Environment & Energy Management

ireland’s leading environment & energy management publication

RENEWABLE ENERGY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

NUI GALWAY WATER RESEARCH FACILITY

ENERGY SHOW 2010 – RDS, DUBLIN – APRIL 14-15th

www.enviroireland.com

C o n t e n t s

- 22 E NERGY C OSTS

- 2 E NVIRONMENT N EWS

Gap in energy prices between Ireland and EU is closing.

News from home and abroad.

PA G E 2 2

PA G E 4

- 7 W ASTE M ANAGEMENT

Dr Mary Kelly, director general EPA.

- 23 R ENEWABLE E NERGY

Prof Owen Lewis, ce, SEI.

Concern that Ireland lagging behind as 2009 EU wind installations rise 23%.

£6m recycling facility to improve Northern Ireland’s environmental credentials.

PA G E 2 3 - 25 E NERGY P OINT

Dr. Michael Walsh, ce, of the IWEA.

Latest energy developments in Ireland and overseas.

- 9-14 S USTAINABLE E NERGY SEI hosts Energy Show 2010.

PA G E 7 Caolan Woods, director, NWP.

- 28 E NERGY E FFICIENCY

Energy Show 2010 Previews.

Green Tax Incentive Scheme extended for 2010.

- 15 E NVIRONMENTAL T RADE FAIR

PA G E 2 5 Wind Power.

Managing Director: Colin Murphy Sales Director: Ronan McGlade

PA G E 9

Editor: Mike Rohan Sales Manager: Don Sheridan

Energy Show 2010.

Production Manager: Susan Doyle Production Assistant: Jackie Kinch

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

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- 17-21 W ATER Q UALITY NUI Galway Water Research Facility opens.

Queen’s University Belfast nets €3.5m for water quality research.

PA G E 1 7

UK water industry set for record £24b investment.

NUI Galway Water Research Facility opens.

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ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

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E N V I R O N M E N T

N E W S

I SUSTAINABILITY

Study Highlights Sustainable Footprint of Chemical Companies chemical companies which takes into account financial, environmental and social resources.

Only the French industrial gas producer Air Liquide outperforms Bayer and BASF in terms of resource efficiency, using its resources 1.7 times more efficiently than its competitors on average.

At the bottom of the ranking is the US company Dow Chemical (DOW). In 2007 DOW used its resources only half as efficiently as the competitors on average and created a negative sustainable value of -2.2 billion Euro. Like DOW, Professor Frank Figge of Queen’s University DSM and AKZO were not able to generate a The study identified significant differ- Management School Belfast. positive sustainable value in any of the years ences in the sustainable performance of assessed. chemical companies. It showed the leading companies, Air Other companies studied include Du Pont, Reliance and Shell Liquide and BASF, using their resources up to five times more Chemicals. efficiently than their competitors.

The sustainable value approach was developed by Professor Frank In 2007, this meant that both Air Liquide and BASF compa- Figge of Queen’s University Management School Belfast and Dr Tobias nies created a sustainable value of around one billion Euro, cre- Hahn of Euromed Management School Marseille, who authored this ating around one billion euro more cash flow than their com- study with researchers from the Institute for Futures Studies and petitors on average would have created with the same amount Technology Assessment in Berlin. of resources.

“Sustainable value is created when a company uses its resources more Correcting these results for company size, Bayer, which uses efficiently than the market average,” explains Professor Figge. “In comits resources 1.2 times more efficiently than its competitors on parison to other studies looking at the sustainability performance of this average, catches up with BASF. sector, our study looks at the ‘real’ performance, which considers enviAmong the resources assessed in the study were total assets, ronmental and social impacts.” water use, chemical oxygen demand of waste water, hazardous He continues: “Previous studies have often looked at qualitative indiwaste creation, emissions of greenhouse gases and volatile cators and have used intransparent weighting of the different criteria. organic compounds, as well as acidification potential. Social Our study is based on economic theory and provides companies with an indicators such as number of employees and accidents were also unprejudiced assessment of their performance. The results can be used included in the assessment. The analysis is based on the finan- by companies to find out where they stand compared with their peers cial, environmental and social data reported and published by and also to identify the individual strengths and weaknesses of their perthe companies themselves. formance.”

The study calculated each company’s sustainable value – the Both the study and extensive information on the Sustainable Value first monetary assessment of corporate sustainability performance for approach are available at www.sustainablevalue.com.

lobal chemical companies could release at least one billion Euro in cash flow if they increase their sustainability performance. The claim has been made following an international study which assessed the sustainability performance of nine global chemical companies in monetary terms. Entitled Sustainable Value Creation

by Chemical Companies, it has been published by a leading European research team including academics from Queen’s University Management School in Belfast.

