Claims unfair competition holding back growth of bioenergy industry

COMPETITION from unfairly subsidised imports and uncertainty about future support policies are holding back investment in the further development of the bioenergy industry in Ireland.

Teagasc researcher Bernard Rice pointed this out when he spoke at the National Bioenergy conference in Horse and Jockey, Co Tipperary, yesterday.

He said the amount of biomass needed to meet the heating-electricity targets far exceeds availability, so production of energy crops needs to expand rapidly.

Mr Rice also told the Teagasc-organised conference that the biofuels obligation scheme and the national action plan need to take account of indigenous biofuel producers.

Delegates also heard of the long time lag in building up biofuel capacity from the establishment of perennial energy crops to the development of processing facilities, and that action on the ground needs to begin without delay.

Mr Rice said two policy changes are needed — a change to an obligation system for transport biofuels and the development of a national action plan.

Both of these will have a major bearing on the development of biofuel production in the coming decade.

John Gilliland, Rural Generation Ltd, said the further development of the bioenergy industry will save money and generate wealth in the rural economy.

He pointed to the benefits of improving Ireland’s energy security position by increasing the land area used for energy crops.

Mr Gilliland said Ireland exports 80% of its food production, but has to import 90% of its energy.

Developing a bioenergy industry would reduce the carbon footprint of the agriculture and food sector while allowing it to participate in the emerging carbon economy.

Hans Van den Boom, food and agri sector manager, Rabobank, said clean tech renewable energy is a key strategic sector for the entire group.

But urgent action is needed if targets are to be met in Ireland.