environment and energy management

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- 17 & 21 S USTAINABLE E NERGY

News from home and abroad.

SEAI Energy Show 2011 - Open up to smart energy solutions.

Sustainable Energy Award Winners 2010.

PA G E 3 £23m, wastewater treatment facility.

- 9 A IR Q UALITY Air Quality in Ireland is generally good.

PA G E 2 1 - 23 E NERGY P OINT

Sustainable Energy Awards winners.

Latest energy developments in Ireland and overseas.

EU CO2 emissions from new cars see biggest ever fall.

- 23 & 28 R ENEWABLE E NERGY PA G E 9 - 11W ASTE M ANAGEMENT

Air quality.

EU to exceed 20% renewable energy goal by 2020.

Renewable energy.

New funding for renewable energy companies.

Greenstar introduces innovative SMS service for customers. €10m investment for Youghal waste recovery plant.

- 25 P OWER G ENERATION Endesa receives green light for Tarbert Power Station.

- 12 FACILITIES M ANAGEMENT FM Ireland, 9-10 March 2011, RDS, Dublin.

PA G E 2 3

PA G E 1 1 €10m investment

by Eras Eco.

PA G E 2 6 Biofuels.

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ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

1

E N V I R O N M E N T

N E W S

WATER SERVICES

New £23 Million Wastewater Treatment Facility For Antrim I Water has opened a new £23 million wastewater treatment works at N Antrim. The project, which is designed to cater for a population of 87,000, included the upgrading of the facility and improving the wastewater infrastructure in Antrim and the surrounding area including parts of Crumlin, Randalstown and Templepatrick.

The facility has been designed to meet the latest Environment Agency standards for wastewater treatment. Other elements of the work, such as the new pumping station in Antrim and the closure of combined sewer overflows will provide protection to the sensitive Six Mile Water River and have a hugely positive impact on the quality of water in Lough Neagh.

The work in Antrim represents part of a £490 million investment by NI Water in wastewater services throughout the North over the past three years.

ENVIRONMENT

Dioxin Levels in Ireland Well Below EU Limits The latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report on dioxin levels in the Irish environment shows that the dioxin levels in all of the samples were well below the relevant EU limits. The report also shows that dioxin levels measured in this survey compare favourably with those taken from similar surveys in the EU and other countries.

The report is based on dioxin levels measured in cows’ milk in a 2009 survey.

Commenting on the results, Dr Colman Concannon, regional chemist, EPA Office of Environmental Assessment, says: “The concentrations of dioxins were low by international standards and comparisons. A total of 37 samples were taken and the average level was less than 10% of the EU limit. This is the seventh such survey undertaken by the EPA since 1995 and the results are in line with the earlier studies. The survey confirms the continuing low levels of dioxins and dioxin-like substances in the Irish environment.”

In 2009, the survey included measurement of dioxin levels in the area of County Carlow near where the feed contamination incident occurred in

2008. No elevated levels of dioxins were recorded.

The principal mechanism for the entry of dioxins into the environment in Ireland is by low-level emissions from multiple combustion sources to the atmosphere, with subsequent deposition onto vegetation such as grass. Any dioxins on grass ingested by cows tend to concentrate in the milk fat.

Hence, sampling for dioxin levels in the milk of grazing cows is the approach adopted.

The survey was carried out in June and early July 2009, during the peak outdoor grazing season, by taking a series of milk samples mainly from representative regional dairies.

Additional samples were also taken from localities that might be seen as areas of potential risk of raised dioxin levels.

In view of the increased international awareness of the presence in the environment of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and brominated dioxins (PBDD/PBDF), a broad range of these substances was also tested in the survey.

However, only Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) were detected. The range for Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) (5 samples) was 65 to 332 ng/kg fat with a mean of 143 ng/kg fat, in line with the levels found in the three previous surveys in 2006,

Laurence MacKenzie (left), chief executive of NI Water, and Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy.

2007 and 2008. These levels are relatively low by international comparisons.

Energys Displays Environmental Credentials Specialist in low carbon retrofit technologies, Energys Group has achieved the ISO 14001 standard, demonstrating that it now operates under a high-quality environmental management system. Best known for its retrofit lighting converter, ‘Save It Easy’, Energys has established itself as a supplier and installer of a range of energy-saving technologies.

In line with its sustainable product range, Energys has now put in place an internationally-recognised management framework to control the environmental impact of its business activities. By reaching the ISO 14001 standard, Energys has proven that it will undertake a systematic approach to setting and achieving environmental objectives and targets. This forms the basis of its work to continually improve the company’s envi-

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

ronmental performance.

“Sustainability is at the heart of Energys’s business portfolio, which is why we have chosen to formalise our environmental management system and attain the ISO 14001 standard,” explains Aidan Salter, managing director of Energys. “With customers and other stakeholders increasingly looking to do business with ‘green’ organisations, the ISO standard helps to mark Energys apart.”

New EU Rules on Illegal Timber Come into Force New rules to prevent illegal timber being sold on the European market have come into force across the EU. The legislation will strengthen efforts to halt illegal logging, which causes serious environmental damage and biodiversity loss and undermines the efforts of those trying to manage forests responsibly. The Regulation will apply in all Member States from March 3

E N V I R O N M E N T

N E W S

CARBON FOOTPRINT

Irish IT Specialist Goes Carbon Neutral ublin-based information technolD ogy outsourcing specialist IT Force has become the first IT services company in Ireland to be certified as a Carbon Neutral company. The initiative will see over 66 tonnes of CO2 neutralised in the first year.

ity, verified carbon offset project.

Located in China, the Tieling Coal Mine Methane Capture project captures coal mine methane and uses it as an energy source to supply gas to homes and local industry.

The carbon reduction strategy ties in closely with IT Force’s wider sustainability initiatives including a relocation of offices to ensure closer proximity to clients and the city’s public transport network and less emissions through personal trans-

IT Force’s Carbon Neutral programme was developed in consultation with The CarbonNeutral Company, the world leading provider of carbon reduction solutions. The CarbonNeutral Comp- Joe O'Reilly, sales director of IT Force. any measured IT Force's carbon footprint and has advised IT portation.

Force how to reduce emissions across the business through interWith a clear understanding of where carbon is currently nal operations and investment in offsetting projects. being generated, IT Force is now on target to further reduce its The process involved an independent expert assessment of emissions by 20% by 2011. This will be achieved by implethe company's carbon emissions and a reduction plan through menting further internal policies in relation to printing, recyadopting greener business operations across the company and cling, power usage and general wastage and by switching to offsetting the remaining carbon emissions through a high qual- greener suppliers for electricity and office supplies.

2013.

Well-managed forests are an important source of renewable materials as well as providing many environmental services.

However, illegal logging – driven in part by EU demand for timber – has negative consequences for long term sustainability. The new Regulation will ban the sale on the EU market of illegal timber or of products derived from illegally harvested timber.

EU operators selling timber and timber products for the first time on the EU market –whether they come from the EU or are imported – will need to know where their timber is from. They will have to take steps to make sure that it has been harvested according to the relevant laws of the country of harvest. Traders along the supply chain within the EU will need to keep records of who their timber or timber product was bought from and to whom it was sold.

Member States will be responsible for applying sanctions to operators who break the rules. Legality is defined by reference to the legislation of the country where the timber was harvested. Timber products from countries that have 4

entered into Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Voluntary Partnership Agreements with the EU will be considered to be in compliance with the Regulation.

The Regulation will apply to a wide range of timber and timber products, including solid timber products, plywood and board products, furniture, pulp and paper.

Well-managed forests are an important source of renewable materials as well as providing many environmental services.

CARBON CAPTURE

Scotland’s Carbon Capture Expertise to Go Global Scotland is to design a blueprint to ensure carbon capture and storage technology (CCS) can be implemented effectively around the world. The Global CCS Institute has asked Scotland to develop a toolkit to help nations test the

strength of regulations and the permitting process, build knowledge and test public engagement, ensuring CCS can be safely rolled out.

The move is a vote of confidence in Scotland’s forward thinking approach to carbon capture and storage, a way of safely storing emissions from fossil fuel power stations.

The work will be carried out by the Scottish CCS Centre in Edinburgh, supported by the Scottish Government and the Scottish European Green Energy Centre. The toolkit will be promoted by Global CCS Institute around the world and the work is being used in various European initiatives.

"Scotland is at the forefront of global efforts to develop CCS, with the largest offshore storage capacity in Europe in the North Sea and the UK's leading candidate for a demonstration project at Longannet,” says Scottish Energy Minister Jim Mather.

"Alongside one of the highest renewable electricity targets in the world, we need to reduce emissions with carbon capture and storage technology on fossil fuel power stations. To make this a reality, we have to

ensure it is safely and appropriately regulated.”

