Bord Na Mona are planning to secure contracts for a total of 5000ha of willow and other biomass crops.
This is in accordance with plans layed out in the 2007 Energy White paper which state that the three state owned peat fueled power stations are to be co-fired with 30% biofuels by 2015.
At the moment Bord na Mona are actively seeking new biomass producers in order to meet these targets. In the case of Willow, they will meet the Government’s 50% establishment payment for the first 200ha planted.
Bord na Mona has set a target of 5,000ha of willow growing by 2015, which will eventually produce 100,000t of biomass for burning.
Teagasc bioenergy specialist Barry Caslin said: “Now, more than ever, there are broader national reasons why developing bioenergy makes sense,” said Mr Caslin.”
“It makes sense to grow our own energy and supply it locally, sustaining jobs in rural areas. Ireland’s success in farming food is a great template for becoming the equivalent world leader in farming energy.”
