectives of
this project are to further improve the
Department’s low energy design ethos
Generic repeat design school and to make the schools carbon neutral.
The design process evaluates enhanced
insulation and air tightness testing
criteria, rainwater recovery, automated
The school building as a window controls linked to CO2 monitors,
learning tool biomass boilers and green electricity. It
In its efforts to promote the also extensively monitors heating, power
environment and energy efficiency to and lighting, hot and cold water and
school children, the Department is sewerage flow rates, and energy con-
presently piloting two school buildings sumption.
that can be used as active learning tools.
Future energy certificate
A child-friendly touch screen display The Department is developing a project,
linked to the building energy in conjunction with Sustainable Energy
management system provides the Ireland, aimed at helping existing
children and visitors with energy and schools to meet the certification
environmental information relating to requirements of the Energy Performance
the building. A cartoon character, called Building Directive within a short time
Eddie the Grasshopper, encourages the period and without the need for a costly
children to learn about the school and time-consuming assessor-based
construction and its day-to-day energy system.The proposal consists of creating
use. The system can also be interfaced a website that will allow schools to input
with the school’s information building data and energy consumption
technology network allowing the elements and to obtain an energy
teachers to use it in the classrooms as a performance certificate for display
real-time learning tool. within their schools.
8

11.
BIOENERGY NEWS
2008
Balcas delivers brites on time
throughout Ireland
Richard Smith, Brites Business Manager, Balcas
Balcas, owner of the largest wood pellet the credit card payment after delivery, now over fifty customers taking full load
facility in UK and Ireland, has just and also issue an invoice.” deliveries, with the largest taking 48
completed its second season supplying tonnes per week. These include
its brites pellets. After the teething Bagged brites are now sold through one hospitals, hotels, schools, nursing homes
problems with logistics which caused hundred and forty five Irish outlets, and and leisure centres. As energy costs
long lead times in winter 2006, brites the smaller 10kg bags, with a handle, continue to rise, brites are offering
business manager, Richard Smith, is have proved very popular with significant savings for these users.
pleased that deliveries have been much customers. Focus groups organised by
quicker throughout the season. “We Balcas, had highlighted that customers Finally, work has started on the 100,000
promised a maximum delivery time of were looking for a more customer tonne pellet plant in Invergordon,
two weeks for residential customers, and friendly bag that could be easily lifted Scotland which will come on line in
in reality most customers received their and carried through a house, to fill a March 2009. While this plant will serve
brites within 7-10 days.” pellet stove.Over the summer, Balcas will the GB market, it does provide more
manufacture large quantities for stock, security of supply for Irish customers.
Balcas also started deliveries out of its to ensure that winter demand will be
new distribution depot in Ringaskiddy, satisfied. For up to date information regarding
Co Cork which was officially opened by ordering, storage recommendations,
the Minister for Communications, Energy The number of commercial customers contacts, retail outlets – please see
and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan TD has continued to develop, and there are www.brites.eu, or visit the brites stand
who praised Balcas for demonstrating at Bioenergy ‘08.
the strength of their commitment to the
Irish renewable energy market, “I firmly
believe that Ireland can be a world
leader in renewable technologies and
become the centre of global ‘green
energy boom’ and I am delighted that
companies like Balcas are helping to
make this a reality.”
The depot was initially filled with brites
from the Enniskillen pellet plant, and
then a further 8000 tonnes were
imported from a German pellet supplier
during the winter. This ensured prompt
deliveries for all customers in the
Munster region throughout the winter.
Another major development was the
launch of an Internet ordering system for
residential customers. Richard Smith
comments,“As the number of customers
grew to over 2000, we had to find an
easier way for customers to order and
pay for their brites. The Internet system
allows customers to order 24/7, and the
drivers are all equipped with computer Mr. Eamon Ryan T.D., Minister for Communication, Energy and Natural Resources, with Richard Smith
(Balcas Business Manager) at the launch of the new Balcas depot in Cork.
tablets in their cabs which will trigger
9

12.
Bio-CNG: transport fuel for the future?
Dr Jerry D Murphy, Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering and Environmental Research Institute,
University College Cork
Problems associated with will accompany peak oil. The age of gas must then be purchased and a more
transport fuel and liquid biofuels is starting; biomethane and hydrogen expensive biofuel is produced.