RECYCLING

Cynar Signs Landmark Recycling Technology Agreement With SITA UK Enterprise Ireland-backed company Cynar of Portlaoise has signed an exclusive agreement with SITA UK, one of the UK’s leading recycling and resource management companies, to build Britain’s first fully operational plants to convert end of life plastic into diesel fuel. The objective is to build ten UK plastic to diesel conversion plants dealing with 60,000 tonnes of mixed plastic waste per year, and commission the first plant in London by end 2011.

Cynar is a firm focused on new conversion technology.

The agreement represents a major milestone for Cynar in its expansion in international markets. The Cynar technology can handle a range of waste plastics that are currently sent to landfill or incinerated. The first plant is built and operating in Portlaoise. Cynar’s ambition is to be the industry leader in the profitable conversion of waste plastics to use-

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

E N V I R O N M E N T

N E W S

I ENVIRONMENT

Roscommon Flood Prevention Company Bags Key UK Deal and costs less per unit than more convenO tional measures. It is being supplied exclusively to SG Baker for the next three years. nly six months after launching, Irish company Global Flood Solutions has secured a major export deal with SG Baker, the UK’s largest international supplier of sandbags, and industrial/agricultural packaging. The Roscommon-based company will now supply 7,000 of its Big Bag System to SG Baker, in a deal that totals more than €2m in revenue.

The Big Bag System can be deployed faster than any other flood defence system able liquid fuels.

Each plant is designed to convert approximately 6,000 tonnes of mixed waste plastic annually, specifically targeting mixed waste plastic diverted from landfill, and to produce in excess of 4 million litres of end of life plastic into specification diesel fuel.

SITA UK’s agreement with Cynar will help Britain as it attempts to deal with mixed waste plastic with a solution that is both environmentally efficient and energy productive. Waste plastic recovery process is expected to be produced at below the cost of normal diesel and the fuel itself is expected to have a lower carbon footprint than conventional diesel. The fuel qualities of the recycled diesel will be on a par with conventional diesel, without the need for any further refining and therefore suitable for commercial use.

I GREEN ECONOMY

Transition to a Green European Economy Offers Substantial Benefits The European Environment Agency (EEA) has launched its fourth Environment State and

The deal represents a major coup for the young company as SG Baker is already the biggest supplier of conventional sandbags in the UK; it has been the supplier of all sand bags to the British military for over forty years and also currently supplies eighty nine local authorities across the country.

Outlook report (SOER 2010).

This report provides an overview of the state of Europe’s environment, how and why it is changing, and what we are doing about it.

The Environmental Protection Agency provided Ireland’s input into the SOER 2010 analysis through the EPA’s Environment in Focus website.

Environment in Focus provides accessible, up-to-date environmental indicators and analysis arranged under seven themes - climate change, air, water, waste, land, nature and socio-economics.

Dr Mary Kelly, EPA director general, comments: “The EPA welcomes the publication of the EEA SOER 2010 report.

Many of the issues highlighted by the EEA as challenges for the European environment are also issues in Ireland, as demonstrated by the analysis provided to the EEA through Environment in Focus.”

The EEA report states that a fully integrated approach to transforming Europe to a resource-efficient green economy can result, not only in a healthy environment, but also in a boost to prosperity and social cohesion.

“We support the EEA findings that the transition to a genuinely green economy has substantial benefits, not only for the environment, but also for the economy and society as a whole,” agrees Dr Kelly. “It would give us an opportunity to ensure that economic

Deal bagged: Dennis Fearon (left), managing director of SG Baker, and Shane Curran, director of Global Flood Solutions, at SG Baker's headquarters.

growth, when it returns, is sustainable. This is an important consideration, particularly in these difficult economic times.”

The report confirms that environmental policy, and actions in related areas, in the European Union and neighbouring countries have delivered substantial environmental improvements. Yet many challenges remain. There are increasing demands on natural resources to feed, clothe, house and transport people.

Increased understanding of the links between climate change, biodiversity, resource use and people’s health all point to growing pressures on land, rivers and seas.

The EEA calls for increased resource efficiency and environmental protection, a better understanding of the value of the environment in monetary terms and a reflection of this in market prices - for example

Dr Mary Kelly, EPA director general.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

through environmental taxes.

The Environment State and Outlook report 2010 encourages a greater understanding of the state of the environment and its future outlook and calls for an increased engagement of the public in developing environmental policy.

I CONSERVATION

Global Recovery Program to Double Tiger Numbers At the International Tiger Forum, Governments of 13 countries that host tiger populations have agreed to double tiger numbers by 2022 and endorsed the St Petersburg Declaration in an effort to save the Asian big cat from extinction. Actions will focus on protecting the tiger's habitat, addressing poaching, illegal trade and providing the financial resources for this emergency plan.

Over the last century, tiger numbers have plummeted from about 100,000 to less than 3,500 tigers in the wild today. Three sub-species of tigers have already completely disappeared and the fate of the other six is at stake. The last decade alone has seen a decline of almost 40% in tiger numbers and habitat as a result of human-made threats, such as, in particular, habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade and poaching and human-tiger conflicts.

In order to stop its devastating decline, the 13 countries have agreed to strengthen 5

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I GREEN HOSPITALITY

Castlemartyr Resort is Going Green reduce travel costs and minimising C food waste. Andrew Phelan, general manager of Castlemartyr Resort says: astlemartyr Resort in East Cork has received an environmental award from Green Hospitality Ireland, the only Irish developed environmental certification standard for the hospitality sector.

Following an audit from the Green Hospitality Programme in May 2010, Castlemartyr gained the award for its sterling green credentials. This means recognition of the hotel’s efforts in introducing an environmental action plan focusing on energy, waste, and water management, as well as developing strong environmental practices right across the resort.

Green-aware activities underway at Castlemartyr include recycling of newspapers, plastics and bottles, energy conservation both at front and back of the hotel, using local suppliers to international collaboration to protect the majestic Asian wild cat.

Mysterious Peruvian Owl Sighted Recently, a group of American birdwatchers were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime sighting when they observed the rare Peruvian Long-whiskered Owlet, a species previously seen only by a handful of people. This owlet is so rare that it wasn’t even discovered until 1976, and since then, the bird seems to generally prefer to be out of sight and out of mind, including a 26-year period without any confirmed sightings at all.

But in a seven-week period between September 21 and November 8, 2010, six tour groups, including visitors from the USA, Canada, the UK, Holland, Costa Rica, and Sweden, have seen the owlet near the Owlet Ecolodge at the Abra Patricia Reserve in northern Peru.

The species’ habitat has been protected there by American Bird Conservancy

and its Peruvian partner ECOAN. The scientific name for the Long-whiskered Owlet Xenoglaux loweryi - means ‘strange owl’ and refers to its small size, long bristles around the beak, and delicate feathers extending into ‘whiskers’ outwards from the face.

Long-whiskered Owlet by ECOAN.

I POLLUTION

Ireland Urged to Comply With EU Legislation on Industrial Pollution The European Commission is urging Ireland to comply with a law designed to prevent industrial pollution as a number of its agricultural installations still do not meet the requirements of the EU Directive on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC), which aims to prevent and control industrial emissions to air, water, and soil.

Under European law, industrial and agricultural activities with a high pollution potential must be licensed. The Directive required Member

“One of our objectives here at Castlemartyr is to progress our environmental efforts to be as carbon neutral as we can, and our award recognises this”.

Students from Castlemartyr National School were recently involved in the annual Autumn bulb planting programme. Management at Castlemartyr resort invited local schoolchildren from third and fourth classes in Scoil Iosaf to get involved in an array of outdoor activities, from bulb planting, to seed growing and even the creation of a vegetable garden as part of Castlemartyr’s Resort Environmental Programme.

States by 30th October 2007 to issue new permits or reconsider and – where necessary – update existing permits for all industrial installations that were in operation before 30th October 1999.

According to the latest information received from Ireland, at least 26 pig and poultry rearing installations still lack appropriate permits for their operation.

Although the Irish authorities have assured the Commission that that all large pig and poultry rearing installations will operate on the basis of appropriate permits, the Commission is not satisfied with the pace of the permitting process. It is therefore sending a reasoned opinion.

Ireland has two months to comply with the request.

Failing this, the Commission may refer the case to the European Court of Justice.

The Commission has taken 7 Member States to Court for infringements of the IPPC Directive.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 2010

I ROAD TRANSPORT

London Unveils Hydrogen Bus Fleet Zero-polluting hydrogen buses that emit only water vapour have been unveiled in London, providing a boost to plans to improve the English capital's air quality. The first of a planned fleet of eight is now operating using the latest hydrogen fuel cell technology.

The buses will form the only hydrogen bus fleet in the UK and the largest currently in Europe.

These state-of-the-art vehicles were specifically designed for Transport for London (TfL) using pioneering technology developed by ISE, Wrightbus and Ballard. All eight buses are expected to be phased into operation next year creating the UK's first zero-emission bus route.

