In 2015, Bord na Móna announced that 125,000 acres of bogs, which are now being used to provide peat as fuel for three powerstations, will transition to new uses by 2030. The transition into new sustainable businesses is an historic one for Bord na Móna. However, this is not something that has happened suddenly, Bord na Móna has been moving in this direction for some time.
This is done in-line with Bord na Móna’s strategy to develop indigenous sources of renewable energy. Cloncreen wind farm will give rise to a range of benefits at a local level. At peak construction it is estimated that between 100 – 120 people will be employed on the site. Once in operation the wind farm will support 6 – 8 long term, high quality technical jobs in operation and maintenance.
The development of a biomass briquette has met some challenges along the way, specifically during the pre-treatment phase. Pre-treatment technology, which is now being tested, produces a biomass product which is easy to grind and turn into a briquette.
Peat production ceased on this bog in 2005, and the land represents a significant opportunity to develop an environmentally friendly source of energy. This development will be completed in a joint venture with the ESB. The new proposed development is expected to create up to 20 long-term jobs and in excess of 100 jobs during construction.