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I CLIMATE CHANGE

The EPA and Climate Change The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a document entitled ‘The EPA and Climate Change – Responsibilities, challenges and opportunities’. The document targets a broad audience and outlines the key roles and responsibilities that the EPA plays in the fight against climate change in Ireland as well as the challenges we face.

The publication can be downloaded free from the EPA website. The EPA has also updated its climate change webpages to keep you 2

informed on the latest news, research and events in the climate change area - not only in Ireland but internationally.

The pages are available at www.epa.ie/whatwedo/climate.

Protecting Europe’s Forests Against Climate Change The European Commission has adopted a Green Paper and opened a public consultation about the future of the EU’s forests and forestry policy. The consultation will run until 31 July 2010.

The Green Paper adopted opens the debate and sets out options for an EU approach to

the protection of forests and to information about forest resources and their condition.

Responses to the Green Paper from the public, Member States, EU institutions and other stakeholders will guide the Commission on whether additional action is needed at EU level.

“Europe's forests are a precious resource that must be protected against the harmful impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss. Their wide range of social, economic and environmental functions means that the stakes are high.

We need to explore what value European action can add to national efforts to safeguard

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

forests and maintain reliable, coherent and up-to-date information about them,” comments European Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik.

European Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik.

E N V I R O N M E N T

N E W S

I ENVIRONMENT

IKEA Launches ‘Foot of Forest’ Campaign mitment to the sustainable management of I woodlands worldwide.

The aim of the initiative is to create KEA has teamed up with the Tree Council of Ireland and Fingal County Council to help create two Dublin woodlands located at Santry Demesne and Turvey Park, Donabate.

IKEA has committed to a three year project and will donate a square foot of forest on behalf of its IKEA family members every time they swipe their Family Loyalty Card in store.

IKEA has a target to create five acres of woodland this year, equivalent to the total floor space of the Dublin store. The land has been donated by Fingal County Council and the Tree Council of Ireland will assist in the planting of the trees which will be a mix of Oak, Birch, Field Maple and Alder.

The IKEA Family Woodland is part of IKEA’s social and environmental commitment to have a positive impact on the environment. As timber is the most important raw material for IKEA products, IKEA has a strong sense of responsibility and comI BIODIVERSITY

Biodiversity Action Plan Published The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published its Biodiversity Action Plan.

For its relatively small size Ireland has a wide diversity of habitats ranging from peatlands to coastal lagoons. These habitats are internationally renowned and support a high level of biodiversity that is increasingly under threat.

The EPA’s Biodiversity Action Plan presents an explicit action plan for the implementation of its role in the protection of biodiversity. The Plan covers a range of activities in the areas of monitoring, research, assessment and reporting, environmental regulation, climate change and management and communications.

The Plan outlines a wide range of significant actions, which will be undertaken by the EPA in relation to the protection of Ireland’s biodiversity, thus underlining the substantial support role undertaken by the Agency in this area.

“While many people now 4

native Irish woodland which will encourage IKEA Family members and the local community to visit and enjoy nature.

Planting at Santry Demesne will focus on woodland restoration whilst at Turvey Park a greenfield site will be used to create new woodland. Other environmental benefits include the creation of a wildlife habitat, absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and enhanced local biodiversity.

“As a local company we want to give something back to the environment and working together with Fingal County Council, the Tree Council of Ireland and our customers, this campaign can make a difference to the local landscape and to the local community,” explains Garry Deakin, IKEA Dublin’s store manager.

understand the threats to society and the planet posed by global climate change, the threats posed by loss of biodiversity are less commonly understood,” points out Dr Mary Kelly, EPA director general. “But human wellbeing is dependent on ‘ecosystem services’ provided to us by nature, for free. For example, water and air purification, fisheries, timber, nutrient cycling, floodwater storage and recreational facilities. It is therefore of vital importance that such reservoirs of biodiversity are protected.”

The Biodiversity Action Plan can be accessed on the EPA’s website.

Dr Mary Kelly, EPA director general.

Pictured are (left to right): Deborah Anderson, IKEA Family; little tree planter Alex Brennan (6); Ciaran Byrne, Mayor of Fingal County Council; and John McLoughlin, executive director of the Tree Council of Ireland.

I ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Irish Sustainable Development Model Research Publication New research, published by the EPA, shows how economic forecasts can be used to project waste generation and emissions of pollutants across Ireland. The ISus (Irish Sustainable Development) Model is based on the work of a three-year study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), funded under the EPA STRIVE research programme.

“We are all aware of the use of GDP and other statistics to measure economic change.