Ireland had 800,000 private cars in 1990 are the transport fuels of the future.With
and 1.8 million in 2005. Ireland’s green- reference to Table 1, it may be noted that
biomethane from silage on 6.5 ha will
CASE STUDY
house gas emissions from transport in
2010 are expected to increase by 180% provide the fuel for one Dublin Bus.This Fuel farm
above 1990 levels. This is unsustainable is significantly less than the 24 ha The case study is based on a farm in
in a world of peak oil, climate change required for rape seed. Eugendorf, near Salzburg in Austria. The
and energy security. farm harvests silage from 150 ha, and
Grass is the best energy crop in converts it to transport fuel in the form
The implications of the Biofuels Ireland of biomethane.The process in simplified
Directive for land use in Ireland Ireland has 4.4 million hectares of form is as follows:
Liquid biofuels tend to be land hungry. agricultural land with 9% (400,000 ha)
Arguments abound on the food/fuel used as arable land and over 90% under Silage production and storage
debate. However, the complexities grass. Liquid biofuels require the use of Grass is cut, allowed to wilt in the field,
associated with feedstocks, technolo- arable land and thus have a negative then harvested at a solids content of
gies, biofuel types, and production impact on food production. Bearing this about 40% and stored in silage pits
systems are not easily explained to the in mind, it is suggested that grass/silage (figure 1a). From here, when required, it
lay person or the public at large. Table 1 may be the best energy crop in an Irish is macerated (figure 1b) before it is
attempts to highlight the differentiation context. Grass requires neither rotation deposited in an underground tank.
through the use of an example of the nor arable land, and is a low energy input Water is added in a closed loop to
quantity of fuel required to power one crop. reduce the solids content to about 12%.
Dublin Bus for a year. For example, Two tanks are employed; the diluted
biodiesel from rape seed requires 24 ha Biomethane from residues silage flows from one (tank) digester to
of land under the crop every year to However, it is suggested that the the second. The reactors are heated to
power one bus; when we consider that optimum biofuel is produced from 40oC, and gentle mixing is applied.
rape seed may only be grown one year residues, such as the organic fraction of Typically, the tanks are sized on 70 days
in five, then the developer needs to municipal solid waste (OFMSW), supply of feedstock.
contract 120 ha of land to a biofuel slaughter waste, slurries or grass
facility to fuel one bus. cuttings; Cork City has 300 ha of Biogas production and
parkland, sufficient to provide the fuel upgrading
Gaseous biofuels for 40 buses. If biomethane is generated The biogas produced contains 55% CH4,
Current media coverage of alternative from these sources, the feedstock is free 44% CO2, and trace amounts of H2S and
transport fuels is dominated by liquid leading to a cheap biofuel. After these H2O. Biomethane at a standard required
biofuels, but the view point of the author fuel sources have been fully utilised, then for transport fuel or injection into the
is that a reduction in use of liquid fuel feedstock (such as silage and maize) grid must comply with ÖVGW G31,
which includes for the following:
• CH4 > 97%; CO2 <2%;
H2S < 5mg/mn3;
H2O < 100mg/mn3.
This is affected by a number of
means including:
• Oxygen dosing or activated carbon
to remove H2S;
• Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) or
membrane technology to remove
CO2.
10

13.
BIOENERGY NEWS
SUMMER 2008
bio-CNG
CNG
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is the
cheapest transport fuel (table 2). It is the
cleanest burning transport fuel and as a
result is used in urban areas to minimize
local air pollution associated with
particulates in the emissions of diesel
Figure 1(a) Silage in silage pit Figure 2(b) Storage of biomethane
engines. A disadvantage of CNG is the
expense of a service station. As a result,
captive fleets that return to base for
refuelling (and therefore need the
minimum number of service stations)
often use CNG. Many city bus services
across the world (Stockholm, Linkoping,
Linz, Lille, Florence, Denver…) are
powered by CNG.
bio-CNG
In Austria, a vehicle fuel consisting of
Figure 1(b) Macerator 20% biomethane and 80% CNG is
Figure 3(a) Service station
currently being sold as “bio-CNG” and
marketed as a “green” vehicle fuel. The
production cost of biomethane is offset
by the cheap fossil fuel (CNG).To enable
cost comparisons to be made between
fuels, costs are converted to c/MJ in
table 2. The cost of the bio-CNG is
computed using CNG prices in the UK.
Biomethane prices are breakeven prices.
