With worldwide concern for the environment at an all time high and the ever soaring fuel prices a major concern it was no surprise there was such a large turn out at the Bio-energy 2007 seminar at Oak Park in Carlow. Organised by COFORD, Teagasc and Sustainable Energy Ireland, over 8000 people attended.

The latest innovative boilers and stoves were on display along with the wide range of wood based fuels. Farmers availed of the opportunity to learn about the benefits of growing bio-fuels on their land. Teagasc confirmed that an increasing number of farmers are now growing bio-fuels and availing of attractive grants and a good return for their investment.

Willow, Oilseed rape and Miscanthus are the most popular energy crops grown in Ireland at present. In 2006 less than 300 hectares of willow and miscanthus were grown. This has grown by over 300 to 1,000 hectares this year. The amount of land being used to produce oilseed rape is also up by over 50 to 6,000 hectares being harvested in 2007.

Barry Caslin, Teagasc energy crop specialist, said that around 90 of Irelands energy comes from imported fuels. This compares to an EU average of 50.Encouragingly by 2020 farmers could be catering for 10 of Irelands fuel needs.

Nuala Ni Fhiartharta, Teagasc head of forestry, said that farmers should be growing more willow for the bio-energy market. In addition to the FEPS scheme which gives an annual income in excess of 750 per hectare the excellent return from bio-mass sales makes willow a very attractive cash crop.

Forestry Minister Mary Wallace asked farmers taking part in the forth coming REPS to at least plant some of their land in trees. Minister Wallace said that this is the year that forestry could underpin the long term viability of farming in Ireland. Minister Wallace urged all farmers to look at what forestry has to offer in terms of stable, long-term income. She also said that grants are available from the forestry department to cover the costs of planting, along with a guaranteed tax-free annual premium for up to 20 years.

Minister Wallace said the promotion of bio-energy in Ireland took a big step forward in March of this year with the publication of the national bio-energy action plan. This plan recognizes Irelands significant potential in bio-energy and sets attainable goals and strategies in the heat, electricity and transport sectors. It is envisaged that by 2020 33 of the national bio-energy plan target for renewable energy will be achieved and 12 in the heat sector. Minister Wallace said that Biomass has the potential to redirect hundreds of millions of euro to the Irish economy, create over 4,000 new full time jobs in fuel supply and meet up to 10 of our energy needs by 2020.

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