CITIZEN POWER ALLIANCE

Clare Wood Energy Project, the Clare T.D. said that bioenergy would be central in the fight against climate change.

The aim of today's event was to identify the opportunities open to those in the wood industry, particularly in bioenergy production.

Minister Killeen said, 'We have an ambitious targets for bioenergy, such as the generation of 12% of our renewable heat by 2020 and I am confident that the work being done here today will play a role in delivering on that national target. Furthermore, our considerable forestry and agriculture sectors afford us the opportunity to create an indigenous energy source, which will not only reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, but which will mean a cheaper, cleaner energy supply for Ireland.'

He continued, 'Last January, the Government announced that businesses can receive grants from Sustainable Energy Ireland for the installation of biomass fuelled and anaerobic digestion Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Units, allowing savings of up to 25% of the annual energy costs in these locations. Not only this, but at a guaranteed support price of €120 per megawatt hour of electricity produced from biomass CHP, the conditions for the growth of this sector are optimal.'

Apart from animal products, biomass CHP typically uses wood residues from the forest industry or straw from cereal production.

'The potential opportunities for our farmers and foresters are numerous', said Minister Killeen.

'I am delighted to be here today at what I regard as an excellent example of local organisations and people coming together to deliver a worthwhile service for not only the people of Clare but the country as a whole and I extend a sincere word of thanks to Rural Resources Development, Clare Wood Energy Project and Teagasc for working to bring this event to fruition', he concluded.