The feedstock used is assumed to be
grass/silage at €132/tdm.
Figure 2(a) Compressor Figure 3(b) Service counter
Vision for the future
Biomethane may be made from various
The upgraded biogas (termed service. Users of the facility type in the sources (OFMSW, food waste, slaughter
biomethane) is compressed to 300 bar quantity of fuel they require at the waste, slurry, parkland cuttings, silage,
(figure 2(a)) and stored in 28 containers service counter, pay with their credit sugar beet, maize).The viewpoint is that
(figure 2(b)). Each container is 2m long, card and that quantity of fuel is then each facility is analogous to a wind farm;
has a diameter of approximately 220 dispensed to their vehicle. The farmer it may dispense biomethane to the
mm and a capacity of 76 l. This provides does not need to employ anyone at the natural gas grid and then be used
a total volume of 2100 l. The storage filling station. elsewhere (e.g. Dublin Bus may be
capacity is sufficient for 630 mn3 of powered by slaughter waste produced
biomethane at standard temperature in Tipperary). Alterna-
and pressure (equivalent to 630 l of tively, as in this case,
€
diesel). € the facility may sell
€ the product locally.
Distribution of biomethane € Biomethane may be
€ considered the bridge
Because the farm is remote from the € to “The Hydrogen
natural gas grid, a service station was €
€ Economy” or may in
installed at the entrance to the farm.The
itself be the start of the
station (figures 3(a) & 3(b)) allows for self
age of gas.
11

14.
Large scale biomass projects by Powertech
Francis Martin, Powertech
Francis Martin the M.D. of Powertech Geothermal heating
Renewable Energy based in Carrickmore, The technology used ranges from air to
Co Tyrone has been involved in energy water heat pumps as seen at Campbell
conservation all his working life. College in Belfast to geothermal heating
Together with Michael Mc Gurk, Eamonn with bore holes as seen at Enniskillen
Martin and Gerard Scallon they set up Integrated College. In all cases where
Powertech over six years ago to bring heat pumps are used Powertech use a
renewable energy systems to a very German supplier called Alpha-Innotec.
needy Irish market. This company is part of the Schultz
Group and manufacture a wide range of
In these six years Ireland has taken a pos- products from 4kw to 10MW.
itive step forward with renewable en-
ergy. A number of major land marks like In general where geothermal is used the
Beragh GAA centre, Co.Tyrone
the setting up of Action Renewables in building is heated using underfloor
Northern Ireland, coupled with the work heating or alternatives to standard radi-
of the Carbon Trust, and Sustainable ators where water temperatures under
investment will show a pay back in
Energy Ireland with the Greener 40 degrees are capable of generating
savings in just four years. This does not
Homes Scheme, and other promotional enough heat. In all instances where this
take into consideration grant aid or tax
schemes in the South of Ireland have is achieved there are major cost savings
relief that may be available in most cases
stimulated the market. At the same time in the region of 40 - to 60%.
when this type of development is
the establishment of an Irish
considered.
manufacturing wood pellet operation
by Balcas in Enniskillen together with
soaring oil prices have greatly helped Solar
companies like Powertech to create and When Powertech are involved in
maintain a sustainable business in this installing the primary source of
ever growing energy sector. renewable heating, solar panels are
fitted as a complimentary part of the
At the beginning, Powertech decided to overall package as can be seen at
look at countries that were passed the Campbell College, Co. Antrim Campbell College and Waterways new
research and development stage of building outside Enniskillen. In general
renewable energy for guidance and the company policy is to market a flat
advice. They then chose partnership plate panel made by Roth in Germany
with companies with vast experience in which is a molded panel with a
the renewable energy field. Now guarantee of ten years.
Powertech have very close associations
with leading manufacturers in Germany, Biomass
Austria, Sweden and England who have Having successfully installed wood
established reputations in their In Enniskillen, Powertech have installed heating in houses throughout Ireland
respective fields. twenty individual air to water units for with the Austrian manufactured Froling
Tracey Bros development site. biomass boiler, Powertech have moved
With a history of development behind to large sites including Kilkenny, Let-
them in domestic renewable energy In Tyrone, they are currently installing an terkenny and Cookstown leisure cen-
heating, Powertech have in the past four 80-bed nursing home with air to water tres. Due to the continued price
years moved into heating hotels, schools, heating system. In this instance the increase of oil this has now extended to
nursing homes, prisons and a range of building has underfloor heating with 6 x mushroom growers and other
other commercial buildings like sports 33kw heating units.The 140,000 pounds horticulture growers.
halls and leisure centres.
