Environment and Energy Management

ireland’s leading environment & energy management publication

INDAVER INVESTS IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT BELVIEW STRATEGIC WATER SUPPLY SCHEME

MARCH/APRIL 2012

ENERGY MANAGEMENT

www.eandemanagement.com

E&E Management Online Expo

The E&E Management Online Expo is Irelands only digital resource for professionals in business and government who are responsible for the sustainability of their company or organisation. With over €16 Billion of capital investment projected for the first half of 2012, the Online Expo will provide a "one stop shop" for Irish businesses and local government who are in the process of sourcing technology products and/or services.

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Your profile will be promoted regularly through: Environment & Energy Management Weekly Newsletters - (D'base of 8,000) Regular press release to National media Cross marketing with Local Government SEO - Ensuring a highest ranking Telemarketing campaigns & surveys

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24 hours a day, 7 days a week Detailed categories. your company profile will be made Tracking facilities. available to all delegates/visitors Google Analythics report to the Online Exhibition.

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As the only Online Directory of technology and services to the environment & energy sectors in Ireland, the Online Expo will provide you with an excellent return on investment. Through a number of mediums we will aggressively promote the Expo, and your profile, to buyers of capital technologies and services in Ireland and provide them with a visually interactive insight into your companies activities.

Reserve your position at the Expo today by simply emailing REGISTRATION now and a member of our production team will be in contact shortly to assist with graphics & editorial.

51 Park West Enterprise Centre, Nangor Road, Dublin 12, Ireland +353 1 6120880 ronan@prempub.com E&E Management Online Expo

C o n t e n t s

- 3-7 E NVIRONMENT N EWS

- 23 W ATER S ERVICES

News from home and abroad.

Belview Strategic Water Supply Scheme paves way for development in Kilkenny and the South East.

- 9 W ASTE M ANAGEMENT

PA G E 2 3

PA G E 9

Indaver Ireland continues to invest in sustainable development.

John Ahern, md, Indaver Ireland.

Water services.

- 26 E NERGY S UPPLY Vayu targets international expansion.

- 11 W ATER S ERVICES & W ASTE M ANAGEMENT

PA G E 2 9

IFAT ENTSORGA 2012 - May 7-11, Munich.

- 28-32 E NERGY P OINT PA G E 1 3

- 13 W ASTE M ANAGEMENT SMILE Resource Exchange encourages businesses to make a change.

Michelle Green, project manager, SMILE Resource Exchange.

Renewable energy.

Latest energy developments in Ireland and overseas.

- 31 E NERGY E FFICIENCY Call for entries for the 2012 Sustainable Energy Awards.

- 14 W ATER , R ECYCLING & S USTAINABILITY Resource Ireland – 17-18 October 2012 – RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin.

PA G E 3 1 Energy efficiency.

Managing Director: Colin Murphy Sales Director: Ronan McGlade Editor: Mike Rohan

PA G E 1 5 Water management.

- 15 W ATER M ANAGEMENT

London Office: Premier Publishing Limited, CTS, 34 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3A 1AT Tel: 0171 247 3238 Fax: 0171 247 3239 Premier Publishing Limited can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of contributors’ articles or statements appearing in this magazine. Any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Premier Publishing and its Directors. No responsibility for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the authors, contributors, editor and publisher. A reader should access separate advice when acting on specific editorial in this publication!

- 17 E NERGY M ANAGEMENT Astellas Ireland takes strategic approach to energy management.

PA G E 1 7 Renault Kangoo ZE launched in Ireland.

Environment & Energy Management is published by Premier Publishing Limited, 51 Parkwest Enterprise Centre, Nangor Road, Dublin 12.

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Europe needs to use water more efficiently.

- 21 G REEN T RANSPORT

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Micheal Cassidy, energy manager, Astellas Ireland.

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ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

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E N V I R O N M E N T

N E W S

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Ireland Has Fourth Highest Municipal Waste Per Person in EU27 n Ireland, 636 kg of municipal waste was generated per person in Ifilled, 2010, the fourth highest in the EU. 57% of this waste was land4% was incinerated, 35% was recycled and 4% was composted.

In the EU27 overall, 502 kg of municipal waste1 was generated per person in 2010, while 486 kg of municipal waste was treated per person. This municipal waste was treated in different ways3: 38% was landfilled, 22% incinerated, 25% recycled and 15% composted.

The amount of municipal waste generated varies significantly across Member States. Cyprus, with 760 kg per person, had the highest amount of waste generated in 2010, followed by Luxembourg, Denmark and Ireland with values between 600 and 700 kg per person, and the Netherlands, Malta, Austria, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, the United Kingdom and Portugal with values between 500 and 600 kg. Finland, Belgium, Sweden, Greece, Slovenia, Hungary and Bulgaria had values between 400 and 500 kg, while values of below 400 kg per person were recorded in Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Estonia and Latvia.

The treatment methods differ substantially between Member States. In 2010, the Member States with the highest share of municipal waste landfilled were Bulgaria (100% of waste treated), Romania (99%), Lithuania (94%) and Latvia (91%).

The highest shares of incinerated municipal waste were observed in Denmark (54% of waste treated), Sweden (49%), the Netherlands (39%), Germany (38%), Belgium (37%), Luxembourg (35%) and France (34%). In ten Member States WASTE MANAGEMENT

The City Bin Co Scoops Two National Business Awards Galway headquartered waste management firm, The City Bin Co, has scooped two national awards from one of the world’s top business consultancies.

Having just won the Deloitte ‘Best Managed Companies’ accolade for the fourth year in a row, the company has capped it with the Deloitte ‘Gold Standard’ Award for 2012.

Established in 1997, The City Bin Co. has operations in Galway, Dublin and other counties. The company’s focus on customer service is the cornerstone of its success. As well as the Deloitte ‘Best Managed Companies’ and ‘Gold Standard’ Awards, the firm has a further 15 accolades and accreditations.

The Deloitte ‘Best Managed Companies’ awards recognise

indigenous Irish businesses that surpass their peers in performance. Companies must compete in a rigorous, independent evaluation of their management capabilities and practices.

Gene

Browne

(pictured),

chief

executive of The City Bin Co.

ENVIRONMENT

Dublin City Council Wins LAMA Awards Dublin City Council has won The Local Authority Members Association (LAMA) Awards for 2012 in two categories - Best Environmentally Friendly Initiative

incineration was equal to or below 1%.

Recycling was most common in Germany (45% of waste treated), Belgium (40%), Slovenia (39%), Sweden (36%), Ireland (35%) and the Netherlands (33%). The Member States with the highest composting rates for municipal waste were Austria (40%), the Netherlands (28%), Belgium (22%), Luxembourg (20%), Denmark (19%) and Spain (18%).

Recycling and composting of municipal waste together accounted for 50% of waste treated or more in Austria (70%), Belgium and Germany (both 62%), the Netherlands (61%) and Sweden (50%). In five Member States less than 10% of waste was recycled or composted. and Best Public Park 2012.

Kilbarrack Fire Station’s Green Plan won the Best Environmentally Friendly Initiative category. The award recognises the pioneering work achieved in writing and implementing the Green Plan for Kilbarrack Fire Station, the main location for the Green Plan in Dublin Fire Brigade. The Green Plan is a total re-think on the way Fire Stations consume energy and water.

Poppintree Park, a regional park for the North West Area, won the Award for Best Public Park 2012.

The Park is a sustainable urban park regeneration project - managing natural systems and recreation in a safe, educational and enjoyable environment. The park gives opportunities for play, sport, contact with nature and socialising and is a community asset for raising the quality of life and biodiversity.

Dublin City Council won the LAMA Award for The Most Innovative Local Authority in lead-

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

ing www.dublinked.ie. This is the first regional open data website in Ireland, recently launched by partners in the four Dublin Local Authorities and NUI Maynooth with technology provided by IBM. Open access to government owned data is set to revolutionise how entrepreneurs convert raw data into valuable digital products and services. Dublin’s unique physical, social and economic infrastructure and geography makes it an attractive place to start new products and services.

Removable Chewing Gum Premiers in Europe With Irish Launch The world’s first commercially available environmentally friend3

E N V I R O N M E N T

N E W S

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Ireland Meeting Most EU Waste Recovery and Recycling Targets gets for reuse, I recovery and recycling of vehicles reland is well advanced in achieving most of the EU waste recovery and recycling targets, with the exception of end of life vehicle targets, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Waste Report 2010. The economic downturn is having a marked influence on municipal waste generation, which has decreased by 16 per cent since it peaked in 2007. The quantity of household waste collected for treatment fell by 5 per cent in spite of an increase in population. The recovery rate for packaging waste increased to 74 per cent.

The main findings of the report were that in 2010: • Municipal waste generation fell by 3.6 per cent compared to 2009.

• Household waste recovery increased by 11 per cent compared to 2009.

• Household waste collected for treatment fell by 5 per cent and commercial waste collected fell by 12 per cent compared to 2009.

• Municipal waste recycling achieved a rate of 38 per cent, a 3 per cent increase compared to 2009, and close to the EU27 norm of 40 per cent.

• Ireland met its 2010 EU Landfill Directive target for diversion of biodegradable municipal waste from landfill.

• A recovery rate of 74 per cent was achieved for packaging waste, exceeding the EU target of 60 per cent by 2011.

• Ireland is failing to meet the End of Life Vehicle Directive tarly chewing gum, Rev7, is launching in Ireland this summer following a distribution deal with Topaz, Ireland’s largest fuel and service station group. Rev7 is already available in the United States and this summer’s launch will be its European debut.

Produced by British polymer company Revolymer, Rev7 gum has been fully approved for sale within the EU by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

The deal with Topaz means that the great tasting and environmentally friendly Rev7 gum will be available from this summer at over 114 forecourt stores across the Republic of Ireland. With this major distribution partnership now secure, Revolymer is now actively seeking further retail partners and hopes to have its gum on-shelf in the UK by autumn of 2012.

Using patented polymer technology the gum can be removed readily from clothes using soap and water, and the streets.

In Ireland chewing gum is the

single largest component in the food litter category and the second largest component of overall litter after cigarettes. The numbers speak for themselves; in one month Dublin city council removed an estimated 180,000 pieces of embedded gum from Grafton Street, the city’s premier shopping thoroughfare, while across Ireland it is believed that up to 500 tonnes ends up dumped on the streets.

Revolymer’s technology can help solve a very costly and challenging problem and the consumer can help the environment without sacrificing quality.

Environmental Impact Assessment to be More User Friendly In an attempt to help Member States’ authorities and develop-

and their components.

• 29 per cent of occupied houses do not participate in, or are not offered, a waste collection service.

• At current fill rates, 15 of the 28 currently active municipal solid waste landfills in Ireland will close in the next three years. There is a remaining national landfill capacity of 12 years.

