Looking at Biomass in Ireland: IrBEA’s National Bioenergy Conference

Bioenergy Europe was glad to join Irish Bioenergy Association for its 23rd National Bioenergy Conference. The Conference saw representatives from the bioenergy and biogas sector gathering in Dublin, on October 10th for a full day of insightful presentations. Bioenergy Europe’s Secretary General Jean-Marc Jossart participated as a speaker.

The Conference, celebrating the Association’s 25th anniversary, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, energy users and innovators to explore cutting-edge developments, share best practices, and forge strategic partnerships. The agenda covered a wide range of topics including biomass, biogas, biochar and wood fuel technologies, policy frameworks, funding opportunities, and successful case studies from across Ireland and Europe.

Bioenergy Europe’s Secretary General Jean-Marc Jossart presented the latest developments in the use of solid biomass for renewable energy in the EU, focusing on the most impactful EU files on the bioenergy markets and the political perspectives with the newly elected Parliament.

Visit to Edenderry Power Plant

On the same occasion Bioenergy Europe visited the Edenderry Power Plant, owned by Bord na Mona, a member of Bioenergy Europe. Located near the town of Edenderry, not far from Dublin, the plant is the largest renewable dispatchable power facility on the island, with the capacity to power 150,000 homes. It is transitioning from peat to biomass, reflecting Bord na Mona’s commitment to peatlands rehabilitation and renewable energy solutions for Ireland. At the core of the power plant is a bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) boiler, built by Valmet. Valmet’s boiler offers Edenderry flexibility on the specifications of fuel used, meaning a variety of residual biomass materials can be employed in combustion.