These, however, leave many things unmeasured, including the environment,” explains Dr Mary Kelly, director general of the EPA. “The ISus model provides a link between economic forecasting and potential environmental impacts.

This enables us to use the expertise of the ESRI, in relation to economic data, and link this with the environmental data produced by the EPA. The results will aid policy and

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

decision makers to diagnose environmental problems, identify pressure points, target policy interventions and assess their success.”

For example, projections on the generation of biodegradable waste - how much and where - could be a very useful tool for planning the location and required capacity for waste management infrastructure in the future.

ISus covers more than 25 potential pollutants (to air, water and waste) emanating from 20 economic sectors.

Some of the findings from the research: • In relation to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions: Ireland faces a significant challenge in meeting its target for 2020.

• In relation to waste generation: projections from the model suggest that Ireland will also have great difficulty meeting EU limits on landfilling of biodegradable municipal waste.

• In relation to carbon tax: it illustrates the spatial distribution of households likely to pay the highest tax, with

E N V I R O N M E N T

N E W S

I CLIMATE CHANGE

Irish Lukewarm on Climate Change T

(62%). Ireland ranks in the lower half of EU countries for this question with the EU average being 44%.

Respondents were also asked whether they thought that the EU is indispensable in tackling global problems such as climate change.

The answers show that less people in Ireland than in any other EU country thought so – just 47% of Irish people agreed that EU action was key while the EU average was 75% with many countries scoring higher again.

Other questions in the latest Eurobarometer relate to responses to the economic crisis and show that Irish confidence in the economy crashed from 77% to 3% between autumn 2007 and autumn 2009, a There has been a sharp increase in the much harder fall than the EU average (which proportion of Europeans putting growth ahead of was 50% down to 23%). environmental protection - but the change has Nevertheless, life satisfaction in Ireland occurred at a faster pace in Ireland than remains stubbornly high at 85%, seven elsewere. points ahead of the EU average.

here has been a sharp increase in the number of Irish people putting economic growth above protection of the environment.

More than 60% of Irish people answered ‘Yes’ when asked whether ‘Economic growth must be a priority for Ireland, even if it affects the environment’. This compares with 44% for the same question in Spring 2008.

The figures come from the latest EUwide attitude study (Eurobarometer) and support the similar recent data coming from across the EU. There has been a sharp increase in the proportion of Europeans putting growth ahead of environmental protection - but the change has occurred at a faster pace in Ireland than elsewere.

Irish people also consider climate change much less of a priority (38%) for the EU than some of our neighbours such as Sweden (70%) Denmark (67%) or Austria those in the commuter belts likely to pay most.

• The data show that in the period 1990-2006, while the economy was growing strongly, some emissions (sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds) have fallen, while others (carbon dioxide from fossil fuel combustion, dioxins) have increased. ISus is able to attribute these changes to economic growth, structural changes in the economy and technological and behavioural change.

The report Ireland's Sustainable Development Model is available on the EPA website at www.epa.ie/downloads/pubs/research/econ.

A Vegan Lifestyle to Help Save the Planet Top model and former Miss Ireland and Miss World, Rosanna Davison is appearing in a new Supreme Master Television ad campaign promoting a vegan lifestyle. The ad campaign, which is currently running on TV3, buses and the Luas, is aimed at encouraging people to re-think their attitudes to the treatment of animals generally and to meat

consumption in particular, with its detrimental effects on the world we live in.

“A vegan diet is so much better for your health, for the environment generally and, as no animals are harmed, it’s cruelty free,” she explains.

“Watching the effect meat production and meat consumption is having on the world around us in terms of cruelty, emissions and health issues, I was determined to totally cut out dairy, eggs and cheese and have a completely vegan diet.

It’s going well so far and I feel great. I've loads of energy and just feel so much more invigorated as a result.”

Supreme Master Television, which broadcasts on Sky Channel 835, is dedicated to promoting issues which will create a better world and reduce humanity’s suffering where possible. Broadcasting globally to every continent on 14 satellite platforms, with shows in 40 different languages (with simultaneous multi-language subtitles in up to 26 languages), the station covers issues of importance on a global scale, from climate change to poverty, disaster relief to encouraging personal generosity. See www.supre-

memastertv.com for the list of humanitarian activities worldwide.

Top model and former Miss Ireland and Miss World, Rosanna Davison is appearing in a new Supreme Master Television ad campaign promoting a vegan lifestyle.

Glenpatrick Promotes Greener Billing Glenpatrick, one of Ireland’s foremost bottled water companies is rapidly rolling out OnePosting’s Electronic Invoicing Service to its customers and has already eliminated more than half the number of paper invoices that it sends out every month.