• Use of waste as an energy fuel grew by 20 per cent from 2009 figures to 183,000 tonnes in 2010.

Ireland is making good progress towards achieving its EU targets in areas such as packaging waste, waste electrical goods and batteries. “While Ireland has met its 2010 target for the diversion of biodegradable waste from landfill, the more stringent EU targets coming into effect in 2013 and 2016 under the Landfill Directive will be much harder to achieve and will require continued investment in the infrastructure needed to treat biodegradable waste,” points out EPA director general Laura Burke.

SUSTAINABILITY

ers manage the environmental consequences of construction projects more easily, the European Commission has brought together all existing EU legislation governing environmental impact assessments. The original Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive and its three subsequent revisions have been combined to create a more compact, clearly translated and user-friendly version which has just come into force.

This ‘codification’ is part of an ongoing effort to simplify the EU’s regulatory environment. It means that the EIA Directive and all its subsequent amendments now form one single transparent and readable piece of legislation, without any change to its original provisions.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

UCC is Fourth in the World in Green Metric Rankings University College Cork (UCC) is truly Ireland’s green university, a fact testified by being declared in fourth position in the UI World Green Metric University Rankings.

UCC beat off stiff opposition from 178 universities worldwide, renow-ned for their environmental credentials, to attain this outstanding achievement.

The award was based on information submitted by universities around the world on criteria that demonstrates commitment to the ‘green agenda’ and sustainability, in areas such as space utilisation, energy efficiency, water use, transport, etc.

UCC’s commitment to the Sustainability and Green Agenda is clearly demonstrated with the university having become the world’s first Green Flag Campus for third level 5

E N V I R O N M E N T

N E W S

I CLIMATE CHANGE

Act Now or Face Costly Consequences, Warns OECD ction needs to be taken now A to prevent irreversible damage to the environment, according to a new study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The ‘OECD Environmental Outlook to 2050: The Consequences of Inaction’ report presents the latest projections of socio-economic trends over the next four decades, and their implications for four key areas of concern - climate change, biodiversity, water and the health impacts of environmental pollution. Despite the recent recession, the global economy is projected to nearly quadruple to 2050. Rising living standards will be accompanied by ever growing demands for energy, food and natural resources - and more pollution.

The costs of inaction could be colossal, both in economic and human terms. Without new policies: • World energy demand in 2050 will be 80% higher, with most of the growth to come from emerging economies (for North America about +15%, for OECD Europe +28%, for Japan +2.5, for Mexico +112%) and still 85% reliant on fossil fuel-based energy. This could lead to a 50% increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally and worsening air pollution.

• Urban air pollution is set to become the top environmental cause of mortality worldwide by 2050, ahead of dirty water and lack of sanitation. The number of premature deaths from exposure to particulate air pollutants leading to respiratory failure could double from current levels to 3.6 million every year globally, with most occurring in China and India.

Because of their ageing and urbanised populations, OECD institutions in 2010 awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and, more recently, the first third level institution worldwide to be awarded certification for ISO 50001 Standard (Energy Management Systems). Implementation of this standard can lead to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy cost, and other related environmental impacts, through systematic management of energy.

UCC also achieved success at the recent Sustainable Energy of Ireland Awards (SEIA) with the Western Gateway Building (WGB) selected as the winning entry under the Renewable Energy Systems category. In addition, the Project

Management Group, the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering designers of the WGB won the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Sustainable Design and Research Award 2011 for a research paper on the design of the mechanical systems in the WGB.

UK Sustainable Business Spending Accelerates Spending by large UK firms on energy, environment and sus-

countries are likely to have one of the highest rate of premature death from ground-level ozone in 2050, second only to India.

• On land, global biodiversity is projected to decline by a further 10%, with significant losses in Asia, Europe and Southern Africa. Areas of mature forests are projected to shrink by 13%. About onethird of biodiversity in rivers and lakes worldwide has already been lost, and further losses are projected to 2050.

• Global water demand will increase by some 55%, due to growing demand from manufacturing (+400%), thermal power plants (+140%) and domestic use (+130%). These competing demands will put water use by farmers at risk. 2.3 billion more people than today –over 40% of the global population – will be living in river basins under severe water stress, especially in North and South Africa, and South and Central Asia.

To avert the grim future painted by the Environmental Outlook to 2050, the report recommends a cocktail of policy solutions: using environmental taxes and emissions trading schemes to make pollution more costly than greener alternatives; valuing and pricing natural assets and ecosystem services like clean air, water and biodiversity for their true worth; removing environmentally harmful subsidies to fossil fuels or wasteful irrigation schemes; and encouraging green innovation by making polluting production and consumption modes more expensive while providing public support for basic R&D. tainability initiatives will grow at an average of 16% a year between 2012 and 2015, according to a new market forecast from independent analyst firm Verdantix. The growth in sustainable business spending in 2012 will be 12%, which is twenty times faster than the forecasted growth of the UK economy at 0.6%. The study finds that spending by 421 firms in the UK with revenues greater than £750 million will grow from £4.3 billion in 2012 to £6.8 billion in 2015. With current GDP assumptions, annual growth rates will accelerate from 15% in 2013 to 17% in both 2014 and 2015.

“The UK’s sustainable

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

business market is continuing to grow at a healthy rate because firms have aligned sustainability strategies with operational efficiency. Energy cost savings and more efficient use of natural resources now underpin sustainability investments – not philanthropic commitments to fight climate change,” comments Susan Clarke, Verdantix analyst and author of the report.

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Corporate Head Office: Mercury House, Ravens Rock Road, Sandyford Business Estate, Dublin 18, Ireland t +353-(1)-2163000 f +353-(1)-2163005 e info@mercuryeng.com

I WASTE MANAGEMENT

Indaver Ireland Continues to Invest in Sustainable Development Having recently opened the country’s first large scale municipal waste-to-energy plant in County Meath at a cost of €130 million, waste management company Indaver Ireland is pursuing its plans for a second incinerator at Ringaskiddy in Cork, entailing investment of a further €150 million. ndaver Ireland specialises in delivering fast, efficient and cost effective services in the hazardous and non-hazardous waste market. Operating in Ireland since 1977, Indaver Ireland currently employs 124 people across four sites – its Dublin Port Hazardous Waste Facility, its Meath Waste-to-Energy plant, a head office for Ireland and the UK region in Dun Laoghaire, and a Munster office in Cork.

The Dublin Port Hazardous Waste Facility allows for a fast and convenient service for the transfer of hazardous waste and the recovery of solvents in the solvent blending facility adjacent to the site’s waste transfer station. The Meath Waste-to-Energy facility provides Irelands’ recovery outlet for residual municipal waste.

“Our core business is the management of waste management systems and the operation of innovative facilities for hazardous and non hazardous waste, household waste and commercial waste,” explains John Ahern, managing director of Indaver Ireland.

I

structure including Eur15 million at its Dublin Port Hazardous Waste Facility and Eur130 million at the Meath Waste-to-Energy plant.

The Irish business is part of Belgian owned Indaver, a leading European sustainable waste management group. In addition to its operations in Ireland, Indaver has an extensive portfolio of processing plants in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. The group employs more than 1600 people and achieved an operating profit (EBIT) of Eur22.7 million on a turnover of Eur414 million in 2010.

Indaver, which is 75% owned by Dutch utilities company Delta, provided solutions for over 4.3 million tonnes of waste in 2010, 73% of which was processed in its own facilities.

Meath Waste-to-Energy Plant Indaver Ireland has been operating from its Waste-to-Energy facility at Duleek in County Meath since August 2011. Taking over two and half years to complete at a cost of Eur130 million, the Duleek facility is not only the country’s first incinerator but also represents €300 Million Investment the largest ever single investment in solid Indeed, since 1977 Indaver has invested waste management infrastructure in Ireland.

Eur300 million in developing its Irish infra- Harnessing state-of-the-art technology, the site has the capacity to process over 200,000 tonnes of waste each year and to generate enough energy to fuel 20,000 homes.

“Our Meath facility is recognised as being a leading European Waste-to-Energy facility in respect of the technology it employs. For example, the facility has an energy efficiency of 21%. This is very high for a Waste-toEnergy facility which would typically have only 15-18%,” points out John Ahern.

Indaver Ireland has been operating from its Waste-to-Energy facility at “Similarly, our boiler effiDuleek in County Meath since August 2011. ciency is 88%, when the

John Ahern, managing director of Indaver Ireland.

industry norm would be about 80%. We recognise that given the fast pace at which technology develops and moves on for a company such as ours to maximise returns it is vital to keep pace with such technology.”

Benefits of Waste-to-Energy John Ahern believes that Waste-to-Energy (WtE) delivers a number of real and immediate advantages which have the capacity to assist Ireland in meeting its EU waste policy commitments.

“While WtE is still somewhat new to Ireland, it is accepted throughout Europe as a highly effective and beneficial means of waste disposal and treatment,” he says. “WtE actively diverts waste from landfills helping Ireland meet its Landfill Directive diversion targets. It is also regarded as a recovery operation under the Waste Framework Directive as it actively recovers energy from waste.”

He elaborates: “WtE contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by diverting waste from landfills. WtE is also a source of renewable energy by producing renewable and sustainable electricity, replacing traditional fossil fuels and positively contributing to our national energy security and supply.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

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Furthermore, WtE is recognised as the most energy efficient way to treat residual municipal waste.”

Decisive Action Needed on Energy Policy The Irish Government’s energy strategy places a strong emphasis on the key pillars of security of energy supply, environmental sustainability and economic competitiveness. For Ireland to meet its EU target of 20% overall share of energy from renewable sources by 2020 will require achieving a 33% renewable electricity penetration and a 12% renewable heating penetration for 2020. Indeed, the electricity target has since been revised upwards to 40% renewable electricity by 2020.

John Ahern comments: “While we are strongly supportive of these three key pillars, all stakeholders, including Indaver Ireland, are keenly aware that Ireland’s policy framework cannot be built around rhetoric. We need to see decisive action and

renewable energy target.

“WtE is not an economic luxury; it is an economic necessity,” stresses the Indaver Ireland chief. “It is also a fundamental part of a competitive, modern economy. Efficient and effective waste disposal services are a key requirement for all Irish businesses. WtE offers the best solution to business to dispose of their waste in an efficient and convenient way.”

The Meath site has the capacity to process over 200,000 tonnes of waste each year and to generate enough energy to fuel 20,000 homes.

Cork Plans Despite having its planning application to and of major importance to the Cork build its proposed WtE facility in Cork region, where 19 of the 20 largest global rejected by Bord Pleanala in June 2011, pharma-chem companies have a presence.

