Bord na Móna aims to be the largest supplier of sustainable biomass in Ireland. The development of the biomass industry is essential in order to meet Ireland’s renewable energy targets.
Biomass is any organic plant-based material that can be processed to produce electricity, fuel or energy. It is typically derived from sustainable forestry, forestry residues, and other sustainable energy-crops, like willow.
Our biomass business is focusing on the sourcing and supply of economically priced, sustainable and legally sourced biomass.
Biomass is also key to ensuring Ireland meets its renewable energy targets. Bord na Móna began co-firing with biomass at its Edenderry Power Station in 2008. Since then, volumes have increased year-on-year with procurement and supply now supporting a biomass co-firing rate of 42% at our plant in Edenderry.
Sustainable biomass is biomass that is produced in an environmentally sustainable way, and is effective at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At Bord na Móna we have five principles in relation to sustainability; Legality, Environment, Marketplace, Community and Traceability. These were developed in line with the UN Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs).
When the greenhouse gas (GHG) output of the imported biomass process including production, transportation and firing is calculated, the total GHG emissions are lower than any other non-biomass fuel source. This figure is expressed in terms of CO2e, meaning carbon dioxide equivalent. CO2e represents the total climate change impact of all greenhouse gases. Achieving a low CO2e figure is one step towards achieving sustainable energy sources.
Bord na Móna Bioenergy will both source and supply sustainable biomass. Our supply chain adheres to the company’s own standards, National regulations, EU regulations and industry best standards regarding the sustainable supply of biomass materials. The company’s policy is that 100% of biomass materials sourced and used by the company will be independently verified as sustainably sourced.
A carefully managed biomass process will typically lead to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions exceeding 80%. This figure is still correct even when applied to imported biomass. It is Bord na Móna’s aim to develop an indigenous source of biomass. However, these ‘crops’ take time grow to maturity, so we must look further afield for a supply in the interim if we are to continue reducing our carbon footprint.