Glenpatrick chose OnePosting because

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

of its comprehensive invoicing service. Once Glenpatrick posts its invoices onto a secure online portal, OnePosting looks after the entire billing process: “The environment is top of Glenpatrick’s agenda and we do our utmost to reduce our carbon footprint,” says John Young, managing director of Glenpatrick Water. “Electronic invoicing is a no-brainer in this regard. We have already more than halved our number of paper invoices in 6 months.

The principal reason why we chose OnePosting was because of its full service offering.

OnePosting is not exclusively an electronic invoicing company – it covers the whole gambit of invoicing, and even lets us know if any of our customers have not accessed their invoices – something we were not able to achieve with postal services or email. They also provide a fax and postal service for those customers without Internet access.”

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I COMPOSTING

GICOM and NWP’s Glenside Facility ince the beginning of earth's live, comS posting has been a major force in cleaning up unusable organic matter. The output of the process is compost, which recycles minerals, improves soil fertility and cleans up pathogens all in one go. The ultimate ‘cradle to cradle’.

GICOM and NWP have worked together on building a plant combining the above that is unique for Northern Ireland.

Within weeks, rather than months, and without annoying odours the Glenside plant processes food- and greenwaste from the Belfast region.

Materials that otherwise would have gone to landfill are now reused.

In six double ended, fully enclosed tunnels and a maturation floor the waste is turned into re usable compost. Process air is taken out of the working

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halls, providing an airflow that goes into the building. Exhaust air goes through a scrubber and a biofilter; eliminating annoying odours before blowing the air back into the atmosphere.

Composting leaves very little residual waste, provided the waste is source separated with some discipline. By this it helps countries directly meeting landfill directives and more over, it helps nature preserving valuable nutrients.

GICOM has been building tunnel composting facilities since 1984. Under highly controlled climate conditions organic waste like kitchen waste, bio waste, catering waste, green waste, manure, digested residue, MSW, abattoir waste or any combination of wastes, is efficiently broken down and transformed to a marketable end product. The highly controlled environment accelerates this process in an industrial scaled situation, designed with most attention for employees, neighbours, animals, machinery, and of course the environment. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

I WASTE MANAGEMENT

£6 Million Recycling Facility to Improve Northern Ireland’s Environmental Credentials Northern Ireland’s ability to meet stringent EU recycling targets has received a major boast following the opening of a new £6 million state-of-the-art waste management facility, located in the outskirts of West Belfast. atural World Products’ (NWP) recycling facility on a 13.7 acre site of the former Glenside Quarry in Belfast is the largest of its kind on the island of Ireland. A total of 60,000 tonnes of bio-waste, such as food and garden waste, collected from households across Northern Ireland will be recycled at the facility each year.

The bio-waste is being diverted from landfill and is being recycled by NWP into high quality compost and sold in garden centres as ‘Rosey Lee Compost’ as well as being used as top soil for some of Ireland’s leading golf courses. Rosey Lee Compost is manufactured to the BSI PAS100 ‘Specification for composted materials’ standard, which ensures that compost is of consistent quality.

N

Advanced Recycling Facility The opening of the new facility marks the culmination of four years of careful research and planning involving partnership with Government, local Councils and support from the local community. “The result is the development of one of Europe’s most advanced recycling facilities which represents a sizeable investment in the local community and will create a dozen new jobs. This will position Northern Ireland favourably in meeting stringent recycling targets set by Europe,” points out Caolan Woods, director of NWP. “The public will now be more encouraged by the advanced recycling infrastructure and resources to play their part in creating an environmentally sustainable future.”

The Department of the Environment, through the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP), has made a significant investment in the capital costs of NWP’s innovative facility by contributing £1.5 million – the largest grant of its kind to be awarded in Northern Ireland.

Higher Level According to Dr Ian Garner, WRAP’s manager for Northern Ireland, NWP’s facility will take Northern Ireland’s recycling capaci-

ty to a higher level by employing world-leading Dutch technology known as ‘in-vessel composting’. This is a sealed process with strict environmental control to accelerate the composting process.

“Meeting the current and future challenges of recycling waste in Northern Ireland is important not just for the local environment but also the economy. The new facility will go a long way to enabling Northern Ireland to meet its EU targets so that the hefty fines that could be placed on local Councils will be avoided,” Dr Ian Garner explains.

The environmental benefits generated as a result of recycling bio-waste at the new facility will reduce harmful CO2 emissions in Northern Ireland by 25,000 tonnes annually the equivalent of taking 6,000 cars off the road each year.

As part of its commitment to the local community NWP has entered into a partnership with the Colin Glen Trust to enable local school children to visit the facility and learn about best practice in recycling as well

as providing an educational resource for the advancement of environmental issues.

