What is Biomass?
It is organic plant-based material, and represents the world’s fourth largest energy resource utilised (after oil, coal and gas). It is typically sourced from forestry and purpose grown energy crops.
Biomass is a sustainable energy resource that will play a major role in reducing Ireland’s CO2 emissions.
Biomass and Bord na Móna
The Government’s Bioenergy Action Plan for Ireland, and subsequent policy statements and measures, support the development of purpose-grown bioenergy crops in Ireland.
The two most common bioenergy crops utilized as a source of power generation and as a source of heat in Ireland are willow and miscanthus. Black oats may also be used as a biofuel.
While we currently use both willow and miscanthus at our Edenderry plant, we are limited in the volumes of miscanthus that can be used, because of its relatively high chlorine content. This is not the case with willow however, and we are now seeking to enter into long term contracts with landowners to grow willow as a bioenergy crop for power generation.
These contracts are sustainable, bankable, and index linked, with price guarantees for periods of up to twenty years. Bord na Móna expects that approximately 5,000 hectares of farmland will be planted in willow by 2015.
Become a Biomass Supplier
As power generation at Edenderry will continue to 2030, Bord na Móna is willing to enter into 20 year contracts with farmers to purchase harvested willow. If you’re interested in becoming a biomass supplier, why not find out more?