The RV1 route passes through some of London's most polluted areas, so its conversion to hydrogen power will help to improve London's air quality. The buses are joining one of the cleanest, lowest polluting bus fleets in Europe which also includes 100 hybrid buses.

This is set to expand to 300 and, from 2012, will be joined by the Mayor's New Bus for London, which will be 40% less polluting than a traditional diesel bus.

7

I AIR QUALITY

Air Quality in Ireland is Generally Good he EPA report ‘Air Quality in Ireland T 2009 – Key Indicators of Ambient Air Quality’ shows that air quality in Ireland was generally good throughout the country. The report provides an overview of air quality in Ireland for 2009, based on data obtained from 28 monitoring stations.

Data from the EPA monitoring program shows that air quality in Ireland continues to be well above the European average, especially in relation to ozone and nitrogen dioxide. Air quality in Ireland is generally of a high standard across the country due to prevailing Atlantic airflows, relatively few large cities and the lack of widespread heavy industries. However, levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide remain of concern.

“Air quality across Ireland is generally good. However increased levels of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter observed at Dublin and Cork city centres show the need to reduce the environmental impact of traf- Data from the EPA monitoring program shows that air quality in Ireland continues to be well above the fic. Vehicle emissions technology has European average, especially in relation to ozone and nitrogen dioxide. undoubtedly decreased the impact of individual vehicles, but any benefits have been offset by an increase in where the sale of bituminous coal is permitted. As a result, levels of the number of vehicles,” comments Dr Micheal Lehane, EPA pro- particulate matter in smaller towns are similar or worse than those gramme manager. in cities.

Traffic is the primary source of nitrogen dioxide and is also one Dr Lehane continues: “The EPA asks the public to consider the of the main sources of particulate matter. Levels of nitrogen dioxide impact that their choice of domestic heating fuel can have on the are high in Dublin and Cork city centres and, in 2009, exceeded environment and air quality. An extension of the ban on the sale of the 2010 limit value at Winetavern Street monitoring station in bituminous coal to other areas would also further improve air qualDublin city centre. The four Dublin local authorities are preparing ity.” a plan to address the 2009 exceedance of the limit value.

Measured values of sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide Provisional data indicates that levels of nitrogen dioxide measured (CO), Ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), heavy to 30th September in 2010 are below the limit value. metals, benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Domestic solid fuel use is the other main source of particulate were all below limit and target values set out in the Clean Air For matter in air in Ireland and particularly impacts air quality in areas Europe Directive 2008 and 4th Daughter Directive. I

EU CO2 Emissions From New Cars See Biggest Ever Fall verage CO2 emissions from new cars sold A in the EU dropped by 5% last year, the biggest annual fall ever recorded, a report just published by the European Commission shows.

The Commission report summarising data on emissions from new passenger cars for the monitoring year 2009 shows a 5.1% drop in average C02 emissions against the previous year - the largest annual fall since the monitoring scheme began in 2000.

Moreover a slight decrease in the power, engine capacity and weight of cars, seen for the first time in 2008, accelerated last year. This was due to a combination of the economic crisis, the scrappage schemes introduced in some Member States and increased demand for and development of more fuel-efficient vehicles.

The EU CO2 emissions target of 130g CO2/km that is to be met in 2012 by the average 65% lowest emitting cars was reached last year. Considering the average fuel efficiency improvements achieved over the past seven years, several large volume manufacturers are expected to reach the 2015 target a few years in advance if this trend continues.

The Commission has also adopted detailed rules and guidance to harmonise the EU scheme for monitoring CO2 emissions from cars and ensure its correct functioning. This forms part of the implementation of the Regulation on C02 from cars.

The rules include instructions to Member States, and provide car industry with a time table for the delivery of data. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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I WASTE MANAGEMENT

Greenstar Introduces Innovative SMS Service For Customers aste management group Greenstar is making life easier for its customers W with bin collection and billing reminder texts. Using a bulk texting service from SMS provider, Phonovation, Greenstar sends reminders to customers’ mobiles the night before their bin is due to be collected.

The service is proving very popular with the majority of Greenstar’s 70,000 domestic customers already signed up.

The SMS service is also being used to send billing reminders to customers, with the result that an extra 5,000 customers a week are paying on time. When customers receive a text they can conveniently click through to a phone line, also provided by Phonovation, to check their account balance and pay their bill.

Commenting on the Phonovation service, Alice Keogh, head of customer services at Greenstar, says: “The SMS reminder service has delivered real results for us. More customers are paying on time and the volume of calls to our call centre about billing and bin collection has fallen significantly.

Our call centre agents can now concentrate

Greenstar provides waste management solutions to industry, business and domestic customers.

on finding and retaining new customers, which will help us grow the business into the future.”

Phonovation is currently the only company in Ireland offering a dual automated Integrated Voice Response (IVR) payment mechanism and SMS service. Companies using the service only pay per SMS deliv-

ered and can track customers’ responses, making it highly cost-effective and measurable.

Employing more than 760 people across 40 sites nationwide, Greenstar currently provides household waste and recycling services to over 70,000 household customers in eleven counties nationwide including Cork, Dublin, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow, Sligo, Donegal, Kilkenny , Mayo, Limerick and County Down.

Greenstar provides waste management solutions to industry, business and domestic customers and in its 2008/9 financial year handled over 1.1 million tonnes of waste, recycling or recovering over 60% of that waste.

Greenstar has invested over Eur320 million since it was founded in 1999 to develop essential integrated waste management infrastructure and is making further investment in its Dublin operations to produce fossil fuel substitutes (SRF) from waste previously sent for disposal. In 2010, Greenstar will generate enough energy from recycled waste to power 35,000 homes. I

€10m Investment for Youghal Waste Recovery Plant ras Eco, the Cork based waste treatment E and recycling plant, has announced plans for a €10 million investment in new environmentally friendly technology at its site at Foxhole, Youghal. Ten new full-time jobs will be created once the new facilities are commissioned in addition to approximately 20 jobs during the construction and installation phase.

The key element will be a new green and renewable system for the safe and complete destruction of aqueous organic waste that has been developed by Cork based environmental company, Super Critical Fluids International (SCFI). This innovative system, known as AquaCritox, has been extensively developed and tested in Ireland and Sweden over the past five years.

The system employs super critical water oxidation technology to provide 100% destruction of organic wet waste converting

it into clean water. AquaCritox does not generate any odours or harmful emissions or residues. This innovative process is carried out in water and generates steam that can be used to make renewable electricity or used elsewhere on the site. The adoption of the AquaCritox technology will allow Eras Eco to convert the waste streams safely and efficiently into renewable energy thus displacing imported energy.

The company additionally plans to further develop its green energy credentials with the construction of an above ground anaerobic digestion facility on the site to allow for enhanced treatment of bio-solids.

The resultant production of methane gas will be used to produce electricity for use on site through a combined heat and power generator.

The upgraded facilities will utilise existing buildings and plant on the site. There will

be no increase in the amount of waste permitted under existing permissions and no new entrance points to the site required. I

Pictured following the announcement of plans for a Eur10 million investment by Eras Eco are (from left to right): Paul Wilson, facility manager, Eras Eco, and David Kerr, chief operating officer, Super Critical Fluids International (SCFI).

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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I FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

Solutions to Improve Your Business – FM Ireland, 9–10 March 2011, RDS, Dublin aintaining the infrastructure of a business is estimated as the second highest cost for any organisation and with profit margins being squeezed a Euro saved is more valuable than ever. The challenge is how best to achieve this for your organisation.

That means knowing which specialists to call in, which products to use, who to take on as a partner or contractor. And while you may not be getting hands-on yourself, understanding what is involved so you can make informed judgements on quality, service and cost-effectiveness. At FM Ireland, you can see everyone and everything you need to put your strategies into effect. And make the decisions that lead to greater efficiency, return on investment and value for money.

FM Ireland, 9–10 March 2011, RDS, Dublin is a unique opportunity for all those involved and responsible for creating and maintaining retail, industrial, commercial, government buildings and facilities to see latest products, services and solution providers that can be of direct assistance and benefit to achieving these aims.

FM Ireland uses a unique combination of conference content delivered within Ireland’s largest exhibition of suppliers with the latest in products, services and solutions that can assist Irish businesses.

This new feature has a dedicated CPD accredited conference programme delivered by IOSH Ireland and the Health & Safety Authority. And has the active support of NISO and Health & Safety Times.

M

The Conference - Because Knowledge is King The conference programme benefits from the active involvement of the FM Ireland’s supporting organisations that are providing industry experts who will deliver papers and case studies of direct relevance to attendees.

Areas addressed will include: • Outsourcing • Building Services • Security • Energy and Sustainability • Health & Safety • Property Management • Hard FM • Waste.

