asked the Minister for Energy the progress made to date in the study of biomass.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Biomass Study .
21.
: A number of studies into the production of energy from biomass are being carried out involving Government Departments. State agencies and universities. A co-operative project between the ESB, Bord na Móna, An Foras Talúntais, and the Department of Fisheries and Forestry to produce short rotation forestry for electricity generation is well advanced. This project, which relies in part on research carried out and still in progress in An Foras Talúntais, involves the production of 1,000 acres of short rotation forestry and its use in a purpose built ESB boiler. A mechanical harvester is being developed for this purpose by Bord na Móna, as such a machine is not available elsewhere.
During the last year, the ESB have conducted trials on the combustion of wood waste in Cahirciveen power station. These trials may lead to the use of timber in other power stations, at present burning peat, either alone or mixed with coal.
The use of animal waste, that is, slurry, to produce methane by fermentation is being developed by An Foras Talúntais and by University College, Galway. Both organisations have co-operative agreements with commercial concerns and both projects are nearing commercial use. This fermentation not only produces methane for heating buildings but also makes the slurry less noxious and easier to dispose of.
A computer programme has been developed by Trinity College, Dublin for the NBST for general use. This programme calculates the economic returns and uses of short rotation forestry for particular locations, production costs and prices. The ESRI have commenced a study on the social and economic aspects of large-scale short rotation forestry in the Border counties.
: In view of rising fuel costs, what are the indications that the use of biomass might be a possibility, particularly the short-term afforestation aspect?
: The prospects for biomass in this country are very good. We are still at an experimental stage but we have advanced far enough to be able to say that biomass can definitely make a relatively substantial contribution to our energy requirements in coming years. There is no doubt about that.
: Have the 1,000 acres to which the Minister referred in his reply now been purchased and planted?
: My understanding is that they have but I will have to check it if the Deputy wants a definitive reply.
: Perhaps I will put down a separate question. Are these 1,000 acres on one site or are they distributed over more than one site?
: I understand they are distributed over different areas.
: The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.