12

15.
BIOENERGY NEWS
2008
Villa Rose Hotel and Spa, Co. Donegal
In more recent installations because of with minimum heat loss around the site.
Irish growers in willow and miscanthus This is the case in most installations
the Froling boiler is widely used because where more than one boiler room is
of the automatic special self-cleaning serving the heat need.
heat exchanger. Powertech are working
closely with local suppliers in installing Combined heat and power
boilers in a wide variety of buildings (CHP)
including prisons, hotels, schools and The single most exciting development
nursing homes. taking place in Powertech is with
biomass CHP. The company believe this
In general there are substantial savings will provide major opportunities for
to be had where material is available them in Ireland.This coupled with a tree
locally at reasonable prices. These planting programme using well tested
savings are in the region of 40 to 60 % Eucalyptus strains is where the company
reduction in annual fuel bills. Letterkenny leisure centre, Co. Donegal
believe the most growth potential is
possible not just for Powertech but the
District heating in Moate, country as a whole.
Co Westmeath
The most interesting development
Powertech is involved in at present is a
66 house district heating project in
Moate, Co Westmeath. The developers
on this site have done a marvelous job
in building an energy efficient house
where the homeowners are getting their
houses heated for an annual cost of
€600.
In the case of more than one building
involved it is essential to use
pre-insulated pipe to transfer the water Sandy Lane development
13

16.
Biofuels roadmap for Europe
– The REFUEL project
Marc Londo, ECN,The Netherlands
Biofuels production and consumption the EU’s 10% target for biofuels by 2020 to introduce the key stakeholders,
are growing rapidly in the EU. The EU can be met by domestic production of their motives, the actions required
biofuels directive stipulates that national conventional, first generation biofuels, from them, the barriers they will
measures must be taken by countries and moderate imports. However, meet, the optimal timing of their
across the EU aimed at replacing 5.75% advanced, or second generation biofuels actions;
of all transport fossil fuels (petrol and would result in more climate benefits. to evaluate and discuss of policies
diesel) with biofuels by 2010. These biofuels, produced from a wide needed to mobilise stakeholders,
Furthermore, the European Commission variety of residues and woody or grassy create incentives and reduce barriers;
has proposed a 10% binding target for plants, show substantially higher yields The roadmap consists of a
all member states to be reached by per hectare of land, and provide far systematically described set of
2020. better opportunities for the EU industry actions to be taken, coherent in task
to develop an innovative sector. Any allocation and timing.
With the increasing growth rates and biofuels policy promoting these benefits
ambitious EU targets, the debate on leads to improved opportunities for Biofuels potential can become available
biofuels is becoming increasingly strong. second-generation biofuels. In without compromising food and feed
Issues like feedstock availability, comparison, conventional biofuels supply. Furthermore, it does not require
competition with food, environmental (biodiesel from oil crops and bioethanol conversion of forestland, grassland and
impacts and implementation issues can from sugar crops, cereals etc.) perform nature conservation areas into arable
strongly influence the long-term much less effectively. land. The latter is essential since recent
perspectives for biofuels. Particularly in studies indicate that such land use
the domain of biofuels-induced The REFUEL project changes may lead to losses of soil
deforestation, and related greenhouse – A summary carbon that would turn any greenhouse
gas emissions, today’s knowledge is The REFUEL project is designed to gas emission reductions into net
controversial and research is ongoing. encourage a greater market penetration increases of emissions. In the new EU
These issues are highly important for the of biofuels. To help achieve this goal, a member states and Ukraine, agriculture
biofuels sector since negative new biofuels roadmap has been designed, has ample opportunities for increasing
findings may reduce public support, consistent with EU biofuel policies and crop and livestock yields, thereby freeing
change policy preferences and thereby supported by stakeholders involved in up agricultural land for biofuel
deprive the sector of its licence to the biofuels field. feedstocks cultivation.