Building on the success of last year’s event, visitors will have access to leading suppliers and service providers showcasing the latest in new ideas, new technologies and new solutions that can improve productivity and increase your return on investment.

Whether you are looking for engineering services to comply with the new regulations 12

on refrigerants, the latest in energy management and energy solutions, cleaning technology, asset management, security or outsourcing solutions for parts or all of your infrastructural needs FM Ireland is the event for you.

FM Ireland benefits from the active support of leading Irish organisations addressing the different aspects covered by the event. Their support guarantees that the conference programme is relevant to the needs of the market, whilst giving FM Ireland access to unique marketing channels from which to promote the event and secure attendance.

Supporting organisations include: • IPFMA – Irish Property and Facility Management Association • HSA – Health and Safety Authority Ireland • IOSH – Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Ireland • NISO – National Irish Safety Organisation • IHEEM – Institute for Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management Health and Safety Times, Ireland Engineers Ireland • MEETA – The Asset Management Association • IRI – Irish Refrigeration Institute • ISIA – Irish Security Industry Association • SEAI – Sustainability and Energy Authority Ireland • BRE – Buildings Research Establishment, Ireland.

New For 2011 In response to market demands, a new ‘show within show’ feature ‘Health & Safety Ireland’ is being included as a dedicated feature within the event. Health & Safety Ireland will showcase the latest in information, technology and solutions that can assist companies and their senior management to meet their legal obligations and improve staff well being.

The Exhibition - Making Things Better The largest of its kind in Ireland, the free exhibition brings together suppliers, consultants and service providers. It is your chance to research products and services make contacts and find solutions to practical and management problems. You know things can always be done better: here is where you will find the people and products to make it happen.

Benefits of Attending Now more than ever, you need to be sure you are getting the maximum return from every euro and minute available to you.

By putting all the products, people and knowledge you need in one place, Facilities Management Ireland offers the best possible return on your investment.

• The complete event for those involved in managing, maintaining and operating facilities of all kinds.

• Free exhibition featuring the largest range of products and services assembled in one place in Ireland this year.

• Free Conference content addressing your day-to-day concerns.

• The chance to talk to real people about real products, problems and practice.

• In-depth advice on products and services from the people who make and supply them.

• The greatest single gathering of your colleagues and people from related disciplines.

• Ideas, inspiration and answers, whatever your area of responsibility and working environment.

Register Now Whilst attendance to both FM Ireland and Health & Safety Ireland is free, it is recommend that you register online indicating the conference sessions you would like to attend. Visit www.healthandsafetyireland.ie or www.fmireland.com where you can see the latest information.

Alternatively you can contact the organisers' on +44 1892 518877 or email: fmireland@stepex.com. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

I ENERGY IN IRELAND

Renewable Energy Grew by 15% Per Annum for Five Years to 2009 enewable energy in Ireland grew by an average of 15% per annum from 2005 R to 2009, driven largely by a significant growth in wind energy of 28% per annum in that period, according to the annual ‘Energy in Ireland’ report from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). In parallel, 2009 witnessed a steady trend towards lower energy prices in Ireland for both domestic and business energy users.

Energy in Ireland 1990-2009 shows that in addition to the decline in economic activity, increased energy efficiency and the consistent growth of renewables on the national grid contributed to a significant decline in energy-related C02 emissions in 2009 of 11%.

A key finding of the report in relation to transport and car purchase shows that

Renewable energy in Ireland grew by an average of 15% per annum from 2005 to 2009, driven largely by a significant growth in wind energy.

Government changes to vehicle registration tax and motor tax are positively influencing consumer purchase choice to more efficient vehicles. 80% of new cars purchased in 2010 (Jan to Nov) were in the most energy

efficient A and B label bands, up from 25% in July 2008, prior to the new tax band introduction.

The report also shows that overall energy use declined by 9% in 2009, with sectors such as industry at 13%, services at 12% and transport at 10% witnessing the greatest fall.

“Energy in Ireland 1990-2009 reflects important trends in our approach to, and management of, energy demand and supply in Ireland. We are seeing some positive results shine through as renewable energy continues to grow and energy efficiency continues to improve across all sections of society. As energy becomes more central to enterprise and our economy, it is increasingly important for us to keep a close eye on the emerging trends,” comments Professor Owen Lewis, chief executive of SEAI. I

I RENEWABLE ENERGY

Gaelectric Secures Approval for £22 Million Tyrone Wind Farm aelectric, the Irish renewable energy G group, has received planning approval for a 15 Megawatt (MW) wind farm at Inishative, near Pomeroy, in County Tyrone. The wind farm development will consist of six wind turbines with a maximum hub height of 64 metres and a maximum blade diameter of 71 metres, and will be capable of generating enough renewable energy to meet the average annual electricity consumption of approximately 8,000 homes.

Representing an investment of £22 million, the Inishative wind farm development is the latest in a portfolio of renewable energy projects that Gaelectric is progressing in Northern Ireland, which together totals approximately 200 MW of power generation capacity.

Gaelectric secured full planning approval for two further wind energy developments, a 15MW wind farm in Carn Hill, Newtownabbey, County Antrim and a 12.5 MW wind farm in Cregganconroe, Pomeroy, County Tyrone, earlier this year giving the company 42.5 MW of consented projects in Northern Ireland. Construction of this £62 million pipeline will begin in early 2011.

“Government policy needs to give further weight and importance to economic consid-

erations and the opportunities for economic development that wind power developments present. In these straightened times we do not have the luxury of behaving as if we live in an ideal world where every risk and threat can be perfectly balanced. A focused and proactive approach to economic opportunities is needed to steer the economy – North and South - on a sustainable growth path,” comments Brendan McGrath, chief executive of Gaelectric. “We have been progressing a number of wind farm sites in Tyrone and Antrim through the planning approval process for a number of years, which have required us to work closely with the NI Executive and planning authorities in Northern Ireland. These authorities recog-

nise the importance of renewable power generation in a sustainable energy future and we are seeing well-prepared, viable projects successfully securing planning approval.”

Gaelectric completed an extensive consultation programme to update local communities on the Inishative proposal. A locally administered community fund amounting to £250,000 will be set up to support community projects. Gaelectric has also committed to spending up to £4.5million in project costs on construction and operations with local companies.

Gaelectric currently has 25 projects at different stages of development on the island of Ireland. Just over half of these projects are in Northern Ireland. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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RICE INSULATION • Company founded in 2003 • Committed to safety & the Environment • All Insulation specification types catered for • All types of Cladding Manufactured in our 3000 sq/ft workshop • Member of CWPS pension scheme • Top quality work guaranteed • Full professional service provided by skilled tradesmen • Nationwide service

Recent Work Cork School of Music Limerick Regional Hospital, Dialysis unit Merck, Sharpe & Dome, R&D Formulation Building Cordis/Alza, Cashel, Co. Tipperary ESB/Alstom, CCGT project, Aghada, Co. Cork Eirebloc Ire, (timber plant) Macroom, Co. Cork Genzyme, Co. Waterford Killarney Sport & Leisure Centre Douglas Shopping Centre Tesco, Tramore & Birr

I UK ENERGY

Reform of the UK Electricity Market - £110 Billion Investment Needed Reforms aimed at moving the UK to the front of the global race for electricity investment, driving the growth of clean energy industries in the UK, and ensuring the best possible deal for consumers have been proposed by the British Government. he Department of Energy and higher than the cost of low carbon Climate Change and HM generation. An alternative ‘premium’ Treasury have together launched Feed In Tariff is also set out in the consultations on fundamental consultation document. reforms to the electricity market to * Additional payments to encourage the ensure the UK can meet its climate goals construction of reserve plants or and have a secure, affordable supply of demand reduction measures (soelectricity in the long term. called ‘negawatts’) to ensure the lights “More than £110 billion of investstay on. A Capacity Mechanism will ment is needed in new power stations ensure there remains an adequate and grid upgrades over the next decade, safety cushion of capacity as the that’s double the rate of the last ten amount of intermittent and inflexible years. Put simply, the current market is low carbon generation increases. not fit to deliver this,” says Energy and More than £110 billion of investment is needed in new power * A back-stop to limit how much carClimate Change Secretary Chris Huhne. stations and grid upgrades in the UK over the next decade. bon the most dirty power stations “Without investment in renewables, coal - can emit. An Emissions new nuclear and carbon capture and stor- Emissions Trading System for example. But Performance Standard will reinforce the age, emissions will remain too high, we will the bias towards fossil fuel generation existing requirement that no new coal is become dependent on energy imports, and remains. In the current market this is a built without carbon capture and storage. increasingly vulnerable to fossil fuel price lower cost and lower risk investment than The reforms are aimed at giving existing volatility. Low carbon technologies must be low carbon technologies, all of which have players and new entrants in the energy secgiven the chance to become the dominant relatively high upfront capital costs. tor the certainty they need to raise the more component in our electricity mix.”