NWP was established in 1989 and employs 75 people across three recycling facilities based in Keady, Portadown and Belfast. NWP’s recycling services enable 26 councils across Northern Ireland also achieve a high level of resource efficiency in meeting the 40% targets set for recycling and composting of household waste by 2010 through its work with SWAMP and Arc21.

The annual tonnage of waste currently collected by NWP from 26 Councils in Northern Ireland is 190,000 tonnes per annum. NWP has demonstrated high standards of resource efficiency by recycling 84% of the waste (165,000 tonnes of waste per annum). The most recent Waste Flow Data available indicates that the total tonnage of municipal waste recycled in Northern Ireland is approximately 300,000 tonnes per annum. NWP has demonstrated a high degree of efficiency by recycling approximately 55 per cent (165,000 tonnes per annum). I

Pictured (left to right): Dr Ian Garner, WRAP’s manager for Northern Ireland, joins the Environment Minister Edwin Poots with Caolan Woods, director of NWP, at the official opening of NWP’s new £6 million state-ofthe-art waste management facility, located in the outskirts of West Belfast.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

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DEMESNE ELECTRICAL SALES will be exhibiting a full range of energy saving products

sodinette High Pressure Sodium lamp lasting up to 70,000hrs average life

will be showing their comprehensive range of lamps that deliver up to five times longer life than standard lamps.

LIGHTING A fully Irish designed and built range of ENERGY EFFICIENT LUMINAIRES for ASR office fitting 2 x 14w replacing traditional 4 x 18w use in Warehouse, Production floor, Cleanroom, Classroom,Office and carpark applications Will also be exhibited on our stand.

National Energy Efficiency Awards Energy Efficient Products Category Winner Unique Dyson Airblade™ technology means it uses up to 80% less energy than a warm hand dryer.

The Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer is also hygienic and fast. It literally scrapes water from hands, leaving them dry in just 10 seconds To find out more please call 01 401 8300 or visit us online at www.dysonairblade.ie

I SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

SEI Hosts Energy Show 2010 Sustainable Energy Ireland’s Energy Show 2010 takes place at the RDS in Dublin on Wednesday, April 14th and Thursday, April 15th. 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 year’s Show is “Maximising Ireland’s low carbon opportunities’’ highlighting the business potential from this area and how low carbon solutions can deliver real cost saving results for business.

T

Seminar Programme In addition to the trade exhibition, SEI presents a comprehensive seminar programme detailing the latest energy saving and business opportunities available. As the environment and energy management sector continues to grow, the challenge is to ensure that companies of all sizes understand and embrace energy sustainability.

The seminars, led by industry experts throughout the two day event, will focus on topics such as maximising renewable energy in buildings, investment opportunities in renewables, driving towards a greener Ireland and a standard approach for new and retrofit commercial and public buildings. They will also take a closer look at how sustainability can be achieved even during a downturn from adopting energy efficient practices and technologies to installing renewable energy systems. The seminars provide information on the latest innovative solutions using real business case studies to bring the topics to life.

The Energy Show will also feature an extended electric vehicle and emerging tech-

nologies 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.

Green Economy 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 ‘green economy’ as one of the key drivers for future economic growth.

Businesses are now looking at how to harness the potential of this green economy for investment and job opportunities.

Ideal Forum The Energy Show provides the ideal forum to showcase the latest in innovative renewable energy solutions, network with likeminded 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.

Originally held in 1996, the Energy Show has grown significantly in recent years and 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 and visitors not just from Ireland but from across Europe. Indeed in recent years, the growth in exhibitors from Europe, and in particular Austria, is an indication of the potential for business development foreign companies see in this market.

While attendees are expected from across a wide range of backgrounds, the event is 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, April 14th from 9:30am to 7pm and on Thursday, April 15th from 9am to 5pm.

Seminar places must be pre-booked in advance with a limited number of spaces available. For further details on SEI’s Energy Show 2010 and how your business can exhibit as part of the show visit www.sei.ie/energyshow.

Some of the exhibitors at the Energy Show 2010 are profiled on the following pages. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

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susan@prempub.com CONTROL OF ENERGY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS At Premium Power, we’ve been putting the control of energy back into Plant Managers’ hands for nearly ten years.

Talk to us at the Energy Show (Stand A9) about putting the control of energy back into yours!

Call us at 018105032 or see www.premiumpower.ie.

•Energy Monitoring •Web based Reporting •Power Quality Analysis •SCADA •aM&T Systems

monitor your energy consumption but don’t want the hassle of wired installation on site? Hanwell’s new Elmo range uses tried and tested Hanwell radio technology to monitor your energy usage remotely through point-to-point radio (PTP). With the added benefit that the current clamps can be added without disconnecting existing wiring.