Indaver Ireland is continuing to pursue this “The absence of a WtE facility in Cork is goal. The company has sought a judicial forcing many within this sector to export review of the decision on the basis that due their waste out of Ireland, to places such as consideration was not given Hamburg in Germany where it is used to to the inadequacy of waste heat the city’s homes. This is driving up facilities in the Cork region. costs for the sector, at a time when it’s a priAccording to John ority for all businesses to cut costs and Ahern, Bord Pleanala spec- become more streamlined. The lack of a ifically referred to Cork’s WtE facility also acts as a disincentive to the Waste Strategy in its deci- growth of existing businesses and further sion to reject Indaver inward investment,” he reasons.

Ireland’s application in the belief that this strategy was Future Development Strategy sufficiently robust to negate Despite the setback in having its proposed the need for a WtE facility.

Cork WtE facility rejected, Indaver remains “The board does not committed to further expansion in Ireland. appear to have considered “Notwithstanding the current global ecothe fact that Cork County nomic downturn, we remain optimistic that Council had abandoned there is the room for further growth in the The Meath facility is recognised as being a leading European Waste-to- critical elements of this Irish market,” says John Ahern. “In the Energy facility in respect of the technology it employs. For example, it strategy, in the months and short term, the development of our has an energy efficiency of 21%. years before the board took Ringaskiddy WtE facility in Cork remains a its final decision on our priority but we are open to exploring any implementation on the ground. There has facility.” He adds. “For example, the other opportunities across the island should been much progress toward achieving this Council decided not to proceed with a they arise. We are also continuing ongoing goal, but we still have a lot to do and we lag planned material recovery facility or with a investments in Ireland in other areas of someway behind other European countries. new landfill at Bottlehill, Cork; the Council waste disposal such as our materials recovery “As a company, we are delighted that itself sold its waste collection service to the facility in Dublin Port or new waste wrapIndaver’s WtE facility is playing its part in private sector; and a major landfill in ping facilities throughout Ireland.” I contributing toward the development of Youghal has also now sustainable electricity. With plans for a fur- closed.” ther WtE facility in Cork, we are confident Indaver Ireland’s stance that we can increase this contribution.” in calling for a judicial He continues: “Ireland’s National review is that the cumulaRenewable Energy Action Plan, published tive effect of these events in 2010 also highlights the significant means that Cork now has potential for bio-energy production from inadequate waste facilities MSW in the period 2015 to 2020, mainly and will be forced to export from Waste-to-Energy and Anaerobic its waste, either to neighDigestion facilities. So again it’s an area bouring counties or outside which all stakeholders need to develop and of Ireland. promote.”

While WtE facilities can He cites a study for the Department of deal with all types of waste, Communications, Energy and Natural whether commercial or Resources that found that WtE could deliv- household, it is particularly er over one fifth of all bio-energy produc- suited to industries such as Taking over two and half years to complete at a cost of Eur130 million, tion by 2020. This represents enough ener- the pharma-chemical sec- the Meath facility is not only the country’s first incinerator but also gy to power a quarter of all Irish homes and tor, which is a key contrib- represents the largest ever single investment in solid waste management would contribute significantly to Ireland’s utor to the Irish economy infrastructure in Ireland.

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ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

I WATER SERVICES & WASTE MANAGEMENT

IFAT ENTSORGA 2012 – May 7-11, Munich IFAT ENTSORGA, the world’s premier trade show for innovations and services in water, sewage, waste and raw materials management, is already fully booked.

FAT ENTSORGA 2012, which takes place from May 7 to 11 in Munich, will cover a total of 215,000 square meters of exhibition space (180,000 sq m indoors and 35,000 sq m outdoors), and that will set a new record for the show. In terms of exhibitors, the number will exceed the 2,730 that took part in the last IFAT ENTSORGA.

exhibitors. Thanks to experienced professionals, key domestic and international trade associations, government agencies and ministries, IFAT ENTSORGA will be an international industry event again in 2012.

I

Most Important Platform for the Industry IFAT ENTSORGA is the world largest and most important exhibition for the environmental industry and the international meeting place for key-players and decision makers.

This event showcases the industry’s entire range of products and a broad range of service providers. It revolves around state-of-the-art know-how - just one of the reasons IFAT ENTSORGA is so popular among visitors.

As a result, this show offers a number of opportunities to network at an international level. Whether it comes to comparing specific interests, discovering new contacts or establishing promising business ties: this is the place to discuss everything with everyone.

Furthermore, IFAT ENTSORGA reflects not only the latest market developments but also sets new trends. Due to the current economic environment – high market demand, scarcity of raw materials or alike – the show sees for example a considerable growth in the sector for raw materials management. The same high demand applies to the new product category geothermal energy.

Another strong sector at this year's IFAT ENTSORGA is street cleaning and winter road services, which will take 20,000 square meters of exhibition space. That means once again there will be an almost complete turn-out of the sector for the event in Munich.

Events Programme A high-caliber events programme will again flank the range of products and services showcased at IFAT ENTSORGA 2012. On all five days of the fair, the forums in Halls A5 and C1 will feature country and theme specials, panel discussions and presentations by

Country Specials In line with the international character of IFAT ENTSORGA, a number of Country Specials are being incorporated in the programme. The AfricaMaghreb Region, Russia and Turkey will feature in three Country Specials being organized by Messe München in co-operation with the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and the German Water Partnership. And together with the Bavarian State Ministry of the Environment and Public Health, the company is hosting an event to explore in greater depth the developments in Canada and India.

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) is also a co-organizer of the latter. The Country Special on the Arab Regions is being carried out in co-operation with the Arab Countries Water Utilities Association (ACWUA).

Theme Specials In addition the partners of IFAT ENTSORGA will be turning the spotlight on a range of special themes. For example, the Federation of the German Waste, Water and Raw Materials Management Industry (BDE – Bundesverband der Deutschen Entsorgungs-, Wasser- und Rohstoffwirtschaft e.V.) is organizing panel discussions on EU regulations, the law on product recycling and waste management, recovery and recycling and biowaste and how to use it. The German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, the German Water Partnership and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research are putting on a panel discussion on the subject of capacity development in international markets, looking in particular at the involvement of German industry in education and training in water management. The UmweltCluster Bayern is also active at IFAT

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

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ENTSORGA and organizing a panel discussion on ‘Waste to Energy’ in co-operation with the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Infrastructure, Transport and Technology.

16th International Symposium The ‘16th International Symposium Water, Wastewater, Solid Waste, Energy’ is being held within the framework of IFAT ENTSORGA 2012. This is a joint initiative, organized by the German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste (DWA – Deutsche Vereinigung für Wasserwirtschaft, Abwasser und Abfall) in co-operation with the European Water Association (EWA), the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) and the Department of Waste Management and City Cleaning VKS (Verband Abfallwirtschaft und Stadtreinigung im VKU). The event, taking place from May 7 to 10 in the ICM (Internationales Congress Center Munchen), offers a diverse trade programme on themes in sustainable water and waste management.

Mega Cities – Mega Chances A special event on ‘Mega Cities – Mega Chances’ is on the programme for the very first day of the fair. In four theme blocks experts will be exploring the problems of global urbanization and examining solutions. The experts include, for example, Dr. Michael Denkel, a partner at Albert Speer & Partner GmbH, and Professor Dr Ing Xiaohu Dai, Director of the National Engineering Research Center for Urban Pollution Control at Tongji University in Shanghai.

Attendance at the symposia and the forums is free of charge.

Simultaneous interpretation (German/English) is provided at all the lectures.

GeoBioEnergy Conference Another highlight is the premiere of the GeoBioEnergy Conference, which takes place on 9 and 10 May, also in the ICM. On the first day operators will report on their experiences with geothermal power stations. There will also be a review of how geothermal heat can be made usable. On the second day the focus switches to the production of biogas from biogenic waste and the efficient use of waste wood for energy.

For further information on IFAT ENTSORGA 2012 visit www.ifat.de. I 12

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

I WASTE MANAGEMENT

With Landfill Charges Set to Increase, SMILE Resource Exchange Encourages Businesses to Make a Change SMILE Resource Exchange is encouraging businesses from all sectors to make a change that will save them money, reduce waste going to landfill and help them develop new business opportunities this year. ith the landfill levy set to rise even further this year in a series of planned hikes, which will more than double the charge from its existing level at the start of 2011, now is the perfect time to look at business practices relating to waste disposal and make a change. The levy is scheduled to increase from €50 a tonne to €65 a tonne on June 1st this year, followed by a further increase to €75 a tonne on June 1st 2013, following an announcement last year by Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government Phil Hogan.

The levy increase means that, for example, if a hospitality business sends approximately 50 tonnes of waste to landfill, this hike will increase their annual costs by €2,250. The increases are designed to make landfill uneconomical and help move waste away from disposal, and concentrate minds on resource management and waste prevention.

SMILE (Saving Money through Industry Links and Exchanges) Resource Exchange

W

Michelle Green, Project Manager of SMILE Resource Exchange.

is an initiative that encourages the idea that “one person’s waste is another’s resource” and works with businesses and organisations to foster partnerships that allow them to exchange their re-usable resources.

Michelle Green, Project Manager of SMILE Resource Exchange, says: “Waste is sometimes a subjective concept, because items that some people discard as rubbish may have value to others.”

Cost Savings Potential exchanges are identified through networking events, an online exchange facility and a support team to assist. SMILE Resource Exchange is a free initiative that proactively supports businesses, and joins enterprise and environment together in a unique and innovative way; and to date has identified over 1,000 potential matches between its 500 members, as well as identifying thousands of euros of cost savings for businesses.

SMILE Resource Exchange is looking forward to welcoming new members, and seeing more money saving matches made, like Dermot McCarthy of O’Donovan Engineering who realised the value of the SMILE Resource Exchange in 2011 and was pleasantly surprised. He says: "It was astonishing to see the variations in 'waste' and the amount of companies who actually wanted the materials. We found a home for our plastic reels which really proved that one companies’ waste is indeed another's raw material. We are now saving ?2,160 per year by rerouting our plastic reels out of landfill."

Innovative Initiative No matter how big or small your business

is there is potential to make a match through this innovative initiative. Aodhan Quinlan of Rothar Cycles in Cork is proof of this: "My business generates a considerable amount of quality brown cardboard that used to go to landfill. At a recent SMILE event I found out a ‘match’ that would take this waste off my hands and I am now saving ?250 - ?300 per year."

Imelda McGrattan from Imelda McGrattan & Associates encourages businesses to give SMILE Resource Exchange a go, saying: "People sometimes don't think that what they have as a waste could be reused by another, and enable them to reduce their own costs in disposing. SMILE is helping shift people's mindset."

SMILE Resource Exchange is project managed by Macroom E and is supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Cork County and City Enterprise Boards; Cork County and City Councils; Limerick/Clare/Kerry Regional Waste Management Office; Limerick County and City Enterprise Boards; Kerry County Enterprise Board; and Clare County Enterprise Board.

