As a dispatchable renewable generator, Bord na Móna’s Edenderry Power plays an important role in supporting the national grid with renewable energy on days when other renewable sources are low, and energy demand is high.

Edenderry Power is a 100% biomass-fuelled facility which forms a key element of Bord na Móna’s renewable electricity generating portfolio.

In order to provide a stable source of renewable power, the plant has an ongoing requirement to source biomass material, offering Irish landowners a reliable offtake for biomass material derived from hedgerow reduction.

This arrangement offers a practical solution for landowners, enabling them to clear their sites while simultaneously generating income from the material.

The revenue from this biomass can be used to offset the costs associated with chipping and transporting the material, providing financial support and helping to manage the logistics involved in the process.

This approach benefits both the landowner and the environment, offering a sustainable way to handle residual biomass materials.

In the wake of Storm Éowyn, the Bord na Móna biomass team has received many enquiries from farmers impacted by the storm.

If you have material that has been affected by the recent storm and which may not be suitable for sawmilling or post manufacture please get in touch.

With the recent ban on burning residual material from hedgerow reduction operations on farms, a significant challenge has arisen as large volumes of this material are now being left in fields across the Irish countryside.

Unfortunately, rather than being disposed of in a controlled manner, a significant amount of this material is left to decay naturally, which leads to the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere as it breaks down.

This situation highlights the growing need to find sustainable alternatives for managing this biomass material, making the utilisation of biomass for energy generation increasingly important.

Biomass material used to fuel Edenderry Power must comply with the plant’s fuel specifications and be free from any contaminants such as mud, stones, metal, or other foreign materials.

All biomass materials supplied to the plant are paid for based on their energy content and compliance with specific physical and chemical standards.

The quality of the material is also carefully monitored, with material that has a lower moisture content being valued higher due to its increased calorific value.

This means that drier biomass material generates more energy per unit of weight, making it a more efficient and cost-effective choice for biomass energy production.

The plant ensures that all fuel meets these strict requirements to maintain optimal performance and energy output.

There are currently several contractors across the country who are offering services related to hedgerow reduction, chipping, and haulage.

When determining whether a site is suitable for these operations, several factors must be considered.

These include the ease of access for the necessary equipment, the condition and stability of the ground, and the quality of the local road network.

Each of these elements plays a crucial role in ensuring that the operations can be carried out efficiently, safely, and without any unforeseen challenges.

For more information on becoming a biomass supplier to Edenderry Power, click here.