In addition, the reserve margin of spare than £110 billion of investment required. generating capacity will fall during the next Ofgem’s review into the liquidity of the Investment Challenge decade and the Government is not confi- wholesale electricity market will be an There is widespread consensus that reform dent the current market will guarantee ade- essential complement to the reforms. I of the electricity market is needed. The quate electricity at peak periods. scale of the investment challenge is huge: * A quarter of the UK’s existing generation Competitive Market capacity will need replacing by 2020, as Under the reforms outlined, the competimany nuclear and coal plants reach the tive market will remain intact but four end of their lives - that’s 19GW or inter-locking policy instruments are proaround 20 large power stations. Some posed to change the returns generators can new gas-fired power stations will be expect for the power stations they build needed to complement renewables and and the electricity they generate: the first new nuclear power station. * Greater long term certainty around the * About 30% of the electricity must come additional cost of running polluting plant from renewables by 2020, up from 7% through a carbon price floor. Proposals today, to meet the UK’s contribution to from the Treasury to provide greater supEurope’s target on renewable energy. port and certainty to the carbon price * The power sector needs to lead the decarwill increase investment in low carbon bonisation of the economy. It must be generation by providing a clearer long largely decarbonised during the 2030s to term price for carbon in the power sector. keep the UK on track for meeting its cli- * Long term contracts for low carbon genmate change goals. eration will make clean energy invest* The 2050 Pathways show that electricity ment more attractive still. Through a demand may double by 2050 as more proposed ‘contract for difference’ Feed In heating and transport is shifted onto the Tariff, the Government will agree clear, grid to decarbonise the wider economy. long term contracts, resulting in a top up Some measures have already delivered payment to low carbon generators if A quarter of the UK’s existing generation capacity investment in new low carbon generation wholesale prices are low but clawing back will need replacing by 2020. the Renewables Obligation and the EU money for consumers if prices become

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ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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I SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

SEAI Energy Show 2011- Open Up to Smart Energy Solutions The annual Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s Energy Show takes place at the RDS in Dublin on March 30th and 31st.

T

he two day event is a business only trade exhibition showcasing leading suppliers of sustainable energy products and services and featuring a series of seminars covering the most current and topical developments facing the sector both nationally and internationally. Now firmly established as the annual national showcase for the Irish energy sector, the theme of this years Show is “Open up to Smart Energy Solutions’ highlighting the business potential from this area and how smart energy solutions can deliver real cost saving results for business.

In what remains a very challenging period for businesses, both large and small, there is a greater call for sustainable energy solutions that can make a difference to a business bottom line. There is also a growing expectation around the ‘smart economy’ as one of the key drivers for future economic growth. Businesses are now looking at how to harness the potential of this smart economy for investment and job opportunities. The Energy Show provides the ideal forum to showcase the latest in innovative renewable energy solutions, network with like-minded businesses and hear how a low carbon future will bring a range of opportunities for business in the area of energy efficiency, technology, innovation and renewable energy.

Challenges The coming years will be a period of

not just from Ireland but from across Europe and visitors in attendance can expect to see companies such as Clarke Energy, Edina, Crowley Carbon, Energia, Ecological Building Systems, Mitsubishi Electric, to name but a few.

change for everyone as society moves away from energy-intense, fossil fuel based practices and lifestyles. We must engage a future with smart new technologies and intelligent use of resources. Businesses must find ways to address the carbon challenge without sacrificing international competitiveness. The success in reducing fossil fuel dependence will be an indicator of a business’s ability to address and adapt to all of the challenges associated with energy and indeed to identify the opportunities.

Originally held in 1996, the Energy Show has seen huge amounts of change in the Irish energy sector in recent years. It is now the premier trade exhibition for the Irish sustainable energy sector highlighting the diversity of energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions in Ireland. The event attracts a diverse array of exhibitors

Emerging Technologies The Energy Show will also feature an extended electric vehicle and emerging technologies area profiling and displaying the latest large transit vans and cars available on the market as well as new emerging technologies such as ocean energy.

In addition to the trade exhibition, SEAI will present a comprehensive seminar programme detailing the latest energy saving and business opportunities available to businesses of all sizes. Details on the seminars will be available on www.seai.ie/energyshow.

Attendees are expected from across a wide range of backgrounds with the event specifically aimed at businesses or individuals with a professional interest or responsibility for energy use and will be a unique and invaluable source of information for all.

The show will run on Wednesday, March 30th from 9:30am to 7pm and on Thursday, March 31st from 9am to 5pm.

For further details on SEAI’s Energy Show 2011 and how your business can exhibit as part of the show visit www.seai.ie/energyshow. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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I ENERGY EFFICIENCY

A Guide to Chiller Selection From Rittal here are a number of factors that must T be considered when selecting a chiller, whether for use in an IT environment or for use in comfort cooling. Cooling specialist Rittal offers some guidance on the subject.

For a correct calculation of the capacity required, the heat load for all relevant equipment or areas as well as flow rates and supply water temperature for equipment to be cooled must be taken into consideration. The water supply temperature is particularly critical in terms of energy

usage as even a degree of change can vary operational costs of the system by a huge amount. It can also reduce the size of unit required as more capacity can be achieved at higher temperatures.

It is important to recognise this at the

18

initial selection stage. According to Rittal, all its chilled water-based cooling equipment operates at a higher supply temperature than rival brands. This can result in significant energy savings.

Free-Cooling or Standard Chiller A free-cooling chiller is a unit that uses low ambient conditions to cool the water while the mechanical cooling is switched off. This temperature can vary but below 12 degrees C an effective temperature dif-

ferential can be achieved to allow the mechanical cooling to be switched off.

This figure relates to Rittal products but could be a significantly lower temperature with other brands, adding to the cost of energy usage

Ireland has the ideal temperature profile for this type of system allowing for freecooling usage for more than 70% of the year.

There are a couple of factors that influence the selection of a free cooling chiller.

Firstly, it must be determined if the load is constant or variable. Generally a constant load will apply to data suites as the servers’ power usage will not vary. This is an ideal operation for a free-cooling chiller as demand is constant throughout the year and will take full advantage of lower ambient temperatures to make full use of the free cooling option.

A variable load would generally apply to comfort cooling applications where a minimum amount of load would be required during low ambient periods eliminating the need for a free-cooling option - these projects should be assessed individually to calculate which unit would suit.

Air Cooled or Water Cooled The majority of units are air cooled. It is a

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

simple and cheap way of rejecting the heat from the system. Larger institutions use water cooled chillers with the rejected water being used to heat other parts of the building. This is where a capital expenditure against operational expenditure will come into play. The payback period would have to justify the capital expenditure of additional pipe work to feed the secondary heating system.

Comfort Cooling In general these calculations are undertaken by Rittal. However, it should be noted that areas are generally cooled using fan coil systems and load calculations must

take into account floor area, electrical loads, lighting, amount of people, direction of building, glass and insulation of roof and walls.

Site Characteristics The proposed position of a chiller unit on site also has implications as coils on units can be susceptible to exposure to harsh climates. Coastal areas and chemical plants are good examples of this but the units’ coils can be coated to protect them from harsh environments at an additional cost.

Most companies will employ an outside or internal consultant to deal with projects that require a chiller. Rittal has a specialist

cooling division that can take a project from design stage to commissioning and hand over.

Rittal can also provide operational data for its units against any of the main brand chillers and can in general show an operational saving against all of these units.

Rittal’s chillers achieve some of the highest efficiencies on the market and this combined with the company’s room cooling solutions, racks, PDU’s, UPS and communications enable it to supply a complete IT infrastructural solution for any size project. For further information please contact Dr Harald Werner @ 086-8544368 or Daren Lowndes @ 087-9143833. I

I WATER QUALITY

Wastewater Treatment Optimisation Provides Cost Savings optimisation strategies without the need for complex programming and expensive customisation. In combination with Hach Lange sensors, Nutrient Removal and Sludge Treatment Processes can now be easily optimised in order to achieve savings in aeration energy and chemical consumption, even on small wastewater treatment facilities.

ater and wastewater solutions specialist W Hach Lange has developed a set of standardised control modules, enabling the application of processes improvements and

Real Time Control Opportunities Stand-alone wastewater treatment optimisation solutions (WTOS) control modules are now available to optimise individual treatment processes at treatment plants. These can be easily integrated into an existing plant structure and currently include: (1) the chemical elimination of phosphorus and (2) dissolved oxygen adjustment according to the actual NH4-N load in an aeration tank. Control modules for sludge management as sludge retention time controller or desludging controller will be added in the near future.

In addition to the stand-alone modules, it is also possible to combine different RTC modules to optimise an entire plant.

