Jobs potential in bioenergy will be the focus at Teagasc conference

THE potential to create jobs in the developing bioenergy industry will be outlined at the Teagasc National Bioenergy Conference which takes place at two locations later this week.

Land owners, fuel processors and energy consumers are all forging ahead with new innovative developments at all stages in the supply chain in this emerging industry. This is helping to create employment in rural areas. Independent reports show that for every 1,000 tonnes of woodchips used to create energy, two full-time job equivalents are supported.

Organised, in association with ACC Bank, the National Bioenergy Conference will be held on Thursday in Horse and Jockey, Thurles, and on Friday at the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim.

Energy prices continue to be volatile and prone to supply disruption from some of the energy supplying countries. The challenge for Ireland is to develop biofuel-based indigenous energy resources.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Teagasc energy crops specialist Barry Caslin said farmers are responding to the Government initiatives which are in place, and the area of biomass energy crops planted, such as miscanthus and willow are increasing.

The issue of financing bioneregy projects will be addressed at the conference by Hans van Der Boom, from Rabobank, the parent bank of ACC Bank.

Rabobank is a global leader with expertise in the field of sustainable energy and provides finance for viable wind, biomass and other related projects.

Key issues facing the energy sector and farming, decision makers, and investors in the bioenergy sector will be examined at the conference by expert panels of local and international speakers.

Grasping the Green Agenda is the theme of the conference.