All resources offered through SMILE Resource Exchange are either free of charge or below market value, and businesses in all sectors are invited to sign up today. To sign up or for further information on SMILE Resource Exchange, as well details of upcoming events visit www.smileexchange .ie or call (026) 20520. I Waste Facts • Ireland produces over 3 million tonnes of municipal waste each year.

• SMEs create over 50% of this commercial and industrial waste.

• Waste alone often costs a business 5-20 times the cost of disposal.

• Wastage of resources costs companies up to 4.5% of turnover.

Source: www.greenbusiness.ie.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

13

I WATER, RECYCLING & SUSTAINABILITY

Resource Ireland – 17-18 October 2012 – RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin esource Ireland is the leading exhibition

Rfor the Irish water, recycling and sus-

tainable business sectors making it a mustattend event for those who want to stay abreast with developments in the Irish market. Returning to Dublin on 17-18 October 2012, Resource Ireland consists of three market leading exhibitions.

The Irish Water Exhibition - is the only exhibition dedicated to water professionals in Ireland, making it a must-attend event

for everybody who wants to stay abreast with developments in Ireland's water industry.

The Irish Recycling & Waste Exhibition - is the premier event for waste and recycling professionals in Ireland. It is supported by CIWM Ireland and CRE giving it additional credibility.

The Irish Sustainable Business Exhibition - is the latest addition to Resource Ireland aimed at environmental and sustainability professionals from across all industries and business sectors, providing tools to make their business more sustainable.

Resource Ireland provides an ideal and unique opportunity for companies looking to grow their business, generate new sales leads or raise their company’s profile, ensuring their company’s products and services are seen by Ireland’s environmental professionals. Bringing together key industry buy-

ers from both the public and private sector Resource Ireland is the perfect place to showcase your company’s capabilities.

Accompanied by an intensive two day seminar programme and debating opportunities, Resource Ireland provides unrivalled opportunities to raise your company’s profile. For more information please view the current floor plan or visit www.resourceireland.net I

I WATER MANAGEMENT

Europe Needs to Use Water More Efficiently urope needs to redouble efforts in using water more efficiently to avoid undermining its economy, according to a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA).

Inefficient water use impacts hard on the resources needed by ecosystems and people, both vital assets for European productivity and security.

The report ‘Towards Efficient use of water resources in Europe’ makes the case for an integrated water management, starting with better implementation of existing legislation.

Water shortages have severe consequences for economies reliant on agriculture and industry. Some shortages have even led to drinking water restrictions in parts of Europe. There are also indirect effects on the economy, as reduced river flows, falling lake and groundwater levels, and disappearing wetlands can have destructive effects on the natural systems underpinning economic productivity.

Increasingly, there is intense competition for water resources in some parts of Europe. Across the European Union, agriculture uses about a quarter of water diverted from the natural environment, though this can be up to 80% in southern Europe.

In addition, public water supply accounts for approximately a fifth of water use across Europe – and over a quarter of this is used just to flush the toilet. Hydropower instal-

E

lations also change the natural structure and flow of rivers and lakes, with consequences for ecosystems.

Agriculture is one sector where easy efficiency gains are possible, because a lot of water is used inefficiently to irrigate crops.

Some estimates calculate that approximately a quarter of water abstracted for irrigation in Europe could be saved, just by changing the type of pipe or channel used.

Public water supply can be made more effective - as much as 50% of drinking water is lost in some EU Member States.

Higher Energy Use Inefficient use of water also leads to higher energy use, with extra financial and environmental costs, according to the report.

While the energy needed to pump and treat freshwater into drinking water is typically

around 0.6 kWh/m3, desalination of seawater adds approximately 4 kWh/m3.

Several European countries use desalination technology, most notably Spain, which is among the highest users of desalination globally.

Authorities should set clear environmental targets for water use, within the limit of what is sustainable, according to the report.

Such targets would differ depending on the available resources, but should be designed so that the natural environment has sufficient water to function. A form of ‘decoupling’ is needed so that increasing economic productivity does not entail increasing water use and increasing environmental impacts.

Water Prices Historically, water prices in Europe have rarely reflected the true financial cost of supplying water, nor the economic costs to the environment. This has led to pollution and water scarcity, imposing costs on the environment and society. For example, the general public typically has to pay for the cost of treating drinking water contaminated by agriculture or industry. Putting the right price on water can incentivise more efficient use of water and technological innovation. Effective use of taxes, subsidies, market mechanisms, pricing schemes and other economic instruments can also help balance conflicting demands on water. I

Star’s Renewable Energy Water Desalination System in International Spotlight tar Refrigeration’s innovative renewable energy system for producing fresh drinkS ing water has prompted a visit from Scottish Development International and a team of journalists from the Philippines.

SDI executive Joanne Murphy and journalists from the Business Mirror, the leading business news daily in the Philippines, recently toured Star’s Glasgow headquarters and manufacturing facility.

Star’s NeatDesal solution was of particular interest, as it uses solar energy and waste heat from large district cooling systems to boil and desalinate seawater. It is estimated that NeatDesal can produce fresh drinking water for only a fraction of the cost of a

reverse osmosis system. A recent technical assessment undertaken at Heriot-Watt University’s Dubai campus cites a 40% cost saving per litre.

Star’s director of innovation, Dave Pearson, says: “We believe there is huge potential for this system in areas such as the Middle East. Around 60% of the electricity produced there is currently consumed by cooling plants, which then throw away heat energy in amounts 2.4 times greater than the electrical energy they consume.” He adds: “NeatDesal captures waste heat from district cooling systems and then recycles it to produce fresh drinking water from seawater, at a much lower cost than other

desalination techniques.” For more information visit www.star-ref.co.uk.I

Dave Pearson (Star), Jessica Hermosa (Business Mirror), Estrella Torres (Business Mirror) and Joanne

Murphy

(Scottish

Development

International) pictured with a high temperature heat pump in Star’s Glasgow factory.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

15

Head Office

Cork Office

Malone O'Regan McGillicuddy

consulting engineers

The company operates from its offices at Day Place, Tralee and Gateway Business Park in Cork.

Our Services

Established in Tralee in 1980, Malone O’Regan McGillicuddy have over twenty five years experience in providing Civil and Structural Engineering Consultancy Services to a wide range of clients throughout the south west region and beyond.

4 Day Place Tralee, Co Kerry, Ireland

1202 Gateway Business Park Mallow Road Cork City, Co. Cork, Ireland

Phone: +353 66 7123130 Fax: +353 66 7123364 E-mail: info@mrg.ie

Phone: 066-7123130 Fax: 066-7123364 E-mail: info@mrg.ie

Civil and Structural Engineering Consultancy Service Planning & Design Project Management Procurement Project Evaluation Construction Supervision Energy Assessment

Registered member of Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland

I ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Astellas Ireland Takes Strategic Approach to Energy Management In recognition of the progress and commitment towards carbon neutral status through the implementation of wind turbine and wood chip boiler projects at the Astrellas Ireland pharmaceutical production site in Kerry, the company’s energy manager, Micheal Cassidy, has been named 2011 Energy Manager of the Year by the SEAI. stellas Ireland comprises two manufacturing plants - a bulk facility based in Damastown, Dublin and a finishing plant in Killorglin, County Kerry. The parent company, which is headquartered in Japan, is a global pharmaceutical group, formed from the merger of Fujisawa and Yamanouchi during 2005.

Established in 1992, the plant at Killorglin serves the world-wide market as the production base for the formulation and packaging of Prograf and Advagraf, breakthrough drugs in the treatment of organ rejection in transplant surgery. The Kerry plant employs almost 300 people.

A

Pictured at the 2011 Sustainable Energy Awards presentation, hosted by SEAI and sponsored by ESB Electric Ireland, were (left to right): Brendan Halligan, chairman of SEAI; Micheal Cassidy, energy manager of Astellas Ireland; Energy

Wind Turbine Project Astellas Ireland has installed a single, 800 kilowatt, wind turbine for self generation of electricity at the plant at Killorglin. The new wind turbine is expected to offset approximately 1,052 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, as well as reducing the plant’s dependency on external electricity supply. This will help Astellas Ireland deliver significant cost savings.

New Wood Chip Boiler Astellas Ireland has also constructed a new 1.8MW biomass boiler to meet the demand for steam at the Killorglin facility. The project will offset significant volumes of fossil fuel, providing Astellas Ireland with significant annual energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint.

Biomass can play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change by displacing fossil fuels usage. The project, which is being supplied with biomass fuel by Coillte under a five year agreement, will also have a positive impact on the South Kerry region through the development of a local biomass energy supply chain.

It is expected that the majority of the biomass feedstock will be sourced from forest resources in the Kerry region. Both Coillte and Astellas Ireland are committed to a biomass strategy that matches renewable energy requirements with local biomass supply.

Minister Pat Rabbitte TD; and Brid Horan, executive director of ESB Electric Ireland.

Reducing CO2 and Costs “Globally, Astellas is very committed to reducing CO2 emissions and the group’s impact on the environment. Both projects will significantly reduce the company’s CO2 emissions and reduce the energy costs associated with manufacturing product,” comments Micheal Cassidy.

He adds: “Another advantage for investing in the wood chip boiler is that currently Astellas is solely dependent on oil for heating purposes and is very exposed to price fluctuations and supply risks. Wood chip, sourced locally can mitigate these risks and guarantee a consistent supply of fuel to Astellas regardless of what’s happening in the global markets.”

Appointed as energy manager in 2006, Micheal Cassidy has led a team in implementing a strategic approach to energy management by Astellas Ireland which has yielded almost 7 million kWh in energy savings in the past five years.

Sustainable Energy Award Micheal Cassidy won the Energy Manager of the Year Award for Major Users for his role in ensuring compliance with EN16001, establishing energy management procedures and delivering 6% energy savings. The Sustainable Energy Awards reward excellence

in energy management by organisations of all sizes.

The judges were not only impressed with Astellas Ireland’s strides towards carbon neutral status through the site’s wind turbine and wood chip boiler projects but also commented on Micheal Cassidy’s role in motivating the team. Indeed, Micheal Cassidy’s understanding of good energy management principles and practice has led to his appointment as an external consultant on several university and college Energy Teaching Programmes.

“The award is a great credit to the Astellas energy management team. We set monthly targets and report to the senior management team on progress. We’ve introduced tools and practices to conserve and manage energy. We have achieved energy savings of 6% and cost savings of 11% since our programme started,” he explains.

Energy Management System Astellas Ireland has implemented an independently verified Environmental Management System and is committed to continual improvement in energy efficiency in order to reduce both the company’s impact on the environment and to ensure the future viability of the business through lower operating costs.

“Astellas operate a very successful Energy Management System which has contributed substantial savings to the company over the last number of years. The company recently transferred its certification from the European Energy Standard EN16001 to the new International Energy Standard ISO 50001,” points out Micheal Cassidy. “The Energy Management System provides Astellas with the framework for making informed decisions in relation to ongoing energy reduction practices and identifies the most appropriate technologies and areas for future capital investment.”

