In an article published in Bioenergy international (https://bioenergyinternational.com/opinion-commentary/40817) and written by Alan Sherrard, the European Court of Justice ruled against a challenge to biomass being included in the Renewable Energy Directive (REDII). This is indeed good news as it paves the way for biomass to not only continue to become important in the heating and energy sector but also acts as an encouragement to those considering an investment into biomass CHP thus displacing fossil fuel usage. Green Belt harvests 200,000 tonnes of timber each year and up to 40% of this material is used for biomass. The private estate in Ireland will provide much of this material to utilities into the future provided the mobilisation of the timber from the private estate is encouraged and facilitated by the forest service. A strong new minister for forestry will hopefully make the wheels of the industry turn quicker than the current rate.

Quotes from the article are below which have been copied from the Bioenergy international website - https://bioenergyinternational.com/opinion-commentary/40817.

With this procedural ruling, the European Court of Justice clears doubts on the future of the EU’s largest renewable energy source. The inclusive work carried by the decision-makers and experts during many years of consultations, scientific debate, and evidence collection that led to the REDII sustainability framework is acknowledged as a solid approach.

We welcome the Court’s ruling, which removes unnecessary uncertainty over the future of renewable energy in Europe. Although this was a procedural ruling this was the right overall result, as the arguments put forward in the case had no value. The European institutions carried out an open consultation to gather scientific and environmental advice and considered these during the legislative process. The result was a revised Renewable Energy Directive that set out rigorous standards for the inclusion of sustainable biomass in the European energy mix, said Seth Ginther, USIPA Executive Director.

Since the early stage of the consultation, bioenergy industry stakeholders and trade bodies on both sides of the Atlantic have fully supported the introduction of sustainability criteria for solid biomass. These ensure that biomass is produced sustainably, irrespective of its geographical origin. If sustainably sourced and produced, bioenergy brings considerable environmental and socio-economic benefits.

As noted by forest economists, forest stocks have been increasing in the US Southeast because markets for wood products, like biomass, provide financial incentives for private landowners to keep investing in the continual cycle of thinning, harvesting and replanting trees.

The Irish Times have reported the below article relating to a forest fire in young Sitka plantation in Leitrim. The cost to the taxpayer for this damage is estimated at €500,000. If it were caused on purpose by protestors who argue that exchequer funds re diverted into forestry unnecessarily, then they have not helped their cause at all with a further half million being lost during an altogether difficult time nationally and globally. https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/forest-fire-that-caused-500-000-worth-of-damage-in-leitrim-was-started-deliberately-1.4235364?mode=amp

In reference to an article in the FT from last October, it is really interesting to see the impact on the environment and the potential impact on the consumer for the continuation of using coal fired power stations. To quote Carbon Tracker, as quoted in the article written by Harry Dempsey @harrydemps : " “[Governments] will have to choose whether to: pass costs to the utilities and destroy shareholder value; pass costs to consumers and push bills up; or fund them from debt or taxes.” From an Irish perspective, Moneypoint is being phased out by 2025. Recent claims from Christian Aid suggest the ESB are purchasing coal from Carrejon in Colombia and that this practice should cease. An independent inquiry is being called for to assess the conditions the coal is being mined under. This inquiry is supported by the UN. ESB refute these claims and are using Bettercoal to provide its certification.

In line with the planned closure, some of the forecast job losses in and around Kilrush, are already at 50% with a reduced 'running rate'. Future roles for the site are suggested as a gas burning site but some are calling for it to be a hub for off shore wind.

As Ireland's largest electricity producing plant and also Ireland's largest emissions source, something needs to be done. Will this be before 2025? Is there scope for a combination of fuel resources to be used on this site? Biomass obviously has a natural role to play considering the volume of material available in the Clare region. Combining the already in existence material with an incentive to plant shorter rotation material for local farmers struggling to provide through beef or dairy farming.

There will be a significant change in the next few years in how we produce and use fuel for energy. This is being driven globally and it will be interesting to see how Ireland responds to this.

COVID 19 is everywhere and the best way to combat this is to follow the advice and guidelines from the experts.

Green Belt has implemented its own policy to prevent any contamination or spreading of the disease.

As part of this policy, we are postponing client face to face meetings and any necessary interactions, are conducted with the minimum 2 metre social distancing industry place. Similarly we are using soap and water and/ or sterilising liquid to keep the disease at bay. There was a pharmacist speaking recently and she said “think that every time you wash your hands.......it might be the break in the chain”.

Please stay safe, away from others and be smart about this.

In the meantime, Green Belt can still work remotely, can still visit forests and lands and continue to apply for planting grants and acquire semi mature forests.

It’s business as usual(ish) but in a slightly different way.

All the contractors and local businesses they depend on the forestry value chain need your support more than ever - and that’s really essential.

Prosper Cavan, presented by the Guinness Enterprise Centre and supported by Bank of Ireland held its second event on Tuesday 18th of February. Bank of Ireland in Grand Canal kindly opened their doors to allow a collection of entrepreneurs and business people from Cavan (and even Toronto) to meet, network and discuss all that Cavan has to offer.

Tony Walker, general manager of the Slieve Russel hotel was keynote speaker on the night and was hugely impressive and informative on the fabulous hotel and some of the amazing tourist attractions around the county - such as Cavan Burren park, Clogh Oughter Castle, Killykeen forest parks and even a WW1 trench experience.