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I ENERGY SHOW 2010 PREVIEWS

Technology at Dyson is About Solving Everyday Problems

Warm air hand dryers take too long to dry hands and are unhygienic, heating the dirty washroom air before blowing it on to hands. The Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer takes just 10 seconds to leave hands completely dry, and a HEPA filter removes 99.9% of bacteria from the air blown on to hands.

In addition to the important hygiene benefits of using Dyson Airblade™ hand dryers, there are very significant financial savings to be made. The Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer represents true value for money when compared with paper towels which are messy, can be expensive to buy and dispose of, and generate landfill. It uses up to 80% less energy than warm air hand dryers, it costs less to run and can lower your carbon footprint.

The Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer is the result of over three years of research and development. Every component has been designed specifically with durability and

efficiency in mind. It has undergone rigorous testing against impacts and abuse and is designed to enhance the aesthetics of the bathroom environment with its sleek silver finish. It is guaranteed for 5 years or 350,000 uses and will function effectively without the need for maintenance, requiring no special care beyond that of the usual cleaning regime.

Since the launch of the Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer in 2007 the success has been phenomenal with energy and hygiene conscious businesses, hospitals, restaurants etc all over the world making the decision to change. Here in Ireland you will find Dyson Airblade™ hand dryers in many well known locations such as McDonalds, Tesco, Dundrum Shopping Centre, Belfast Airport, the RDS, Cavan General Hospital, Our Ladies Bowyer school, Castle Park school Dalkey, Queens University, Cork University Hospital and the list goes on!

You can calculate the costs savings specific to your business by using the cost calculator available on the Dyson Airblade website at www.dysonairblade.ie/specification/calculator.asp.

Ground Source and Geothermal Turnkey Solutions From TCS Group TCS Group provide complete turnkey solutions for Ground Source heating and cooling systems for clients who are committed to dramatically reducing their environmental impact.

TCS Installations, as an independent European wide design, installation and commissioning provider, are able to offer a wide range of ground source heat pump products to suit any project. Ensuring the most energy efficient solution; whether it be based on Open Loop, Closed Loop (vertical or horizontal), Lake & River systems or combined ‘Geo and Solar Thermal’ hybrid designs.

Our solutions employ the latest technology to harness the earth's natural heating and cooling capacities and are recognised as appropriate “Renewable” technology in many government’s push for energy and carbon emissions reduction.

TCS provide the complete Ground Source solution, starting with our in house hydro-geologists and offer non-fee early evaluations project by project to provide key geological information, borefield /ground array sizes and costs.

Key Benefits • Up to 50% fossil fuel energy savings all-year-round, compared to traditional methods of heating and cooling • Substantial guaranteed carbon emissions reduction • Highest possible energy efficiency compared to other renewable options • Highly flexible modular design & installation system • Suitable for a high percentage of projects

• Extremely low maintenance and running costs • Ground Source performance is constant compared to air-cooled systems • Low Payback periods • No Fumes, No Fuel Stores, No Flues • No structural building requirements (or structural costs) as installation below ground • No requirement for large internal plant spaces or roof plant areas • System has no visible, or noise impact • Planning procedures are greatly simplified • 50 years PLUS lifecycle System Options Simultaneous Heating and Cooling * Loop depths to 250 meters so as to limit foot print of bore field * Heating, Cooling & Domestic hot water from Heat Pump & Solar Thermal * C02 energy assessments for planning * Thermal conductivity testing * Systems from 20kw to 9Mw * Full Professional Indemnity and guarantees TCS Group has designed installed and provided significant energy savings and carbon reductions by providing the complete heating cooling and hot water system for many clients including IKEA and their stores at Dublin and Coventry, UK.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

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I ENERGY SHOW 2010 PREVIEWS

DEMAND CONTROLLED VENTILATION, SAVINGS AUTOMATICALLY Headquartered in France, Aereco has offices throughout Europe, as well as in China, and Japan. With a 5000 m2 manufacturing, the company produces nearly 2 million intelligent ventilation components each year, which have been used in almost 3 million dwellings across the world since 1984 and hence have helped reduce energy consumption in buildings.

Aereco Limited, the latest addition to the Group, distributes a complete range of Demand-Controlled ventilation systems that save energy. They serve all the Republic of Ireland from their stock in Little Island, Co. Cork. They offer Passive, Mechanical and

Hybrid ventilation systems reacting to Humidity or Presence, or activated by switches. Their team of experts will be happy to answer your questions on ventilation, quickly, professionally, and at very reasonable costs.