produce. Furthermore, a pathway vision
is needed that is both ambitious for The key elements of this roadmap are: A biofuels target share alone does not
biofuels and explicit in its treatment of to outline an ambitious, yet realistic seem to induce the development of
their drawbacks, aiming at a responsible target share for biofuels in the fuel biofuels that best respond to the drivers
development. mix for EU transport in 2030; for biofuels policy. Several policy
to suggest the least-costly biofuel packages designed to study specific
REFUEL contributes to this vision mix which meets this target, with policy perspectives for biofuels were
formation. In this project, funded by the related biofuels production chains, analysed, focussing for example on
Intelligent Energy Europe Programme, conversion technology, and biomass climate mitigation or energy security.
seven EU institutes of different feedstocks in the EU27+ Ukraine, These policy packages lead to improved
backgrounds have analysed the Norway & Switzerland; competitiveness of second generation
prospects for biofuels in terms of to assess the impact of reaching the biofuels and an introduction of these
resource potential, costs and impacts of target share on the main drivers fuels before 2020. The earlier they are
different biofuels, effects of different behind biofuels, i.e. reducing introduced the better the 2020 biofuels
policy strategies, and the broader system greenhouse gas emissions, mix meets the drivers behind the policy
impacts of biofuels. increasing security of supply and push for biofuels. Furthermore, an early
The extensive analysis of feedstock socio-economic impacts, especially start leads to earlier cost reductions in
potentials in the project indicates that in agriculture; conversion technology due to learning
14

17.
BIOENERGY NEWS
2008
effects. There are several ways to introduction of second generation sectors. Generally, Lignocellulosic
enhance advanced biofuels, given these biofuels should take these differences bioenergy feedstocks (wood, grasses)
perspectives. Specific targets for second into account. As for feedstock supply provide the best opportunities. The
generation may be the easiest, but other policy, points of attention are research food-fuel competition effect is also
packages may have comparable effects. on cultivation practices of perennial lower for these feedstocks, although
crops, and adaptation of the EU competition for the best soils may still
For advanced biofuels to enter the Common Agricultural Policy and spatial occur. With their substantial feedstock
market, various obstacles need to be policies in order to accommodate these potentials, the Central and Eastern
tackled. Required production crops. Other relevant issues are European countries are rapidly
technology needs to be further cross-sector policy harmonisation and developing a conventional biofuels
developed and deployed, as well as new the enhancement of lignocellulosic industry. Biofuels policies aiming at
supply chains for agricultural and markets able to absorb large-scale introduction of the second generation
forestry residues and crops. Overcoming supply chains. In order to reduce the therefore should pay specific attention
these hurdles will require a favourable initial risks for second generation biofuel to this region.
and stable investment climate. REFUEL production installations, stepping stones
shows that cross-sector strategies can may be created by finding synergies For further information or to download
help reduce these barriers. Examples are with biomass co-firing for power information on the REFUEL roadmap, go
the initial development of woody generation (preparing stable feedstock to www.refuel.eu.
biomass supply chains for power supply) and by integration of plants in
generation, or integration of biofuel district heating systems (output
plants in district heating systems. diversification).
When developing a policy strategy for When stimulating biofuels, the wider
biofuels, it appears clear that the risk perspective of biomass use in the entire
profile of second generation biofuels energy economy is essential. The
differs fundamentally from that of first optimal allocation of biomass over
generation biofuels.The introduction of applications like power, heat and
the related perennial cropping systems biofuels is subject to many factors.
faces barriers, possibly increased by a Application in heat and power is often
strong initial demand for conventional mentioned as most cost-effective in
(first generation) feedstock.Furthermore, terms of greenhouse gas emission
the high investment costs for second reduction, but the attractiveness of
generation production plants lead to a biomass in each sector strongly depends
higher vulnerability for market on the expected competitiveness of
volatilities. A policy aiming at the alternative options in the different
4,0 96
86
3,5
Projected biofuels mix by 2030 at
different target heights for biofuels. 76
3,0
Biofuel (Mtoe biofuel /year)
Biofuel (EJ biofuel /year)
Conventional biofuels are able to supply 67
substantial amounts, but at higher target
2,5
levels, second generation biofuels become 57
more cost-effective.
2,0 48
38
1,5
29
1,0
19
0,5
10
- 0
Baseline (9%) Moderate (15%) High case (25%)
1st generation 2nd generation
15

18.