He concludes: “As with all manufacturing industries, cost avoidance becomes an ever increased factor each and every year. Energy reduction projects are a key tool in meeting our cost avoidance targets.” I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

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I ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

OES Consulting – Project Partner on the Astellas Wind Turbine ES Consulting is a leading provider of technical consultancy services in the O energy, environment and safety sectors and has built up a considerable track record over the past 12 years. In the renewable energy market, OES is involved in the construction of a number of wind farms with companies such as Bord Gais and Mainstream Renewable Power.

Astellas Ireland’s wind turbine project was Kerry County Council’s first largescale urban wind turbine application and only the second urban large scale wind turbine in the country.

Given the location of the wind turbine on the Ring of Kerry and mindful of the excellent relationship Astellas has with its neighbours, the approach taken from the

outset was a clear and informative communication process with the local community, says OES Director Brona Tennyson. “Our strategy was to proactively involve the local community to ensure that the views and concerns of all were taken on board.”

“Because the project was for a single turbine it fell below the threshold required for an Environmental Impact Statement under the Planning regulations,” explains Peadar O’Loughlin, OES Managing Director. “But given the scenic location and the proximity to the town of Killorglin, both OES and Astellas strongly felt that a detailed environmental assessment was essential in order to address potential concerns, in particular Noise and Shadow Flicker.”

Appropriate Assessment Appropriate Assessment is now a key planning requirement of many proposed developments in compliance with the Habitats Directive. OES undertook the Appropriate Assessment and the Natura Impact Assessment for the Astellas Turbine, which was the first Appropriate Assessment submitted to Kerry County Council.

Critical to the success of the project was OES’s in-depth knowledge of the key driving forces for Astellas in pursuing renewables as a means of striving towards carbon neutrality and furthermore securing the future sustainability of the plant in Killorglin.

As with all projects OES is committed to the client achieving their goals says Peadar O’Loughlin. ”It’s a collaborative relationship and it’s the reason clients such as the Kerry Group, Glanbia and Stryker trust us to make the right decisions to benefit their businesses.”

OES is currently managing the construction safety aspects on the Wood Chip Boiler Project at Astellas, having undertaken noise and emissions modelling during the planning phase. I

I ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

Data Centre Banks on Star Refrigeration for Cool Solution tar Refrigeration has installed a bespoke S cooling system at a UK data centre operated by a major financial institution for retail and commercial banking. A world leader in cooling and heating system innovation, Star replaced an existing R22 refrigeration plant with a highly energy efficient, low maintenance solution. Star has provided the banking client with a state-of-the-art data centre cooling system designed for low carbon, cost saving operation.

Operating as a data centre since 1990 in a confidential location, the building features two main data halls each with independent power and cooling infrastructure. Earlier this year IT and computer server systems in one of the data halls were being replaced as 18

part of a major refurbishment programme.

The new cooling system features four 1,100kW chillers operating on synthetic refrigerant R134a. The innovative design incorporates revolutionary oil-free

Turbocor compressors, with variable speed drives and high efficiency at full and part load. The chillers also feature an air-cooled refrigerant circuit configured for thermosyphon operation to provide ‘free cooling’ when possible.

Additional AHUs (air handling units) to deal with the increased heat load were mounted on the perimeter of the data hall to maintain room air at a supply temperature of 22 C. A new exterior deck was built alongside the existing plant room to accommodate flatbed air-cooled condensers. For more information, contact Star Refrigeration on Tel +44 (0)141 638, Email star@star-ref.co.uk or visit www.starref.co.uk. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

I ENERGY SUPPLY

Less Waste and Lower CO2 For Oxigen in New Energia €1.5 Million Supply Deal xigen Environmental, Ireland’s leading integrated waste manO agement and recycling company, will be cutting down on its waste and CO2 emissions when it switches to competitive electricity provider Energia. Under the terms of this new 12 month deal, Energia will supply Oxigen’s operations around Ireland with over 3 Gigawatt hours (GWhrs) of renewable ‘green’ electricity. The value of the deal will be in the region of Eur1.5 million Oxigen is at the forefront of environmental services provision in Ireland. The group comprises of Oxigen Environmental, Oxigen Commercial, Oxigen Water and Oxigen Power. Between these four companies Oxigen manages waste and material streams, water supply and waste-water treatment, and energy generation.

Michael Loughran, Purchasing Manager of Oxigen, comments: “The decision to move to Energia was easy as it will allow us to access a really great energy deal. Choosing the right supplier is crucial to our business and with Energia we are sourcing the most competitive rates combined with expertise in energy efficiency.”

Shane Canavan, Key Account Manager at Energia, says: “Whether its dual-fuel gas and electricity deals, ‘green energy’ or supplying unmetered electricity to public sector bodies in Ireland, it is easy for Irish businesses to benefit from competitive energy deals with Energia. Added to the price package Energia offer excellent customer service and with Energia On-line, customers can also analyze and interrogate their energy consumption, discover usage patterns and produce reports. This information in turn can be used with another product, the Energia Bureau, to manage energy efficiency projects in the business.”

Energia has a 28% market share of the Irish business electricity and gas market supplying the energy needs of over 65,000 business customers. In addition to 550MW of operational renewable electricity capacity contracted within their energy portfolio, the company also operates a 750MW gas fired power station in north Dublin.

Energia has offices in Dublin, Galway, Cork, Belfast and Omagh. I

Pictured announcing the €1.5million ‘green’ energy supply deal are Shane Canavan, Key Account Manager, Energia, and Michael Loughran, Purchasing Manager, Oxigen.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

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I SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

Energy Show 2012 to be the Best Yet

O

rganised by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the annual Energy Show is the flagship event for professionals in the energy sector. The Energy Show 2012 is taking place at the RDS, Dublin on March 28th and 29th.

The annual Show brings together up to 200 exhibitors presenting the latest sustainable energy technologies on the market, and features an electric vehicle pavilion displaying the latest vehicles suitable for commercial or fleet users. Last year the Show was attended by 4,000 trade visitors.

Visitors can discover a world of smart energy solutions at the trade exhibition, while the seminar programme presents the latest sustainable energy opportunities for business, coupled with best practice case studies. A range of other events are set to make the Energy Show 2012 the best yet.

The Show features a seminar programme of eight sessions, four per day and this year will include a CIBSE accredited seminar.

Enterprise Europe Network will run a free business partnering event, bringing together sustainable energy specialists with interested international companies.

In addition to the showcase business exhibition, seminar programme and business partnering event to build contacts with companies abroad, attendees can visit the live retfrofit best practice area for

insulation installations and watch the Dragons' Den final of the Innovation Award, plus lots more. The six finalists (see Panel) for this year’s Innovation Award will present their cases to a 'Dragons' Den' style panel at the Energy Show in the RDS on Thursday 29th at 10.30am. I Finalists For the 2012 Innovation Award * AERIAQ Filtration - is a TCD campus company founded in 2011 by Elmarie Van Breda, and Dr Aonghus MacNabola. It offers an energy efficient solution to building owners for filtering air entering the building through a ventilated air supply. * Climote - founded in 2010 by Derek Roddy and Eamon Conway, spun out of the home technology company SmartHomes. The company is launching their first product, a Home Heating Hub, called 'Climote' which provides remote, easy to use on-demand access to domestic home heating * Ecoscan - was established in 2007 helping home owners to identify issues in relation to heat-loss, and the building industry to improve build quality through infrared thermography, air tightness testing and more. Its founder and sole operator Christ Spoorenberg has developed a thermal insulating roller blind to reduce heat loss through windows. * EGPT - was set up in 2009 by Dr Paul Sikora

to develop an efficient gas depressurisation System via the Expanding Gas Power Transformation(EGPT) process.

The innovation, for which patents have been granted, reduces the pressure of any gas being transmitted via pipeline, most notably natural gas. * Road Recycling Ireland - Elaine Gibson is Director or Road Recycling Ireland, a family run business that specialises in an in-situ recycling process as a method of road rehabilitation. Following the building downturn, the business diversified in 2008 from its operation of earthworks to the more sustainable construction processes of soil stabilisation and road recycling. * Terawatt Ireland - was established in 2008

by Eamon Smyth who progressed the R&D of a solar tracking innovation through Dundalk Institute of Technology. The innovation involves a solar array which moves in tandem with the sun in order to capture more energy.

I ENERGY SHOW 2012 PREVIEW

ENSURING EFFICIENCIES AND SAVINGS THROUGH OUTSOURCING Reduce costs, maximise efficiencies and reduce carbon footprint is a must for businesses today.

Outsourcing Utility services to a Utility & Energy management expert often includes clean systems such as high purity water, clean steam, and clean HVAC systems. It can also cover typical plant services such as chilled water, plant steam, compressed air, waste systems etc. Using a risk-based approach through a long-term integrated partnership, the scope and responsibility of the service provider is built up over time, ensuring benefits are brought to bear for client satisfaction and also regulatory compliance.

20

With Dalkia, you are assured of considerable energy savings CO2 reduction and on-going maintenance savings. We design, build, finance, operate & maintain utility schemes using CHP and/or biomass energy sources, as well as heating & cooling networks systems. We work for a wide variety of industrial & commercial customers, particularly in the following sectors: Pharmaceutical, Health, Food & Drink, the Public Sector and Information & Communications Technologies, such as Data Centres.

As an Energy Service Company (ESCO), Dalkia finances projects designed to improve energy efficiency and maintenance costs over a 5 to 15 year time period.

Dalkia also provide a range of

specific services such as Calibration, Condition-Based Maintenance, Refrigeration, Laboratory & Mobile Technical Services.

Martin Wolohan, Engineering Manager at Servier Industries, relates: “Our partnership with Dalkia has been ongoing for 8 years. As our site grew their scope and responsibilities expanded. We have found them to be open, flexible, focused and easy to deal with. A totally integrated team with the Servier team sharing valued and objectives. An excellent partner to work with”.

To discover how your organization can benefit from Dalkia’s sustainable expert approach, please visit us at the stand E1/D1

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

at the Energy Show or log onto www.dalkia.ie

I GREEN TRANSPORT

Renault Kangoo ZE Launched in Ireland Renault launched its electric vehicle offensive in 2008 with the announcement of its comprehensive line-up of four electric models, the first of which arrived on Irish roads in November 2011, the Renault Kangoo Z.E. he Renault Kangoo Z.E., the first electric vehicle offering from Renault, is now available to test drive at dealerships all over the country priced from ?16,400 ex VAT and including the Government grant of ?3,800.