Alternatives to Heat Recovery Demand-Controlled ventilation systems are a way to avoid having to make a choice between saving energy and saving money. Humidity Sensitive Passive Stack Ventilation is the most natural solution, whereas Demand-Controlled Mechanical Extract Ventilation gives you almost the same performance as an 80% efficient HR unit, for half the cost.

Further information on (021) 429 60 30, at www.aereco.ie or at the Energy Show, Stand J10

Green Energy & CHP Soluctions Clarke Energy delivers engineered green energy and CHP solutions and is the exclusive distributor for GE Jenbacher gas engines in the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, India, China, Tunisia and Nigeria installing over 1,900MW of gas powered energy solutions worldwide.

Clarke Energy Ireland was established in 2006 to serve the green energy and Combined Heat & Power (CHP) markets. Clarke Energy has full in-house capability to design, install and support long-term maintenance contracts. The design and engineering capability is comprised of all disciplines making Clarke Energy a one-stop-shop for green energy and CHP solutions.

Clarke Energy is one of the very few companies who are providing an economic solution to utilise renewable gas sources. Clarke

Energy can provide turnkey solutions for the CHP sector, including Energy from Wood and the Biogas sector, including Landfill gas, Sewage gas, Waste to Energy based on Anaerobic Digestion.

In Ireland with increasing focus on sustainable development, local authority requirements to improvement energy efficiency of future development, changing life styles leading to higher density development and more instances of mixed use for those developments (i.e. housing, commercial and retail), there will be increasing opportunity for CHP within such developments using available heat energy for district heating/cooling purposes. The energy saving derived from CHP have multiple green benefits lower energy cost, reduced carbon emissions and greater energy efficiency contributing to the target of 800MW from CHP as identified by the White Paper on Energy.

DALKIA – Ireland’s leading Energy & Utilities Management Services Company Dalkia is Ireland’s leading Energy & Utilities Management Company. We employ over 500 people in Ireland and provide a holistic approach to Energy & Utilities Management, Mechanical & Electrical and Facilities Management services for a wide range of blue chip commercial and industrial clients throughout the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Specifically in the energy sector, Dalkia provides solutions designed to deliver cost savings, operational and management efficiencies and lower CO2 emissions to pharmaceutical, industrial, healthcare and commercial customers which

allow them to focus on their core activities through outsource of their non-core energy services to Dalkia. Dalkia’s solution includes feasibility study, engineering, design, construction and finance, leading to immediate and sustainable delivery of benefits through operation & maintenance of energy assets such as industrial utility systems (boiler plant, compressed air plant, refrigeration plant) and Combined Heat & Power (CHP) plant.

For further details, please visit www.dalkia.ie or contact Colm Flanagan, Commercial Director, or Mark Coyne, Technical Director: 01.870.1200.

DEMESNE ELECTRICAL – the One Stop Shop For Energy Efficiency

Demesne Electrical sales was founded in 1977 and is a leading importer and distributor of electrical control and distribution products. Demesne has strategically located branches in Belfast, Dungannon, Dublin and Cork, Each with a comprehensive range of products from leading Manufacturers.

Our fully trained staff offer a full after sales support and technical back up from each location We have in the last number of years started growing our Energy efficient range of products. We are the sole Irish Distributor for PATINA energy efficient lighting, We also represent AURA Long life lamps,and we sell SCHNEIDER variable speed drives used in energy saving projects.

“PATINA Energy efficient lighting products are fully programmable for

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occupancy and daylight harvesting. Each fitting can be tuned to suit the environment it is in.

It is possible to achieve a 5year maintenance free solution when you use AURA lamps with PATINA luminaires.

We also can achieve quite substantial savings using SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC variable speed drives on pumping and ventilation applications, these all qualify for the Accelerated Capital Allowance programme Our staff are available to do on site audits we will show you where you can save money with your Lighting and motor control installations. We offer a turnkey solution from identifying potential savings,working with your contractor to ensure the correct installation and commissioning of Our equipment.

We would be delighted to see you at our stand at the ENERGY SHOW

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

I ENERGY SHOW 2010 PREVIEWS

DANLERS controls for Simply Saving Energy DANLERS manufacture a range of electronic controls for lighting, heating,, ventilation and air conditioning loads. All DANLERS products are quick and easy to install and commission. They are ideal for energy saving in offices, factories, hospitals, schools, leisure centres, corridors, washrooms etc.

A comprehensive range of DANLERS energy saving products will be exhibited at the Energy Show, on stand….

Including: PIR occupancy switches – detect movement within their vicinity and the

load is switched on and off accordingly. All models in this range have adjustable time lag settings and adjustable photocell override.

