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.
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).
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.
When the green house 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 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.