Termed an 'enterprise solution' this activity involves a review of the plant as a whole and the creation of customised specifications for the application of different control modules for nitrification, sludge retention time, methanol dosing, and/or chemical phosphate removal to achieve the best overall performance. For more information email sarah.blayds@hach-lange.co.uk or visit www.hach-lange.co.uk. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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I ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Energy Monitoring Software Provides the Basis for Compliance With New EN16001 Standard anufacturing companies currently benM efit from a wide range of energy/electricity tax concessions if they are certified according to EMAS (EC/761/2001) or ISO 14001. It is also clear that, despite the significant measures which have already been implemented by industry, there is still enormous potential for even greater energy efficiency. The growing importance of energy management systems led to the introduction of EN16001. This standard aims to assist organizations in setting up systems and processes which improve energy efficiency.

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The elements contained in EN16001 include the introduction of an energy policy, its planning, implementation and operation, monitoring and corrective measures, internal audits and management reviews.

Reliable energy measured values form the basis for reducing energy costs. Highly accurate measuring technology which is optimized for the particular application is essential for measuring steam, compressed air, heat, cold, power, natural gas and oil.

The parameters which are measured and the sensors and calculation standards which are used are a vital part of obtaining meaningful measurement results.

Endress+Hauser can measure all energyrelevant parameters such as flow rate, pressure and temperature using measuring technology in order to establish energy supply requirements with a high level of reproducibility.

Endress+Hauser allows companies to implement an automatic energy monitoring system which gives them a clear overview of energy usage. Accordingly, the user can

monitor energy consumption, save costs and optimize plant operation. Energy monitoring thus forms the core of a continuous improvement process which, as per EN16001, results in more efficient use of energy.

To find out more about how Endress+Hauser can assist you in saving energy and be EN16001 compliant, please contact Brian O’Connell on 045 86 86 15 or by email: marketing@ie.endress.com. You can also visit www.ie.endress.com/EN16001. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

I SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

Sustainable Energy Award Winners 2010 Companies across all sectors of the economy were recognised for their efforts in energy management at Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI) seventh annual Sustainable Energy Awards. ward winners included Irish-owned retailer Musgrave, multinationals Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa, Cork and IFSC-based international bank Citi, family run business Matthews Coach Hire, research institute Tyndall and energy services company, Crowley Carbon.

Sponsored by ESB, the Sustainable Energy Awards highlight excellence in business energy management and this year included entries from over 100 organisations. Top prize, ‘Energy Manager of the Year’, went to Brian Scannell of the Musgrave Group, which launched a five-year sustainability strategy across its business in 2007 that has since delivered over 3GWh in energy savings, equivalent to 5% year on year savings (see Panel).

Crowley Carbon received the new ‘Sustainable Energy Innovation Award’ for the adoption of an iPhone app Danu, a

A

smart analytical tool that helps businesses to carry out a comprehensive energy audit. The tool was demonstrated in Corrib Oil and led to energy savings of 30% equivalent to Eur120,000.

Tyndall National Institute won the ‘Renewable Energy Systems Award’ for its new research building, which is heated entirely by heat generated from its data servers, saving 12% on energy costs.

Citi received the ‘Energy Awareness Award’ for a sustained energy awareness programme which resulted in reducing utility costs by almost Eur350,000 over the last year alone.

Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa was awarded the ‘Energy Management Award, Small to Medium User’ for achieving energy savings of almost 30% in the last three years, equivalent to Eur250,000, by following no-and

Brian Scannell of Musgrave Group is Energy Manager of the Year Brian Scannell of the Musgrave Group was named Energy Manager of the Year in the SEAI’s 2010 Sustainable Energy Awards. In addition to partnering over 600 Irish entrepreneurial food retailers Musgrave Group also operates a network of cash & carry outlets and distribution facilities.

The energy team, under the direction of John Curran, group environmental executive, is led by Brian Scannell, Musgrave energy manager, who works closely with nominated ‘energy champions’ in each of Pictured (left to right): Brid Horan, executive director of the group’s cash & carry and distribution ESB Services and Energy Solutions; Brian Scannell, facilities, with the aim of reducing energy energy manager of Musgrave Group; John Curran, consumption and optimising energy use environmental executive of Musgrave Group; and across the business. This is done through Brendan Halligan, chairman of SEAI. continuous analysis and reporting of energy usage against set targets, based on the previous year’s consumption and the 2007 baseline.

Energy reduction targets form part of Musgrave Group’s overall sustainability programme and are based on the philosophy of continuous improvement; targeting 5% reduction in energy use per year. (ie target for 2010 is a 15% reduction compared to the 2007 baseline).

Since 2008, over 65 energy projects have been implemented across the group, resulting in over 3,000MWh in energy savings, with some facilities already exceeding their energy targets for 2012.

These results have been achieved through the implementation of a web based energy monitoring and targeting system, staff energy awareness training, analysis of utility invoices to ensure optimum tariff structures are maintained, trials of new energy efficient technology as it emerges, and a commitment to use best in class energy efficiency products (Triple E – Excellence in Energy Efficiency).

Tyndall National Institute, UCC won the Renewable Energy Systems Award. Pictured (left to right): Brid Horan, executive director of ESB Services and Energy Solutions; Pat Mehigan, facilities manager, Tyndall; Cormac Harrington, head of business operations, Tyndall; and Brendan Halligan, chairman of SEAI.

low- cost energy saving initiatives involving all staff.

Matthews Coach Hire won the ‘Energy Efficiency Award, Small to Medium User’, for implementing a fuel efficiency project that has generated a 6% saving in fuel usage throughout its fleet of private coaches, commuter and tour party buses.

Over €17 Million in Savings In total, the project entries this year demonstrated energy savings of over Eur17 million, with an additional Eur40 million in projected cost savings identified over the next three years. 2010 is the first year in which an award in the area of Sustainable Energy Innovation was offered, with significant interest generated from a number of companies in that category.

“What is most encouraging from this year’s Awards is the evidence that employees and individuals in business are now really embracing the efficiency agenda and driving change throughout Irish industry. A culture change is taking place across Irish businesses,” comments Professor Owen Lewis, chief executive of SEAI. “We too often think that our individual efforts are futile in the bigger picture, but all we have to do is look at the collective efforts of entrants to this year’s Awards who have achieved energy savings of over Eur17 million. Individuals have made these savings happen and they should be commended.” I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

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renewable energy from ESB Independent Energy

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

www.esbie.ie 01 - 862 8300 www.esbie.co.uk 0845 - 309 8138

P P O O II N N T T

RENEWABLE ENERGY

EU to Exceed 20% Renewable Energy Goal by 2020 The EU 27 will exceed its target of meeting 20% of its gross final energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020, according to the European Wind Energy Association, following analysis of the National Renewable Energy Action Plans, submitted by the EU Member States to the European Commission.

“Taken together the Action Plans show that the EU-27 will meet 20.7 % of its 2020 energy consumption from renewables”, says Justin Wilkes, policy director of the EWEA. The National Action Plans show that one third (34%) of EU electricity demand will be supplied from renewables by 2020 Wind energy will generate 14% of Europe’s total electricity demand in 2020 (494 TWh from 213 GW installed capacity), more than any other renewable source, up from 4.2% in 2009. Ireland will

be the country with the highest wind energy penetration level at 36.4% of its total electricity demand, followed by Denmark at 31%.

15 Member States plan to exceed their national target, led by Bulgaria at +2.8% above its target, Spain (+2.7%), Greece (+2.2%), Hungary (+1.7) and Germany (+1.6%). Ten Member States will meet their national target, and just two Member States, Luxembourg (2.1%) and Italy (-0.9%), have informed the European Commission that they envisage using the co-operation mechanisms to meet their national targets The 34% of EU electricity demand met by renewables in 2020 is made up of 14.1% from wind energy (10% onshore, 4% offshore), 10.5% from hydro, 6.6% from biomass, 2.7% from solar photovoltaic, 0.5% from CSP, 0.3% from geothermal and 0.1% from ocean.

GREEN ENERGY

Ireland (SEAI) highlights the continued fall in electricity and gas prices over the last year as Ireland strengthens its competitive position vis-a-vis energy pricing across the European Union.

The latest Electricity and Gas Prices (in Ireland) Report shows that in the year to June 2010, businesses and householders benefited from falling energy prices. Householders experienced a large fall in electricity prices of 12% bringing prices in line with the EU average, and a fall of between 20%-35% was witnessed by medium to large businesses, compared with the EU average of 4%, the largest drop in the EU. Domestic gas prices also fell by 23% and SMEs experienced a drop bringing them between 7%-18% beneath the EU average.

Professor Owen Lewis, chief executive of SEAI, Comments: “Despite misconceptions that Ireland’s energy prices are out of line with the rest of Europe, we have witnessed a steady trend towards lower energy prices for most users in recent years. It is encouraging to see that Ireland is

Rural Generation and Standard Brands to Produce Eco Log Irish green energy company and willow development specialist Rural Generation has signed a long-term agreement, worth over ?5 million, to source and provide willow chips. Willow is the key ingredient for an innovative new eco log which will see a number of ‘green jobs’ being established in Ireland as well as presenting lucrative business opportunities for niche farmers.