IFA’s plan to access farm forestry
energy potential
Geraldine O’Sullivan, IFA, Farm Forestry Development Officer
Over 210,000 hectares of private forestry 50% of first thinnings), is a small avoiding capital investment until an
has been planted since the 1980s. Of this diameter low value product. The main adequate timber supply capacity is
30,000 hectares is over 15 years of age or markets for this wood are located in the created.The groups will not focus solely
to put it another way, it is approaching southeast so if your forest is located in on the wood energy market but will also
first thinning. It is estimated that there is the southwest the transportation costs sell to sawmills. By selling in larger lots
currently nearly 900,000 m3 of timber can negate the income earned from the the groups will have greater bargaining
available from thinning operations. This thinning operation. Alternative local power than selling as individual forest
is expected to rise to 1.9 million m3 in markets are needed for these thinnings, owners.
2010 increasing to 5.9 million m3 by and for many farm foresters the wood
2015. These figures demonstrate that energy sector offers a real opportunity Financial support will be needed initially,
Ireland has significant energy potential to diversify and to sell their thinnings as experiences both from overseas and
in its forestry resource. If all the 900,000 locally. IFA are actively working to from the Clare Wood Energy project
m3 of thinnings timber was converted to strengthen the links between forestry have shown that it can take up to five
wood energy this would be the and the wood energy sector, through years to put the infrastructure in place,
equivalent to an estimated 7.65 PJ or the creation of local “clusters” to supply organise timber flow and build up the
4% of Ireland’s Total Primary Heat locally grown renewable timber to local market. Funding therefore is needed to
Requirements. energy markets. employ a field manager to coordinate
the crucial development work. The
However, in reality the volumes of IFA are working with key organisations Forest Service is actively promoting the
timber being extracted from private to facilitate the establishment of timber establishment of these groups by
forests are far less than 900,000 m3.There producer groups throughout Ireland. funding a number of initiatives. One of
are many reasons for the reduced These groups will bring a change in these groups is the Meitheal Foraoise
production rate, for example, the forest culture to farming communities that are Chiarrai (Kerry Farm Forestry Task
has a lower yield class than expected, the used to trading livestock or crops and Group). IFA Vice-Chairman and Forestry
farmer is unaware that his plantation is will now for the first time be trading Contractor, Michael Fleming is a member
ready for thinning, the site is timber. The concept is to start small, of this group. The aim of the group is to
inaccessible or due to instability, the site
will never be thinned. One of the major
issues impeding harvesting in the
private forestry sector is the fragmented
nature of the sector as well as plantation
size – the average size is 9 hectares.This
means that harvesting costs can be
high; the transportation of specialised
forestry machines to small forests
reduces the income earned from first
thinnings. It can even be difficult to
attract contractors or buyers because
they are short jobs and provide small
volumes of timber.
Traditionally first thinnings are sold to
sawmills to make stakes or pallets and
to the board mills for chipboard, OSB or
MDF production. The timber from first (From L to R) Pat Hennessy, IFA Farm Forestry Chairman, Michael Somers,Teagasc Forestry Adviser,
thinnings, particularly the pulpwood Geraldine O'Sullivan, IFA Farm Forestry Development Officer, Mary Ryan,Teagasc Forest Specialist,
element (which can account for over Donal Mullane,Teagasc, AMU,Tippeary and Michael Carew, IFA Farm Forestry Tipperary Representative,
at a recent IFA/Teagasc producer group meeting in Co.Tipperary.
16

19.
BIOENERGY NEWS
SUMMER 2008
market. At a time when Ireland is
experiencing an uncertain economic
future, competitiveness will be key to
weathering the storm. As oil prices
continue to rise, reaching a record high
of $125 a barrel in the last few weeks
businesses, particularly those with
high-energy demands, are looking to
reduce costs. The experiences of
businesses that have already converted
to wood chip have been positive, in
some instances halving heating costs
and a payback on the installation costs
being achieved within five years. As well
as reducing their energy costs,
businesses will be supporting local
farmers and services companies by
installing wood energy and thus also
contributing to reducing Ireland’s
Stacking harvested wood carbon footprint.
Contact:
promote further afforestation in the planned that will provide some of the Geraldine O’Sullivan
county by facilitating the development skills necessary to manage the groups. IFA Farm Forestry Development Officer
of wood fuel supply chain enabling the IFA are also developing a timber trading
development of wood heat pilot website, ifarm, which will enable Mobile: 087 9385283
projects. The funding secured by the producer groups to sell directly to
Forest Service has enabled the group processors. Timber trading websites
to employ a part-time coordinator to have been a very successful marketing
promote the group locally, increase tool used by forest owners and farmers
membership; to develop clusters, internationally to sell timber.
coordinate road building and harvesting,
ensure value for money and work with IFA envision that these groups will add
local agencies to develop local wood real impetus to the local wood chip
chip market. IFA are working to establish
similar groups throughout the country.