The electric mini van has already seen a huge interest in France where 15,000 Kangoo Z.E. vehicles have already been ordered by some of France’s largest companies including La Poste, the French postal service. A number of Irish small and medium businesses and well known larger companies have also expressed a keen interest in the Kangoo Z.E. Renault is the only manufacturer to intro-

T

duce a range of 100% electric vehicles, from the Kangoo Z.E. mini van to the Fluence ZE Saloon, the Twizy urban quadricycle and the stylish compact hatch the ZOE, all due to appear on Irish roads in 2012.

The Kangoo Z.E. battery will cost €75 ex VAT per month to lease (based on 48 months, 15,000 KM per year). Renault Kangoo Z.E. is available in three sizes including the Kangoo Maxi Z.E. 2 seat and 5 seat models. It comes with five years unlimited mileage warranty as standard.

Offering all the benefits of the combustion engine the Kangoo Z.E. is ideal for demanding customers who put a premium on cost control. Furthermore it offers all the satisfaction of zero emission driving.

Eric Basset, Managing Director of Renault Ireland, comments: “Renault’s Irish team is the best trained network in electric vehicles in all of Europe following extended training over the past year in technology, after sales, and customer care. We have committed fully to the arrival of our range of Z.E. vehicles in

Renault is the only manufacturer to introduce a range of 100% electric vehicles, from the Kangoo Z.E. mini van to the Fluence ZE Saloon, the Twizy urban quadricycle and the stylish compact hatch the ZOE.

Ireland, and recently employed eight Ambassadors who are each fully dedicated experts in electric vehicles.”

He continues: “Our strategy from day one was to make electric vehicles affordable to all and we are standing by this by bringing in our range at prices that cannot be matched by our competitors. Ireland is ready for electric. It’s not our future, it’s the present, and Renault Ireland is ready to sell affordable electric vehicles to suit all lifestyles.” I

Test drive the new Renault Kangoo Z.E. at your local Renault Dealer Specifications

Main features of the Renault Kangoo Z.E.

• Vehicle Type :Light commercial vehicle • Overall length :4 213 mm • Width excluding/including wing mirrors :1829 mm / 2133mm • Motor output :44 kW (60hp) • Torque :226 Nm • Top speed (electronic governor) :130 kmph • Range :170 km (NEDC combined cycle) • Number of seats :2 • Unladen weight :1,410 kg • Payload :650 kg • Carrying capacity :3 to 3,5 m2 • Tyres :Low rolling-resistance

• 15” steel wheels • ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) • Black flooring in cab area • ABS et AFU (Assistance de Freinage d'Urgence) • Driver’s airbag • Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters • Tubular bulkhead • Height adjustable steering wheel • Lights-on warning sound • ‘Titanium’ fabric upholstery • Rear steel doors with 180° opening • Electric door mirrors • Floor anchorage points in the load area • Front and rear disc brakes • One touch electric front windows • 650 Kg payload • Overhead storage rack in cab • Colour coded rear view mirrors and bumper • Radio MP3 CD with separate display & RCA Outlet + Bluetooth

Motor

• Main specifications Output : 44 kW Maximum torque : 226 Nm Weight : 130 kg Recharging method

Standard charging Six to eight hours for a complete vehicle recharge.

• Normal size spare wheel • Smokers pack KANGOO Z.E. – specific feature :

• • • •

Pre-heating/pre-ventilation in the cabin Electrical and defrosting rear-view mirrors Z.E. dashboard Z.E. on-board computer

Main options available

• • • • • •

Air conditioning Fog Lamps Rear parking proximity sensor Front passenger airbag Foldable passenger seat Side anchorage points in load area

Economic

A Renault Z.E. vehicle can save you money.

With the Renault Z.E. range, there's everything to gain! > No high fuel costs; > Lower maintenance costs; > Tax benefits.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

21

I WATER SERVICES

Belview Strategic Water Supply Scheme Paves Way For Development in Kilkenny and the South East The first phase of the €23 million Belview Strategic Water Supply Scheme, which will facilitate industrial development and job creation in Kilkenny and the South East, has officially opened. he new water scheme will service 240 hectares of industrial land around Belview Industrial Park near Belview Deepwater Port, and allow for the building of 10,000 additional houses in South Kilkenny and Waterford between now and 2031.

Belview is situated just four miles from Waterford City and 37 miles from Kilkenny City and incorporates 265 hectacres of zoned land, including the IDA land bank, the Marine Point Business Park and Belview Port.

Belview Port is the nearest deep water Irish port to mainland Europe. Two thirds of the Irish domestic market lies within a 160 km radius of Belview, with direct access to the national rail network. The surrounding industrial area boasts substantial warehousing.

T

Major Economic Benefit The Belview Strategic Water Supply Scheme is of major economic benefit to South Kilkenny and the wider South East Region. As well as alleviating pressure on the domestic water supply which resulted in shortages in recent years in South Kilkenny, it will allow for the development of industry in Belview Industrial Park, providing much needed employment in the region. The scheme is an important strand of the Invest Kilkenny initiative, launched

The Belview Strategic Water Supply Scheme now provides 3,300 cubic metres or 725,000 gallons of water per day, primarily for industrial and enterprise use and also for the people and community of South Kilkenny.

by the Kilkenny local authorities in 2010 to promote the area as an ideal location for business.

The total investment for this phase of the scheme is Eur13 million of which a significant amount was provided by IDA Ireland and the balance by Kilkenny County Council and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. When all phases are complete, it will represent a total spend of Eur23 million.

Pictured at the official opening of the first phase of the €23 million The Belview Strategic Belview Strategic Water Supply Scheme are (from left): Barry O’Leary, Water Supply Scheme now chief executive of IDA Ireland; Minister for Environment, Community and provides 3,300 cubic metres Local Government, Phil Hogan TD; and Kilkenny City and County or 725,000 gallons of water manager, Joe Crockett. per day, primarily for industrial and enterprise use and also for the people Government, who officially opened the and community of South Kilkenny. When all scheme, comments: “The need to develop phases are completed, 15,000 cubic metres or a water supply to facilitate the develop3.3 million gallons of water a day will be ment of the port area was recognised in available, of which 9,000 cu m or 2 million the Belview Area Action plan, and the gallons will be available for industrial use. opening of this Water Supply Scheme will facilitate the development of waterintensive industries in the Belview €37 Million Wastewater Treatment Industrial Park, which is ideally located as Plant The water supply infrastructure is matched a gateway to the greater Kilkenny/ by a wastewater treatment plant provided at Waterford region. a cost of Eur37 million by Waterford City, He continues: “This is the first phase in with capacity of 190,000 population equiva- a major water supply initiative that will serlent. The IDA has also supported this work. vice customers in Mooncoin, Mullinavat, IDA Ireland’s land bank at Belview is Kilmacow, Ferrybank, Slieverue and the one of number of Strategic Sites national- surrounding areas, and provide for develly. The site at Belview now enjoys signifi- opment potential up to 2031. cant utilities in water services which are “The development of this Belview necessary to attract and retain large scale Strategic Water Supply Scheme better utility intensive manufacturing operations enables IDA to compete on a global scale in the pharmaceuticals, bio pharmaceuti- for capital intensive advanced manufacturcals, life sciences and food sectors. ing projects for the Belview Site,” says Phil Hogan, TD, Minister for the Barry O’Leary, chief executive of IDA Environment, Community and Local Ireland. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

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I ENVIRONMENT

Lifestyle Survey Reveals Environmental Attitudes Hit Home here has been a marked improvement in environmental awareness in Ireland over the past decade. This is according to the ConsEnSus Lifestyle Survey just published by NUI Galway and funded under the EPA’s STRIVE Research programme. The same survey reports that approximately one fifth of all survey respondents had changed their energy supplier to a renewable energy supplier in the past five years and a large percentage (almost 70%) of respondents stated that the re-introduction of water charges would lead to a change in water usage.

The ConsEnSus (Consumption, Environment and Sustainability) Lifestyle Survey was carried out by researchers in the School of Geography and Archaeology at NUI Galway with 1,500 households nationwide between 2010 and 2011. The aim of this survey was to obtain an understanding of people’s attitudes and behaviours towards sustainable household consumption and sustainable lifestyles. The survey explored respondents’ household behaviours in the areas of mobility, food, water and energy use. The questionnaire also examined attitudes towards the environment, towards environmental responsibility as well as attitudes towards perceived levels of environmental control and perceptions of quality of life.

Project manager Dr Frances Fahy, lecturer in Geography at NUI Galway, comments: “The survey is the first of its kind in the island of Ireland and the results have produced a huge database on public attitudes and actions towards consumption and sustainable lifestyles. The respondents were asked questions that went further than how and when they undertook certain everyday activities – for example transport to work choices, water or energy conservation activities – focusing on

T

Many factors contribute to food waste and recent reports estimate that wasted food costs each Irish household approximately Eur700 annually.

why they undertake these activities. The results provide extremely useful data revealing underlying motivations for many consumption activities and lifestyle choices.”

Environmental Concern The study found encouragingly high levels of reported environmental concern (86% or 1,289 respondents stated that they were concern about the environment). Similar levels of environmental concern were recorded across all age cohorts; with slightly higher levels of concern noted amongst respondents in the 5065 age category (88%) and also in the 65-79 age group (88%), in comparison to respondents in the younger 18-33 age categories (83%).

Over half of the respondents (58%) felt that they needed ‘to behave in a more environmentally friendly way’ and 82% believed that their personal behaviour could make a difference to the environment.

In the Lifestyle Survey approximately twothirds of all respondents agreed with the statement, ‘I trust eco-labels’. 66% of survey respondents stated that they pay attention to where and how the food they buy is produced.

Food Waste Within the sustainable food movement, a particular concern is the large amount of waste occurring at every stage of the food chain.

Many factors contribute to food waste and recent reports estimate that wasted food costs each Irish household approximately Eur700 annually (EPA, 2011). The findings highlight public attitudes and behaviour towards food waste in Irish households. A significant majority of respondents (89%) agreed with the statement ‘I try to reduce the amount of food waste my household produces’. The most common reasons for throwing food away are: ‘Too much is bought and it expires’ and ‘Food goes off because of a change in plans’. Just over a third of all participants claimed to never throw food away.

With the cost of providing clean drinking water escalating, and with the proposed reintroduction of water charges for domestic dwellings, water and water conservation in particular, has become a very important issue for policy makers, businesses and consumers alike. The Lifestyle Survey found that a substantial number of respondents to the survey (40%) stated that they do not pay attention to the amount of water they use in their homes. Over one third of all respondents (34%) reported drinking bottled water on a daily basis.

Just over one fifth of respondents (21%) had changed to a renewable energy supplier in the past five years.

80% of all respondents surveyed across the island stated that there is ‘a need to save water’ with just 10% of respondents believing that there was no need to conserve water.

Finally, 68% of survey respondents stated that the re-introduction of a water charge would change their water usage.

