A COUNTY Laois company is pioneering the conversion of waste into fuel, which is welcome at a time of high charges for imported oil, petrol and other energy sources.

BIOMASS energy producers have given a cautious welcome to the Government’s plans to roll out a new guaranteed price support.

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.

IRELAND can use the launch of a new €220m EU fund for sustainable building projects as a springboard for further green energy projects, according to a leading industry expert.

ANAEROBIC digestion technology could help Ireland divert slurry and organic waste from landfill sites, create rural jobs and help fulfil Ireland’s ‘green’ electricity obligations, according to Teagasc.

LANDOWNERS now have more flexibility to produce different energy crops as most subsidy payments are decoupled from production.

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.

THE possibility of using crops for fuel is one of the most exciting developments of recent years.

A DUTCH expert has predicted that in the most environmentally friendly scenario, integrated renewable sources — biomass, wind, hydro and solar — could fill up to 75% of the world’s long-term energy needs.

A MAJOR national bioenergy conference in Tullamore, County Offaly on Tuesday next will focus on the latest developments in the emerging industry.

A HUGE boost for the wood energy supply chain was announced at the Bioenergy 2007 open day in Carlow, which was jointly organised by Sustainable Energy Ireland, COFORD and Teagasc.