The Bioenergy Scheme was introduced as an Exchequer funded pilot scheme in 2007 to support the establishment of the energy crops miscanthus and willow. The pilot scheme ran until 2009 and was replaced from 2010 with a 50% EU co-funded Scheme which was subsequently increased to an 85% EU co-funding rate from 1 January 2012. Up to the end of 2012 some 3,250 hectares of energy crops have been established under the Bioenergy Scheme. A breakdown of the amounts paid in grant-aid to successful applicants under the Bioenergy Scheme from 2007 to 2012 is as follows:
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Grant-Aid issued (€)
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2007
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654,182.90
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2008
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1,076,960.51
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2009
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1,084,545.67
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2010
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592,414.52
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2011
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357,989.94
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2012
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258,998.17
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I am aware from representations made to my Department recently that some farmers have been advised of difficulties being experienced by the company with whom they have an end-use contract for their harvested miscanthus crop. The Deputy will be aware that issues regarding the operation of REFIT are a matter in the first instance for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte T.D.
The Deputy may also be aware that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has announced his intention to publish a National Bioenergy Strategy in the near future. This strategy will examine all aspects of the bioenergy sector so as to inform the actions required to maximise its contribution to achieving the 2020 targets under the Renewable Energy Directive. My Department is working closely with Minister Rabbitte’s Department in assessing the potential of bioenergy from the agriculture and forestry sectors to contribute to the 2020 targets. Any decisions in relation to future developments in the bioenergy sector will be taken in the context of this exercise.
