Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2018
93. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which indigenous biomass supply to maintain security of energy supply will be ensured in view of plans to convert peat plants to the use of biomass. [53127/18]
View answerThe three peat-fired electricity generating stations in Ireland, one owned by Bord na Móna and two by ESB, were awarded support for biomass combustion under the REFIT3 Scheme for up to 30% of the installed capacity up to 2030. Bord na Móna commenced co-firing with biomass in 2008, and it is expected that ESB will commence co-firing with biomass in 2020.
ESB is in the process of seeking planning permission for the phased transition of its stations to biomass by the end of 2027. Bord na Móna currently has planning permission to co-fire with up to 30% biomass.
In relation to the supply of biomass, Bord na Móna’s BioEnergy division sources sustainable biomass that is used at the Edenderry power station. The sourcing and supply of this biomass is based on a set of sustainability principles aligned to UN Sustainable Development Goals. This ensures that the biomass used in electricity generation is from sustainable sources. Up to 80% of the biomass used in the Edenderry power station is from domestic sources.
In addition to the Edenderry power station, there is demand for biomass for use in industry and in residential heating, and the Government’s Support Scheme for Renewable Heat will also create a demand for biomass supplies in the coming years.
Based on current estimates, there is unlikely to be adequate supplies of indigenous biomass available in the short-term to supply all three power stations. Therefore, the importation of biomass will be required. As the supply of indigenous biomass increases, supported by the forestry programme and other measures, imported biomass will be displaced.