Changeover to Renewable Energy Suppliers Just over one fifth of respondents (21%) had changed to a renewable energy supplier in the past five years. Of these respondents; 65% stated ‘financial reasons’ as their rationale for this behaviour and only 9% reported ‘solely environmental reasons’. Respondents in the 34-49 age group were most likely to have changed to a renewable energy supplier.

The Lifestyle Survey found that although almost three quarters of all respondents (73%) stated that they would be willing to install insulation in their homes, less than one quarter of respondents (23%) had actually done so in the past five years.

Transport 71% of respondents who reported commuting to work, school or college stated that they usually drive a car. When respondents were asked what would encourage people to reduce their car journeys, 53% of the sample stated ‘improved, more affordable public transport’, 12% of the people reported ‘financial incentives to encourage walking and cycling’ and a further 12% citied ‘improved bike lanes, footpaths and pedestrian crossings’.

Respondents who failed to use available public transport viewed it as ‘too restrictive’ (42%), ‘too unreliable’ (11%) and ‘too expensive’ (7%). 27% of urban dwellers who participated in the survey stated that there was no public transport available at all for their commute to work, school or college. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

25

I ENERGY SUPPLY

Vayu Targets International Expansion Having started supplying the gas market in 2004 followed by diversification into electricity supply in 2008, Vayu is Ireland’s leading independent energy supply company. eadquartered in Dublin but with offices now established in the UK, The Netherlands and the USA, Vayu had a turnover of about Eur50 million in 2010. The company employs over 20 professionals, recruited from services and consulting backgrounds, to manage its several hundred large energy users.

Vayu supplies gas and electricity to businesses all over Ireland, offering a real alternative within the Irish energy market. Indeed, Vayu claims to control more than 27% of the large gas user market in Ireland. Its share of the industrial power market is smaller, reflecting its relatively short presence in this area.

H

Customer Base Vayu’s customers range from large manufacturing sites to retailers with scores of outlets distributed around the country. “Our customers are those for whom energy is an important element in the cost equation,” explains Liam Faulkner, Head of Sales and

Karl Phelan, Sales Manager of Vayu, with Peter White, Head of Purchasing, Dublin Airport Authority. Vayu recently signed an exclusive agreement to supply gas to the DAA estimated to be worth about €2.5 million.

Operations at Vayu. “This is a rapidly growing group of companies. In essence Vayu offers its customers tailored, flexible solutions to manage energy price risk. Vayu will develop for each customer a procurement management strategy that addresses issues such as price volatility, value for money and budgeting priorities.”

Vayu is an Irish company and is backed by Glencore International plc, one of the world’s largest suppliers of a wide range of commodities and raw materials to industry. The sup26

port of a corporation like Glencore gives Vayu access to the best global research and analytics tools, while its local knowledge and flexibility allow it to respond rapidly to the changing needs of customers.

Glencore, which became a Vayu shareholder in 2006, has a trading presence at all major European gas ‘hubs’ including the Dutch hub, known as TTF. Vayu’s international reach allows it to support its international and multinational customers, which have a manufacturing presence in the UK and The Netherlands.

“As multinationals consolidate their supplier bases, Vayu is strongly positioned to offer a one-stop-shop for natural gas requirements in multiple European countries and including energy procurement and management advisory services,” Liam Faulkner points out.

Similarly, Vayu’s US office, which is located in New York, provides an important communications and client management channel with US companies that have operations in Ireland and North West Europe.

Innovation Vayu has an impressive track record of innovation. Since becoming the first independent to be awarded a gas supply licence in 2003, Vayu was the first supplier to offer flexible, multi-year pricing to Irish gas users in 2004 and in 2005 was the first to offer regulatory and technical consultancy services.

Other notable innovations for Vayu include offering end users access to industry wholesale power auctions in 2009 and the following year it became the first Irish supplier to open a US office. Also in 2010, Vayu achieved a global first by launching its energy App for iPhones. This service gives customers real-time price information and access to Vayu’s market commentary and insight.

Last year, Vayu entered the UK and Dutch gas supply markets and also launched its

‘Clear Energy Services’ business. Headed by Ciaran Barry, Clear Energy Services is an expert energy consulting and advisory division, providing clients with bespoke energy solutions for gas and power infrastructure, networks, regulation, renewables and training.

Liam Faulkner comments: “The past three years have proved very challenging for the commercial energy user on two fronts. The difficult economic climate has placed an increasing emphasis on mitigating business costs especially energy. This has required many organisations to focus on the near-term but with the unintended consequence of missing out on hedging opportunities for their medium and longer-term energy requirements.”

He elaborates: “In a market such as energy procurement, accurate information and a cogent energy buying strategy are the key elements to managing costs successfully.

Consequently the demand for our expertise, knowledge and innovative solutions to these issues has led our consultancy division to expand rapidly serving our international clients over the past twelve months.”

Market Pressures The economic crisis has intensified the cost pressures on businesses in Ireland.

Controlling energy costs, which are central to all business activity, has become a priority in maintaining competitiveness both domestically and internationally.

“Businesses have higher expectations for their energy needs and are looking for some-

Liam Faulkner, Head of Marketing and Sales at Vayu.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

thing other than the traditional utility. Irish business consumers are more likely than ever to switch to a supplier that provides them with a cost effective and relevant service,” says Liam Faulkner. “We have been working hard to develop innovative approaches to eliminate unnecessary costs from our customers’ budgets. We offer a range of products that are unique in the market, such as demand management or cash flow management products.”

It is this approach that differentiates Vayu from other utility operators in Ireland.

“Utilities operate a model akin to ‘any colour you like so long as it’s black’. Vayu is a services company which provides energy delivery. Our differentiation is our willingness and our flexibility to offer the customer a high level of account management,” Liam Faulkner stresses. “We do not generally sit down with a fixed product in mind to sell to the customer. Rather, we meet with the cus-

or outcome for the customer. It builds confidence and as we develop our understanding of the customer’s requirements, objectives and priorities, so we can do even more for that customer. It’s all about the customer and not boasting about megawatts or gigawatts!”

Launching the VAYU Iphone App were All Ireland GAA Champions Eamon Fennell his team mate and Vayu Power Product Manager, Ross McConnell, and Wayne Kelly, Head of IT and Systems Development at Vayu. The Vayu Iphone App is used by businesses to review changes in global energy pricing and empowering them to reduce their energy costs.

tomer, learn about their needs and then build the solution around these. In our experience, a high level of engagement leads to far superi-

Future Development Vayu will continue to expand geographically in line with its customers. “We are the only Irish supplier that can deliver gas to a customer’s sites in multiple countries. This delivers significant enhanced benefits in terms of overall management of gas needs.”

Liam Faulkner concludes: “We believe this international approach will help our customers’ energy needs internationally. Having an office in New York means we can help the US-based Global Energy Manager with their energy procurement requirements in Europe.

Over the next few years we will expand into other European countries.” I

I ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

Casella Enhances CEL-630 Series Sound Level Meters ollowing the recent launch of its ground breaking CEL-630 series of new sound F level meters, Casella CEL has made a number of enhancements that will further improve one of the smallest devices of its kind currently available in the market place.

Among the latest modifications is the addition of ‘Audio Recording’, which has a number of uses and applications including the ability to record voice notes before or after a measurement, allowing the operator to annotate a measurement without needing to write anything down.

In addition, ‘Data Markers’ allow information to be marked when downloaded and the corresponding audio to be captured, either because the operator wishes to

note something of significance or to remove extraneous noises. Another new feature is the ability for events to be triggered from a set decibel level, particularly useful during unattended noise monitoring where it is of interest when noise reaches a certain level.

Events on the CEL-630 can be triggered from multiple parameters and conditions and the audio is stored with the event.

For added convenience, all audio recordings can be played back via headphones or downloaded to a PC. Quick and easy to use the ‘switch on and go’ units’ are available in a range of models, some with voice notes, others with fully triggered events, in order to meet customers’ different requirements and budgets.

Incorporating the latest digital technology, the CEL-630 has a single measurement range of up to 140dB, with no set-up adjustment required when obtaining and viewing different noise parameters. For further information contact: Casella CEL on Tel +44 (0)1234 844100 or visit www.casellameasurement.com. I

I ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

Star Ensures Bank Staff Keep Their Cool in the City tar Refrigeration has supplied a bespoke plant for HVAC cooling S at the London offices of a global investment bank. The existing refrigeration plant at the firm’s client administration centre in the City’s Square Mile was due for replacement. The plant operated on R22, an ozone-depleting HCFC refrigerant currently being phased out by EU regulations.

Working alongside a leading building services consultancy, Star designed a new low maintenance cooling plant to improve efficiency, reduce noise and ensure the highest reliability for the building’s heating, air conditioning and ventilation system. The challenging aspect to the project was retaining five air handling units (AHUs) which form part of the fabric of the building.

A world leader in cooling and heating system

innovation, Star determined that a specialist flooded evaporator design was required that enabled the existing AHUs to be retained and ensured no loss of cooling capacity. Star developed a flooded evaporator coil design that could be retrofitted to the existing AHUs. Star designed, built, installed and commissioned a bespoke air-cooled LPR refrigeration plant comprising four 600kW chillers operating on synthetic refrigerant R134a. The system features revolutionary Turbocor oil-free compressors to provide high efficiency, reliability and low noise operation.

The project was completed within six months from order to commissioning. For more information, phone Star Refrigeration on +44 (0)141 638 7916, email star@star-ref.co.uk or visit www.star-ref.co.uk. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

27

E E N N E E R R G G Y Y

P P O O II N N T T

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Ireland Passes Key Renewable Milestone Ireland has passed a key renewable milestone as installed wind capacity now exceeds 2GW. That is enough power capacity to supply the needs of up to 1.3 million households on the island, depending on weather conditions. This is compared to just a quarter of that capacity connected a decade ago.

Fintan Slye, director of operations at EirGrid, the company responsible for planning and operating the transmission system, comments: “Ireland and Northern Ireland have huge renewable energy potential and EirGrid is committed to ensuring this potential is developed throughout the island as a whole.

We now have over 2GW of installed wind and are at times operating with wind supplying 50% of the total demand on the island, one of the highest percentage renewable energy penetration levels of wind on any power system. Meeting our 2020 targets will mean that, at times, the amount of wind energy being generated in Ireland and Northern Ireland will be up to 75% of total demand.”

BIOFUEL

€14 million Initiative to Develop the Potential of Seaweed as Biofuel Researchers at NUI Galway’s Ryan Institute are involved in a major Eur14 million European initiative to develop the potential of algae as a source of sustainable energy. As a partner in the project, NUI Galway is responsible for the initial step of producing some of the biomass required for conversion to biofuel. This will be accomplished by cultivating macroalgae (seaweed) biomass at sea in a one-hectare pilot facility.

