Biomass fuels the way forward in Ireland

Businesses, schools and hospitals in Ireland are being offered grants to install biomass-fuelled and anaerobic digestion combined heat and power units (CHPs).

The new renewable energy grant scheme was announced by Energy Minister Eamon Ryan, who also explained how farmers will be integral to the success of the scheme - as in the future their crops, forests and cows will enable them to produce their own energy.

Mr. Ryan said that “We can create energy from wood chippings, from animal waste and crops and we can do this in a very effective way.

“These biomass CHP units will save businesses up to a quarter of their energy costs. Energy bills are a major part of overall expenditure in business.”

He added that taking part in this grant and price support scheme will allow business to see “drastic reductions in their heating costs,” and that he is encouraging schools, hospitals and business to generate their own energy using this technology.