Creating a profitable and expanding
network of producer groups has real
social, economic and environmental
advantages for rural Ireland. These
structures provide more accountability
for farm foresters and more
responsiveness to the commercial
realities of the market.
IFA are working on other initiatives in
tandem to assist farmers to actively
participate in the establishment of these
producer groups.One initiative is the IFA
Skillnet training courses which provide
farmers with the necessary skills to
manage the thinning of their plantation.
The courses offered to date include,
Chainsaw and Timber Mensuration
(measurement). Additional courses are
17

20.
€6 million investment by D Pellet Limited for
new wood pellet plant in Kilkenny
Larry Doyle, D Pellet Ltd
downturn in the contruction industry. ity, monitoring and maintenance of a
National statistics indicate a very large high quality standard of wood pellets. In
increase in the availability of raw addition they acknowledge that poor
material over the next five to seven quality pellets, in certain cases, have
years due to the implementation of the given wood pellet heating systems
afforestation programme started in some bad publicity. The public needs to
early 1990s. be more aware of the source, contents
and standard of wood pellets currently
Contracts with growers, harvesters and available on the Irish market. D Pellet
haulage companies have been finalised indicates that they are producing a
to ensure a reliable supply of raw premium quality pellet which surpasses
Larry and Sorcha Doyle
material. They also intend to have a both the German and Austrian standard
stock in hand of 40,000 tonnes of raw i.e. NORM M7135 and DINplus.
materials together with at least five
A large scale wood pellet production thousand tonnes of finished pellet in With the continuance of government
facility in the Republic of Ireland has both bulk and bagged form. D Pellet is assistance and grants for renewable
began producing 6mm wood pellets to well aware that it will take some time to technology, together with rapidly
cater for increasing demand in Ireland. achieve this storage capacity but they increasing oil prices, the demand for
Larry and Sorcha Doyle currently employ are confident of meeting their targets for wood pellets is increasing at a steady
10 people in their factory which is the September / October 2008. rate. In addition approximately 30,000
first whole-log wood pellet plant in tonnes of wood pellets are currently
Ireland. The facility is approximately
30,000 square feet on a seven acre site
Distribution network imported into Ireland. A plant to
manufacture wood pellets here in
which is capable of producing 70,000 D Pellet has a number of trucks on the Ireland is essential to ensure continued
tonnes of wood pellets per annum. road designed specifically for bulk wood
pellet delivery. These trucks have high growth from both an economic and
pressure pumping systems and also environmental viewpoint. Most of our
Equipment description have the capacity to extract dust from fossil fuel is imported – why should we
D Pellet has spent the last four years the bulk storage areas. Dust extraction is continue to import renewable fuel when
researching and identifying the most very important to enable users to we now have the ability, expertise and
suitable equipment to produce quality maximise the efficiency potential of their the raw materials to manufacture here in
wood pellets. The de-barker, chipper, boilers. D Pellets’ proximity to a logistics Ireland? With the shortages of wood
screen and furnace were sourced in company, Brennan Transport, means that pellets two years ago, confidence within
North America, and the dryer, grinders bagged pellets can be delivered the industry was decimated with high
and pellet mills came from Europe. In nationwide at short notice hence the price increases and exceptionally long
addition all conveyance and storage efficiency of transport and logistics is delivery times. This new plant will
equipment was manufactured by Roto increased by keeping fuel costs at a hopefully help to stabilise prices and
Spiral Limited, an associated company of minimum. Their client base consists of bring renewed confidence back into the
D Pellet Ltd. home owners, schools, hotels, industry.
apartment blocks, shopping centres etc.
Raw materials and many more large commercial users.
D Pellet is using forestry thinnings, They have also finalised contracts with
sourced mainly from local private retail chains to establish service
growers, as their source of raw materials. contracts for bagged pellets.
They are purchasing thinnings standing,
roadside and delivered at the moment. D Pellet stress that ongoing quality
Prices of thinnings have decreased control is an integral part of their
slightly recently mainly due to the production process to enable traceabil-
D Pellet Plant
18