IrBEA urges farmers to apply for biomass fund

The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) scheme is a welcome boost for farmers and business owners, said Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) CEO, Sean Finan.

Launched by Communications Minister, Richard Bruton, phase two of SSHR will support the installation and ongoing use of biomass and anaerobic digestion heating systems for up to 15 years.

It will support up to 1,300 GWh of renewable heat per year, equivalent to heating up to 120,000 homes.

“I encourage non-domestic heat users, including farmers, to apply for this scheme and install a biomass heating system through the SSRH, which will deliver long-term environmental and economic benefits,” said Sean Finan.

The biomass heating sector is in a state of stagnation and has waited many years for this scheme to open.

"This scheme is the kickstart that this industry requires to mobilise the renewable heat sector in Ireland.”

Overall, the projects supported will increase renewable heat use in Ireland by 3% and decrease emissions in the non-ETS sector by 300,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.

The scheme has integrated lessons learned from similar schemes in other jurisdictions and, as a result, includes detailed eligibility and budgetary controls.