IFA launches on-farm renewable energy generation initiative

AN INITIATIVE to develop renewable energy generation on farms was launched by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) yesterday.

IFA president Padraig Walshe said micro power generation from a range of sources — wind, solar and anaerobic — has the potential to reduce Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions and its reliance on imported fossil fuels.

In addition, a vibrant micro energy industry will create much-needed jobs and reduce on-farm production costs, he said.

Mr Walshe said micro power can play a significant role in meeting the government targets of achieving 15% of electricity generation from renewables by 2010 and 33% by 2020.

To encourage farmers to invest in micro energy generation on-farm, the IFA is proposing a double capital allowance tax relief up to a maximum investment of €50,000 per farmer. Initially, it is seeking this relief on 6,000 installations over three years.

Pointing out that planning restrictions are delaying the roll-out of wind farms and other renewable energy-generating projects, Mr Walshe said the IFA is proposing a range of reforms in this area.

He said electricity load restrictions and connection difficulties are further barriers to alternative energy sources.

“To encourage the development of the micro industry and allow farmers a return on the investment, a special renewable energy feed-in tariff support for micro energy must be put in place, together with ‘smart metering’ technologies,” he said

Mr Walshe said IFA Power intends to facilitate the cost-effective sale of energy generated on farms on behalf of members through its electricity services.

He said the farming sector is prepared to take a constructive approach with Government to reducing greenhouse gases, but the IFA is totally opposed to any forced cutbacks in production.

Mr Walshe said to achieve the greenhouse gas reduction targets, all three farm-based sources of renewable energy must be fully developed: micro-generation of electricity, the use of energy crops to produce fuel and power, and the role of forestry as a carbon sink.

Regarding forestry, he said a key Government objective must be to regulate at EU level to have the role of forest sinks fully recognised.