Midlands Bioenergy Development Plan officially launched in Moate

The official launch of the new Midlands Bioenergy Development Plan (MBDP) took place in Tuar Ard in Moate recently.

The MBDP is focused on encouraging and mentoring new bioenergy sector start-ups as part of the Just Transition in the midlands region. Bioenergy is an inherently cross-cutting sector, involving matters such as energy costs and security, fossil fuel substitution, local enterprise, climate action, environment, circular and bioeconomy, agriculture, electricity, heat and transport.

Project Executive, Pádraic Ó hUiginn remarked that “the ‘joined-up’ approach it brings to a number of major environmental and economic challenges is very exciting. Bioenergy covers a number of technology types.

"That said, in a very practical way, it can provide sustainable and renewable substitutes for fossil fuels in electricity, heat and transport. It is storable and dispatchable. It must meet strict sustainability criteria under the re-cast Renewable Energy Directive. They are proven technologies, that are already available and deployed in other European Union member states, and in Ireland.”

Mr Ó hUiginn continued: “For the Midlands’ communities covered by the National Just Transition Fund, bioenergy offers an opportunity to renew and adapt technical and business skills, in energy supply and the needs of energy users.

"In terms of going to the heart of what the Just Transition is about, it also offers a sustainable pathway to renew and strengthen local economies as a platform for vibrant communities, that continue to be attractive places in which to work, live, grow up in, and be proud to call home.”

Minister for Land-use and Biodiversity, Pippa Hackett officiated at the launch and gave the keynote address on behalf of the government. Just Transition Commissioner, Mr Kieran Mulvey, spoke about what the Just Transition seeks to deliver for the region. More localised events will take place around the Midlands in the autumn so that the project can engage directly with potential bioenergy start-up enterprises that could benefit from training and mentoring from the project.

The in-person launch event signalled that localised events will take place around the Midlands in the autumn so that the project can engage directly with potential bioenergy start-up enterprises that could benefit from knowledge transfer, training and mentoring from the project.

Event attendees also heard that a bioenergy feedstock resources analysis and an energy demand analysis for the Midlands region are currently being carried out as part of the project. This work will provide an evidence base for advising and mentoring the potential start-up bioenergy businesses.

The project team plans later this year to invite potential bioenergy start-up enterprises to apply to participate in a knowledge transfer programme providing information, support, training and mentoring in getting a bioenergy business up and running.

Employment and Enterprise Support New bioenergy start-ups will be encouraged and mentored, employing people directly, and indirectly through supporting contractors and building up supply chains.

The Midlands Bioenergy Development Project is coordinated by the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) and co-funded by the National Just Transition Fund for the Midlands region.