Marcus from Rural Adventure tours also spoke and what they offer is incredible - fun, excitement and activities all around Cavan (and nationally).

Cavan county Council also spoke of Cavan Calling events in August this year - can you and yours come along? Lots to see and do for all the family.

The mobilisation of Irish indigenous biomass will be one of many topics discussed at the upcoming Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) conference at the end of February in Croke Park. Significant investment in forestry since 1990 will see residual pulp wood and brash material coming to the market over the next number of years. The Irish forestry estate of approximately 750,000 hectares (representing circa 10% the area of ROI) is currently owned approximately 50% private and 50% public. The private forestry network is owned by approximately 22,000 landowners of which 83% are farmers. The average size of these forestry holdings is 8.8 ha.

Speaking in advance of the IrBEA conference sponsored by Bord na Mona, Seán Finan, CEO of IrBEA said “Mobilising Irish indigenous biomass and brash is crucial to achieving our Renewable Energy targets in both the electricity and heating sectors. Addressing the challenges of fragmented and mobilisation of our private forestry estate will need to be overcome. Bord na Móna, is playing a positive role by helping unlock the biomass opportunity in Ireland as an outlet for residual material which will help decarbonise Ireland's electricity grid. The Edenderry power plant is looking to use 100% biomass as a feedstock by 2024 which will maximise locally sourced biomass. Currently, Bord na Móna is sourcing most of their biomass requirements from Irish suppliers and want to see these Irish volumes grow in the coming years. This growth will have the double benefit of developing biomass supply chains for industry and renewable heat and creating new jobs in rural communities.”

The IrBEA conference titled “Bioenergy - Inspiring the Industry with Opportunity and Vision” will bring together professionals, industry representatives, researchers, farmers, foresters, technology providers and many important stakeholders across the bioenergy sectors of biomass, biogas, biofuels, energy crops and wood fuels. The conference provides a platform to discuss all aspects of the bioenergy industry, its role in the transition to a low carbon economy and the opportunity and role bioenergy has in addressing climate change.

Des O’Toole, IrBEA President said “Sustainably produced biomass will play a key role in Irelands transition from a fossil-fuel based economy to a low carbon economy. Bord na Móna are actively encouraging the mobilisation of Irelands private forestry resources, matching local supply with local energy demand while providing a route to market for these first and second thinning’s and brash material”

Seán Finan IrBEA CEO concluded “Power using Biomass produces a full ‘on demand’ renewable energy and complements other renewable technologies. When the wind doesn’t blow, or the sun doesn’t shine biomass can guarantee a supply of renewable energy to our electricity grid. The use of indigenous biomass will assist Ireland to decarbonisation our energy system but also drive the economic and growth agenda in rural Ireland.”

Ends.

For Further information please contact: Seán Finan B.E. C.Eng MIEI CEO Irish Bioenergy Association 0874146480

Aldi, the retail giant, is continuing to combat climate change and has encouraged the establishment of a native woodland forest in Limerick. Mr Patrick Donovan, TD (@podonovan ) helped launch the forestry initiative on a local farm in Limerick. Green Belt were contracted by the landowner to establish the forestry on their land, and Aldi came on board with a further incentive to the landowner.

The landowner will always own the land and tree's and receives an annual premium for 15 years. As part of the woodland environmental fund, the landowner receives a once off payment from a donor company, such as Aldi.

As the forest industry in Ireland continues to evolve, we are seeing more and more emphasis on native woodlands and a focus on environmental gains in line with economic goals.

If you would like to become involved, please feel free to call us today on 1800 200 233 or email reception@greenbelt.ie.

Everyone at Green Belt would like to wish you all a very happy, healthy and sustainable 2020.

We look forward to working with you in 2020 and beyond.

A large holding in Craggagh, Balla, Co Mayo is for sale via John Cleggs (Scotland) and REA Grimes (Ireland).
This forest comprises of a total area of 75 Hectares with 11 ha's planted in 1996 and 46.32 Hectares of majority Sitka Spruce planted in 2016. There are still premiums outstanding on the most recent planting of approx €23,900 per annum for 11 years.

The blocks are well served with access to all points already in place or an agreement with the neighbouring landowners. There is scope to expand this holding with neighbouring blocks also.

Best and final offers are invited by the 22nd of Janaury to Cleggs. Please contact Jock Galbraith in the Edinburgh office to make your bid.

KBI Global Investors co-fund the establishment of a Native Woodland in County Roscommon.

Green Belt established the plantation under the Woodland Environmental Fund (WEF) and are delighted to help promote the recognition of the benefits and ecosystem services provided by native plantations.

The WEF is designed to promote and encourage the establishment of native woodlands across Ireland. The landowner applies with Green Belt to the Forest service and once approved, a company such as KBIGI can enhance the premium paid with a once off payment of €1,000 per hectare to the forest owner.

This is a win-win-win for all stakeholders, including those pushing for more native woodlands nationally. The land remains the property of the individual who plants it; numerous rural jobs are sustained through further planting and there is increased diversity across the landscape as well as protection for watercourses and so on. And, of course, we can't forget the Carbon Capture element - an area Ireland is lagging far behind its annual targets.

Congrats to KBIGI for funding a meaningful measure that will enhance our environment and create new and invaluable habitats.

Click on the names if you wish to speak with Maurice Ryan who coordinates the scheme with the partners, or John Paul Fahy, the regional forester who established the plantation.