Croi na Tine, which means ‘heart of the fire’, is a new formula 100% natural and sustainable fire log, manufactured by Standard Brands at its factory in Castlebellingham, using locally grown coppiced willow, planted and harvested on Irish soil. As well as being the first product of its kind to use willow chip as its main ingredient this high performance product is the only fire log manufactured in Ireland.

The new contract has resulted in the return of production of the fire log to Ireland with plans in the pipeline to eventually

export the product.

As well as providing clean, sustainable, carbon neutral energy, short rotation coppice willow development also provides genuine business opportunities for Irish farmers who wish to diversify. The move to use locally sourced willow chip is giving niche farmers work growing energy crops and for the first time Rural Generation can guarantee to buy local farmers’ willow for a set price.

Tom Brennan, managing director of Rural Generation.

ENERGY PRICES

SEAI Confirms Improved Electricity and Gas Price Position for Ireland A report published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

now at or below the average in terms of energy pricing across the EU. Given current economic challenges facing Ireland, the fall in energy prices is very good news for businesses, for whom competitiveness remains a key issue. Over half of the electricity sold to Ireland’s business customers in the first six months of the year was below the EU average signalling the success of a more open energy trading market.”

The Electricity and Gas Prices (in Ireland) Report can be found on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/statistics.

Professor

Owen

Lewis,

chief

executive of SEAI.

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Organised by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the Energy Show is the ideal place to see and learn about the latest sustainable energy technologies and practices for industry and business.

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This two-day exhibition showcases leading energy suppliers and their innovative products and services.

In addition, seminars will be held to highlight sustainable energy opportunities and best practice case studies.

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renewable energy from ESB Independent Energy E N E R G Y

www.esbie.ie 01 - 862 8300 www.esbie.co.uk 0845 - 309 8138

P O I N T

POWER GENERATION

Endesa Receives Green Light For Tarbert Power Station Endesa, Spain’s leading utilities company, has been granted planning permission

by An Bord Pleanala to commence work on the first phase of a new 450 megawatts combined-cycle gas turbine power plant at the former ESB station at Tarbert in County Kerry. The new facility will be constructed in two phases over four years.

The first phase, which is due to be operational by the end of 2012, is expected to generate more than 300 construction jobs. Phase two is scheduled to start in 2014. The old power plant at Tarbert, which was established in the 1960s will be demolished.

Phase one will involve the construction of a 305 MW Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) which will be fired on natural gas. Three of the four existing HFO Fired Units will be decommissioned once the OCGT is commissioned.

Phase two will commence commercial operation in 2016. This

entails the conversion of the Open Cycle Gas Turbine to a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT). This will increase the plant output from 305 to 450MW. The final fourth existing HFO Fired Unit will be decommissioned once the CCGT is commissioned.

Endesa Ireland was established as an operating company on 8th January 2009, following Endesa's acquisition of certain generation assets from ESB. The assets purchased comprise 1,068 MW divided up between four sites - Tarbert, Great Island in Wexford, Rhode in Offaly and Tawnaghmore in Mayo.

In addition to being the leader within the Spanish electricity system, Endesa is the number one private electricity company in Latin America. It is a significant player in the energy sector of the European Mediterranean region. It also has a growing presence in the Spanish natural gas market and is advancing rapidly in the area of renewable energy.

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

RENEWABLE ENERGY

£450 Million Deal to Build UK’s First Sustainable Energy Park

Energia Adds Further Wind Power

€50 Million Wind Farm in County Clare to Proceed

The UK’s first sustainable energy park is to be built in Peterborough after developer Peterborough Renewable Energy, a subsidiary of Green Energy Parks, signed an engineering, procurement and construction deal worth more than £450 million with Malaysian manufacturing giant, KNM Group Berhad. The KNM Group, which operates 19 manufacturing facilities and engineering centres in 12 countries, will also take on the O&M contract for the Energy Park.

Once built the 80MWe energy park for Peterborough will take biomass generated from wastes to produce renewable energy and recycle and remanufacture other elements to produce glass, building blocks, metals and compounds.

Green Energy Parks hopes that this will be the first in a nationwide network of plants, fundamentally changing the way that mixed waste is dealt with in the UK, eliminating all need for future landfill, creating renewable energy and producing higher value goods.

Energy provider Energia has completed it new 10MW wind farm at Drumlough Hill, Buncrana in County Donegal.

The twelve new wind turbines will increase power generated at Drumlough Hill to 15MW. “Energia has consistently been one of the largest investors in Ireland’s renewable sector and currently has 255MW of operational renewable electricity capacity contracted within its energy portfolio, with a further 484MW of wind farm projects currently in development across Ireland,” comments Peter Baillie, managing director renewables of Energia. “The green electricity generated by these wind farms will be supplied to businesses across Ireland

by Energia which has 17%, rising to 25% by 2012, of the allisland renewable electricity connected supply.”

Bord Pleanala has rejected an appeal by An Taisce against a Clare County Council decision to allow Hibernian Windpower to construct a wind farm incorporating 11 turbines of approximately 2500kW capacity each, at Boolynageragh, Lissycasey.

The development site, which is 3 kilometres north of Lissycasey, will have total rated electrical output of 27.5MW. The capital cost of the project is up to ?50m. The development is in line with the ESB’s policy to achieve 33% of generation from renewable resources by 2020, including 1,400 MW from wind generation.

POWER GENERATION

Bord Gais Opens New €400 Million Power Plant in Cork Bord Gais has officially opened its first major electricity generating station at Whitegate in Cork. The 445 megawatts gasfired Whitegate power plant is one of the most efficient electricity generation facilities in the world today and is a key strategic development for Bord Gais.

It is also a key development for

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

the State as it enhances the country’s security of supply and energy mix.

The €400m investment provides power for 445,000 homes and at the peak of its construction 800 people were employed on site. Construction started at Whitegate in March 2008 and it was one of the safest construction sites in Ireland with over 1.8 million man-hours and 19 months accident free.

Bord Gais now has over 420,000 electricity customers following the launch of its Big Switch campaign in February 2009.

Whitegate Power station is a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) and with an efficiency of 58.5% is the most efficient power station in Ireland. The principal contractors were Gama and General Electric and the project was completed on budget. After extensive testing the power plant was officially commissioned on 8th November and has been tendering to provide electricity within the Single Electricity Market (SEM) since then.

“The completion of the Whitegate power plant is hugely important to us in strategic terms. It provides the backing for our retail electricity business, 25

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P O I N T

BIOFUELS

Indirect Land Use Change For Biofuels The European Commission has published a report on indirect land use change related to biofuels and bioliquids. The report acknowledges that indirect land use change can reduce greenhouse gas emissions savings associated with biofuels, but also identifies a number of uncertainties. The Commission will now conduct an impact assessment, thereby taking into consideration potential changes to the existing legislation.

The 2009 Renewable Energy and Fuel Quality Directives set targets of a 10% share of renewable energy in the transport sector and a 6% greenhouse gas reductions for fuels used in the transport sector in 2020. The contribution from biofuels to these targets is expected to be significant.

In order to avoid possible negative side-effects, both Directives impose sustainability criteria that biofuels and bioliquids need to comply with in order to be counted towards the targets. These criteria include provisions to prevent the conversion of areas of high biodiversity and carbon sinks such as forest and wetlands. They also require minimum greenhouse gas emission savings from biofuels compared to fossil fuels.

However, there is a risk that part of the additional demand for biofuels will be met through an increase in the amount of land devoted to agriculture worldwide. This could lead to emissions associated with the conversion of land indirectly. Therefore, the Commission is required to review the impact of indirect land use change on greenhouse gas emissions and propose legislative action which continues to grow,” points out John Mullins, chief executive of Bord Gais

John Mullins, chief executive of Bord Gais.

26

ESB Launches One Stop Shop For Home Energy Solutions ESB has launched HALO, the new innovative, home energy efficiency service designed to enable homeowners to reduce their energy bills while ensuring that their homes are kept warm and comfortable in a more environmentally-friendly way.

To better understand the needs of homeowners today, ESB carried out a survey earlier this year which revealed that 66% of Irish people would consider insulation products in a bid to have a warmer house and reduce energy costs. Research following the 20,000 free surveys carried out by the ESB HALO team, also highlighted

for minimising that impact if appropriate.

Estimating the greenhouse gas impact due to indirect land use change requires projecting impacts in the future, which is inherently uncertain, since future developments will not necessarily follow trends of the past. The estimated impact can only be established through modelling. In this context the Commission recognises that a number of deficiencies and uncertainties which could significantly impact on the results remain to be addressed.

The Commission will now focus on carrying out a detailed assessment of a shortlist of the potential policy approaches for dealing with this issue, which will be presented no later than July 2011.