Currently, algal bioenergy technologies are immature, but rapid advances are being made in the field. NUI Galway’s part of the ‘EnAlgae’ project is valued at almost Eur1.2 million, over the next four years. The project will focus on the cultivation of some of Ireland’s native kelp species (large brown seaweeds, commonly seen cast up on the beach after a storm). Growth of the seaweed crop occurs in two phases, the first phase of which

is being carried out at the Ryan Institute’s Carna Research Station in County Galway.

Seaweed will also be cultivated in Northern Ireland (by Queen’s University Belfast) and Brittany, France (by Centre d’Etude et de Valorisation des Algues, CEVA).

STANDARDS

NSAI Develop World’s First Standard on Universal Design For Energy Products NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland) has developed the world’s first standard to enable energy products and services to be accessible and usable to more customers who span the full range of size, age, physical, mental and sensory abilities. SWIFT 9 (Universal Design for Energy Suppliers) was developed in conjunction with the NDA’s (National Disability Authority) Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD), CER (Commission for Energy Regulation), representative end users and key energy suppliers.

SWIFT 9 covers written, verbal and electronic based communication including websites and services to customers, embracing the use of Plain English as the benchmark for communications. Universal Design is the degree to which a product or service is usable by as many people as possible.

WIND ENERGY

Wind Energy Provides Over 21% of All EU New Power Capacity in 2011 In 2011, 9,616 MW of wind energy capacity was installed in the EU, making a total of 93,957 MW – enough to supply 6.3% of the EU’s electricity, according to figures by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA). Representing 21.4% of new power capacity, wind energy installations in 2011 were very similar to the previous year’s 9,648 MW. The wind industry has had an average annual growth of 15.6% over the last 17 years (1995-2011).

Growth in onshore installations in Germany and Sweden, and offshore in the UK – together with continuing strong performances from some emerging onshore markets such as Romania – offset a fall in installations in mature markets such as France and Spain. Overall, Germany remains the EU country with the largest installed capacity, followed by Spain, France, Italy and the UK. Altogether, more renewable power capacity was installed during 2011 than any other year. Renewables accounted for 71.3% of new installations: 32,043 MW – up 37.7% on 2010 installations. Both fuel oil and nuclear power saw a drop last year, with more capacity

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

decommissioned than installed.

Overall last year, the EU’s total installed power capacity increased by 35,468 MW net to 895,878 MW, with wind power increasing its share of installed capacity to 10.5%, and renewable capacity increasing its share to 31.1%.

EU Offshore Wind Power Market Remains Stable 2011 was a stable year for the offshore wind industry with 235 new offshore wind turbines grid connected, worth approximately Eur2.4 billion. The European Wind Energy Association’s offshore wind statistics for 2011 show that 235 new turbines with a total power capacity of 866 Megawatts (MW) were fully grid connected across nine offshore wind farms. This was slightly down on the 883 MW of new offshore wind capacity connected in 2010.

Nine offshore wind farms currently under construction will bring online an additional 2375 MW – increasing the EU’s total installed offshore wind power capacity by 62%. Across the EU, a total of 1,371 offshore turbines 29

E N E R G Y

P O I N T

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Call For Entres For the 2012 Sustainable Energy Awards The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is calling for innovative entries for the ninth annual allisland Sustainable Energy Awards. The 2011 Awards saw nominations for 105 pioneering projects, representing cumulative energy savings of over Eur23 million. Last year also saw a big jump in the number of smaller businesses entering the Awards, showing that organisations of all sizes are now taking energy management much more seriously.

Sponsored by Electric Ireland, the Awards reward excellence in business energy management amongst Irish organisations of all sizes, recognising their achievements in cutting energy use and C02 emissions.

Last year saw a wide variety of winning projects including: • the Irish Aviation Authority’s plane route optimisation strategy which cut distances travelled by planes

have now been grid connected, with a total power capacity of 3813 Megawatts in 53 wind farms in ten European countries.

EWEA’s target for installed EU offshore wind power capacity by 2020 is 40,000 MW, producing approximately 4% of the EU’s total electricity consumption.

The majority (87%) of all newly installed and grid connected offshore wind power in 2011 was in British waters.

Siemens supplied 80% of the MW installed offshore last year while SSE and RWE Innogy were the most active developers and DONG Energy continued to be the most active equity player in offshore wind power.

Offshore Wind Energy Drives European Energy Programme for Recovery A mid-term review of the European Energy Programme for Recovery has found that offshore wind energy is the strongest performer of the three areas selected for funding in terms of investment, creating jobs and putting investment in place quickly. The Eur4 billion European Energy Programme for Recovery (EEPR) was launched in 2009 in response to the economic crisis and the need to meet EU energy policy objectives. Three areas – offshore wind energy, gas and electricity infrastructure projects and carbon capture and storage (CCS) – were selected for funding.

Offshore wind energy was allocated the smallest amount of funding – Eur565 million or 14% of the total – but has created ten times more jobs than CCS projects. Since 2009, a total of 4,000 jobs have been created in offshore wind projects financed under the EEPR compared to 400 in CCS, despite CCS being allocated nearly double (Eur1.05 billion) the amount allotted to offshore wind.

Under the Eur4 billion EEPR,

in Irish airspace by 2.2 million kilometres, equating to a saving of 16 million litres of airline fuel per annum; • Green Isle Foods’ Gurteen plant’s implementation of energy upgrades to its hot water generation and chiller facilities which saw the site deliver 18% energy savings; • Astellas Ireland’s Energy Manager, Micheal Cassidy, recognised for adopting a strategic approach to energy management in the pharmaceutical company that has led to almost 7 million kWh in energy savings over the past five years.

Further information on the 2012 Sustainable Energy Awards can be found on SEAI’s website www.seai.ie/energyawards. Closing date for entries is Friday 8th June 2012. Overall winners will be announced at a gala event in Dublin in November 2012.

44 gas and electricity infrastructure projects, nine offshore wind energy projects and six CCS projects received funding.

HYDROPOWER

Use and Capacity of Global Hydropower Increases Global use of hydropower increased more than 5 percent between 2009 and 2010, according to new research published by the Worldwatch Institute.

Hydropower use reached a record 3,427 terawatt-hours, or about 16.1 percent of global electricity consumption, by the end of 2010, continuing the rapid rate of increase experienced between 2003 and 2009 The cost of hydropower is relatively low, making it a competitive source of renewable electricity. Hydropower is also a flexible source of electricity since plants can be ramped up and down very quickly to adapt to chang-

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

ing energy demands. Yet there are many negative aspects associated with hydropower: for example, damming interrupts the flow of rivers and can harm local ecosystems, and building large dams and reservoirs often involves displacing people and wildlife and requires significant amounts of carbon-intensive cement.

China was the largest hydropower producer and is expected to continue to lead global hydro use in the coming years. Hydropower is produced in at least 150 countries but is concentrated in just a few countries and regions. The AsiaPacific region generated roughly 32 percent of global hydropower in 2010. Africa produces the least hydropower, accounting for 3 percent of the world total, but is considered the region with the greatest potential for increased production.

31

E N E R G Y

P O I N T

WIND ENERGY

World’s Largest Offshore Wind Farm Opens The world’s largest operational offshore wind farm has been opened off the coast of Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England.

The £1 billion Walney wind farm is a joint venture between DONG Energy (50.1%), SSE (25.1%) and OPW (24.8%). With 102 turbines and a total capacity of 367.2 MW, Walney can supply up to 320,000 households a year with renewable power.

The wind farm, which combines the Walney 1 and 2 projects, has already set a number of industry records. DONG Energy managed to construct Walney 2 in the fastest ever time for an offshore wind project, with all turbines and cables installed in just five months and 13 days, setting a record in the sector. It marks an important step for the industry, and DONG Energy’s strong drive towards further industrialising the industry.

Walney is also ground-breaking in its financing, being the first UK offshore wind farm to receive investment from a pension fund service provider and an equity fund before it had even been built.

OPW, a consortium of the Dutch pension fund service provider PGGM and Ampere Equity Fund, took a 24.8 per cent stake in the project in December 2010.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

€7.5 Million Better Energy Workplaces Scheme 2012 Launched The Government has launched a capital fund to support sustainable energy investments in 2012 in the public, commercial, industrial and community sectors. The fund will make available Eur7.5 million for projects that support energy performance contracting; a key element of Ireland’s National Energy Efficiency Plan. Public sector projects are particularly encouraged in order to assist in meeting the 33% public sector energy efficiency improvement target in 2020.

Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte TD comments: “Building on the success of previous schemes, this fund will ramp up the competi-

Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte TD.

32

tiveness of Irish business by delivering real savings in an affordable way for both public and private enterprise. This is a timely example of organisations in Ireland working towards best practice in energy efficiency to deliver real benefits in all sectors of our economy.”

Applications for funding will be evaluated on a competitive bid basis, with the scheme open now. Successful applicants will be notified in June.

The 2012 iteration of the scheme builds upon the strong success of previous programmes run in recent years (2009-2011).

Over Eur23 million was provided to energy projects delivering an estimated annual energy saving equivalent to powering and heating over 23,000 homes.

The Better Energy Workplaces programme disbursed Eur11 million in 2011 to cofinance 85 projects in the public, commercial, industrial and community sectors. This leveraged additional investment of Eur34 million, securing estimated savings of 270GWh and abatement of 63,000 tonnes of CO2. Estimated annual monetary savings are Eur11million, effectively repaying Government funding within 12 months.

DONG Energy has around 30 per cent of the offshore wind market throughout Europe. Walney is made up of 102 Siemens Wind Power turbines each with a capacity of 3.6 MW.

Europe Takes Further Step Towards Single European Gas Market

ment, Aidan O’Sullivan, general manager of Gaslink, the operator of Ireland’s gas network, says: “The network code marks high level participation and close cooperation from all areas of the gas industry. We believe that the introduction of common rules will make a significant contribution to the development and functioning of the internal gas market.”

ACER will now have three months to provide an opinion to ENTSOG, following which the network code will be submitted to the European Commission for ratification.

The European Network of Transmission Operators for Gas (ENTSOG) has submitted its first Network Code to the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER).

The code is the first to be produced under the EU Third Energy Package and will help to define the manner in which system users gain access to the European gas grid, with the aim of developing a single European gas market.

The EU Third Energy Package provided for the establishment of two new European-wide organisations – one for gas system operators, ENTSOG and one for regulators, ACER. ENTSOG was founded in 2009 and it comprises 39 members from 23 EU countries, including Ireland. It is responsible for defining rules (network Pictured (from left): Ann-Marie Colbert, advisor, codes) to develop a ENTSOG (seconded from Gaslink); Stephan single European gas Kamphues, president of ENTSOG; Gunther Oettinger, EU Commissioner; Aidan O’Sullivan, market.

Commenting on general manager of Gaslink; and Noel Regan, the latest develop- advisor, ENTSOG) (seconded from Gaslink).

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MARCH/APRIL 2012

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