Green energy entrepreneurs on verge of leaving sector, conference told

PIONEERING entrepreneurs who have invested €200 million in renewable energy are on the verge of leaving the sector, yesterday’s Teagasc National Bioenergy Conference heard.

Teagasc bioenergy specialist Barry Caslin cited eight biodiesel and oil production companies who have “mothballed” plants which had together been producing 60 million litres of renewable fuels. Other speakers at the event in Tullamore, Co Offaly, cited 26 projects that have been put on hold due to a lack of clarity over state support for the sector, a factor which banks are also citing as their reason for refusing to invest in bioenergy.

John Galliland, chairman of bioenergy company Rural Generation, said: “If the Government doesn’t give us a joined-up policy on renewable energy soon, then I am packing my bags and leaving. If we can’t somehow wake up this sleeping giant, then I have just wasted the last 20 years of my life.”