Should the forthcoming Impact Assessment come to the conclusion that legislative action is needed, the Commission will ensure that any future policy decision is based on the best available and most accurate science. The Impact Assessment will consider the following policy options: • take no action for the time being, while continuing to monitor; • increase the minimum greenhouse gas saving threshold for biofuels and bioliquids; • introduce additional sustainability requirements on certain categories of biofuels and bioliquids; • attribute a quantity of greenhouse gas emissions to biofuels reflecting the estimated indirect land use change impact. that 50% of home owners would consider investing in renewable energy solutions, with solar thermal ranked as the most appealing product.

Recognising the growing interest for and genuine appeal of sustainable energy solutions, ESB created the HALO Installation Service, which is a total one-stop solution to home energy needs, from insulating walls to solar panels on the roof.

ESB HALO provides homeowners with the products and installation services they need to maximise savings and minimise their carbon footprint.

The ESB HALO team offers advice and free quotes on the energy-saving steps to improve efficiency in the home and can

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

also assist homeowners with the SEAI grant scheme. ESB HALO, within a quality assurance framework, installs a wide range of energy efficiency upgrades.

FMC-Tech Partners With GE Through Ecomagination Challenge Shannon based Smart Grid technology company FMC-Tech has been selected as a partner of GE as part of GE’s $200 million global ecomagination Challenge: Powering the Grid. The Challenge, launched on July 13th, 2010, was created to find and fund ideas to accelerate the development and deployment of power grid technology.

In this first round of

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P O I N T

CLEAN ENERGY

ESB International Appointed to EU Clean Energy Network ESB International (ESBI) has been selected as part of a consortium to support the establishment of a Clean Energy Network between the European Union and the Gulf Co-operation Council countries. The Network aims to promote greater technological and policy cooperation between the EU and the Gulf countries in the area of clean energy.

Under the three-year framework agreement, ESBI will head up an expert group on Electricity Interconnections and Market Integration. This is one of five expert groups comprising leading academics, professionals and policy makers from the EU and GCC countries that will work together on a range of research and knowledge sharing initiatives. ESBI will play an active role across all five of the expert groups: The areas covered by the Clean Energy Network include: • Renewable Energy Sources • Energy Demand Side Management and Energy Efficiency • Clean Natural Gas and Related Clean Technologies • Electricity Interconnections and Market Integration • Carbon Capture and Storage.

ESBI engineering solutions manager, Billy Byrne comments: “ESBI's appointment as technical advisor to the EU-GCC Challenge announcements, GE and its Challenge venture capital partners announced $55 million has been committed for investment. FMCTech was one of 12 technologies selected from a pool of nearly 4,000 ideas from 150 countries that took part in the 10 week innovation Challenge.

“Since its incorporation, FMC-Tech has had the support of three key investors, Enterprise Equity, The Western Development Commission and Enterprise Ireland. This new partnership is an important endorsement of the technology the company has developed, and reflects the enormous interest in the US and globally in Smart Power Grid systems. GE’s ecomagination Challenge provides FMC-Tech with the perfect partnership opportunity to take our technology to the next level,” explains Mike McCormack, managing director

Network recognises the company's expertise in clean energy technology and provides an opportunity to showcase Ireland's leadership in this area. It will also give us access to a wealth of research, policy ideas and market intelligence from Europe and the Gulf states that will help to further develop our competence in this area.”

The EU-GCC Clean Energy Network is part of a wider initiative by the EU to establish a long term strategic relationship with the GCC countries. The Network will act as a catalyst for practical cooperation between the two regions by facilitating joint initiatives in the areas of research, new technology, demonstration projects and communications, as well as providing associated policy support. ESBI is working on the project as part of a consortium led by the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). for medium voltage overhead electricity networks. Testing and evaluation of the system has been carried out at various stages in the project, and following the successful completion of its product development there are now 12 sites installed in Ireland, the UK, Sweden, and Poland.

SOLAR ENERGY of FMC-Tech.

In its recent Grid 2030 Report, the US Department of Energy outlined a vision for the construction of a 21st century electric system, integrating advanced functionality with enhanced reliability, functionality and security. The use of information age technologies will be a key to delivering on that vision. FMC-Tech’s System has been at work in other countries such as the UK, Sweden and Poland and is well placed to contribute to the goals of the US Department of Energy and GE. FMC-Tech was set up for the purpose of developing a new network management system,

Photovoltaic Energy Could Meet 12% of European Electricity Demand The European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) has presented concrete evidence in support of an accelerated deployment of photovoltaic (PV) solar electricity across the globe to bring clean energy to both the developed and developing world. According to EPIA’s paradigm shift scenario, by 2020, photovoltaic (PV) energy could contribute as much as 12% of the electricity demand in Europe alone; reaching 390 GW of installed capacity and saving

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

220 Mt of CO2 per year. This is the equivalent to eliminating the carbon emissions from Thailand or taking 98 million cars off the road each year “Not only is the sun an unlimited source of energy, PV electricity is available in large and small scale, in-grid and offgrid, which makes it perfect to reach all four corners of the world,” explains Eleni Despotou, EPIA’s secretary general. “Just as cell phones can bring the advantages of 21st century connectivity to regions which lack a traditional telecommunications infrastructure, PV is uniquely capable of becoming a catalyst for sustainable development by providing basic services such as lighting, drinking water, healthcare or education, which are crucial to meet the Millennium Development Goals”.

PV capacity in the Sunbelt region (comprising all countries between parallels 35 North/South) could range from 60 to 250 GW by 2020, and 27

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P O I N T

RENEWABLE ENERGY

New Funding for Renewable Energy Companies The Government has announced new funding for renewable energy companies in Ireland. Funding will be made available through NER300, a financing instrument managed jointly by the European Commission, European Investment Bank and Member States of the European Union. It will assist eight carbon capture and storage and 34 renewable energy projects in the EU. Single or joint ventures in areas such as bioenergy, solar energy, carbon capture and storage, geothermal, wind energy, hydro and ocean energy will be eligible to apply.

“This funding programme is evidence of the ambitious policy plans at European level, to move in a low carbon direction,” says Energy Minister Eamon Ryan. “The EU has set a target of 20% renewable

from 260 to 1,100 GW by 2030, which according to EPIA would represent 27-58% of the forecasted global installed PV capacity by then. A major departure from today’s situation in this area where, despite the exceptionally high solar irradiation registered, only 9% of the global installed PV capacity is accounted for.

“The Sunbelt represents now about 75% of the world population and 40% of the global electricity demand but our analysis shows that about 80% of the growth of the world electricity demand in the coming 20 years will originate from this region,” he adds.

28

ELECTRIC CARS

Government and ESB Sign New Electric Car Deal With PSA Peugeot Citroen PSA Peugeot Citroen has introduced two new electric car models to Ireland, as part of a deal with the Irish Government and ESB. Viewing Ireland as an ideal market for electric cars PSA Peugeot Citroen will supply the Irish market with the Peugeot iOn and Citroen C-Zero.

The electrification of transport is required for the successful transition to carbon neutral sustainable travel. The Irish Government’s target is to achieve 6,000 passenger vehicles in operation in by 2012. This target has been set in order to generate the critical mass necessary to assist Ireland in achieving its overall goal of ensuring that 10% of all vehicles (equivalent to

energy in the next ten years Ireland is and will continue to be, one of the main players in this project.”

In the first quarter of 2010, one third of Irish start-up companies were in clean, green technologies.

He continues: “We must seize upon this competitive advantage, and use it to our financial and environmental benefit. These monies would provide a huge boost for start-up and existing energy companies in Ireland and I encourage all eligible parties to submit their applications as soon as possible.”

Prior to being submitted to the European Commission, applications must be made to national authorities. In Ireland, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is accepting applications at 01 8082100 or by emailing ner300@dcenr.gov.ie. The closing date for receipt of application is the 9th February 2011.

230,000 vehicles) are electric by 2020.

ESB has committed to installing 1,500 publicly accessible charging stations, 2,000 domestic charging points and 30 fast charging units on a nationwide basis throughout Ireland by the end of 2011.

ESB's chief executive, Padraig McManus points out: “Ireland is one of the first countries in the world to build a nationwide electric vehicle charging infrastructure and to put in place other necessary conditions to facilitate the widespread adoption of ecars. This agreement with PSA Peugeot Citroen further supports the expansion of ecar use among the public and demonstrates that car manufacturers view Ireland as an ideal

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

location to develop carbon-neutral driving.”

Peugeot and Citroen will each provide 50 electric cars on the Irish market in 2011, with that figure rising to meet demand. Training on the Peugeot and Citroen Electric vehicles and their maintenance began in Ireland in March 2010 and the first cars will arrive in January 2011. Prices and equipment details for the Peugeot iOn and Citroën CZero will be announced in January.

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