Time lag switches – with an adjustable time lag before automatic switch off.

2 or 3 wire versions, plated or grid formats, interior or exterior versions.

Outdoor security switches – ideal for security, energy saving and convenience.

HVAC controls – PIR thermostat controls, Heater boost switches.

Also on show: Photocells Radio remote controls, Dimmers and the newly launched PIR occupancy switch modules.

For full product details contact DANLERS’ Irish distributor Excel Lighting on +353 (0)91 553300

CHANGE WITHOUT COMPROMISE

Delight Energy Solutions is proud to introduce the world’s brightest and most efficient LED lamps. The LEDNOVATION line of LED lamps are a major advancement in LED technology and finally deliver on the LED potential to accurately replace the look and feel of standard incandescent, CFL & halogen lamps.

VISIT OUR BOOTH L23 TO SEE: • A19 LED lamps delivering 700 lumens at 10W (3500K) • The only MR16 LED lamps to accurately

replicate a 35W halogen delivering 300 lumens at 5W (3000K) • PAR 20, PAR30 (short neck and traditional) & PAR38 LED lamps will also be on display each featuring best in class performance and efficiency • And more energy saving product • MORE INFORMATION: Derek Dunphy, Delite Energy Solutions tel 00353 87 8132714 email derekdunphy@mac.com web www.deliteenergysolutions.com

ENERGIA – SWITCHED ON As an energy provider with over 60,000 business customers, Energia also understands the need for energy efficiency. Reducing your energy usage makes good business sense as the money saved goes straight onto your bottom line. We are committed to helping you not only save on the energy that you use but also reduce the amount of energy required to run your business.

Energia is Ireland’s leading independent energy provider. We are committed to offering Irish businesses of all sizes in both the public and pri-

vate sector very competitive offers for green electricity, gas and conventional electricity, backed up by unrivalled customer service.

We are a leading all-island player in the provision of renewable power, having 220MW of operational renewable electricity capacity contracted within its energy portfolio, with a further 400MW of wind farm projects currently in development across Ireland. We also sources conventional power from the Group’s power stations in north Dublin.

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

Visit our stand at the Energy show for advice on how to reduce your electricity and gas usage.

For more information see www.energia.ie or call 1850 36 37 44.

SolarPST Thermodynamic Solar Collectors

Solar Dynamic Solar Collectors: Our working Model PST 300 Is INOX will show water heating at its most competitive to 50 degree C. There are one or more aluminium panels with refrigerant R134a. There is a heat exchanger and compressor for heating similar to a heat pump in a stainless tank.

The panels absorb heat from the Sun, wind .,rain and at night 365 days a

year.

The PST Panels are 2000mm x 800mm and work on both sides.

See video: www.solarpst.com We exhibit on stand P10 In Shelbourne Room.

F. Barrett & Co,, Nor house, 11 Beechpark Avenue, Foxrock, Dublin 18 Tel 2897832, Fax 2899945, Mobile 086 8113182 E- Mail neil@marrind.iol.ie.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

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I ENERGY SHOW 2010 PREVIEWS

FERM ENGINEERING LTD. Ferm Eng Ltd.was established in 2006 as a mechanical and electrical engineering company with particular emphasis in Renewable Energy systems. Coming from a strong engineering base with ranging experience we have in a short time established ourselves as a leading designer and supplier of Renewable Energy systems.

Our particular strength is the design of heating systems incorporating multiple energy sources including solar, biomass, heat-pumps and wind energy.

Our company motto is “Not just to sell products but rather provide Successful Solutions”. We integrate products in our systems from leading renewable

energy manufacturing companies within Europe, US and Japan. Ferm Eng Ltd have developed the “Ferm Feed” which is a dynamic energy diverter which when incorporated in a wind turbine installation can be used to divert excess energy into a space heating system.

We are currently prototyping and certifying our own climate control system.

This system provides user friendly control of a heating system combined with energy efficiency and total temperature monitoring of the building.

To find out more please call, visit our website or visit us at the Energy Show.

Tel: +353 (0)74 9740768 Fax: +353 (0)74 9721707 Mobile: +353 (0)87 8512884

e-mail: info@fermeng.ie Web: www.fermeng.ie

HAROLD ENGINEERING Harold Engineering has delivered highly efficient solutions in relation to compressed air supply and commercial heating throughout Ireland.

The introduction of our Ingersoll-Rand Nirvana range of variable speed compressors 8 years ago was the “first to market” true variable speed drive compressor. With no unloaded running costs its benefits in relation to energy reduction are second to none. With our heat recovery options available on Nirvana and fixed speed compressors, 90% of power input is recoverable in space heating and 82% recoverable with the introduction of our ERS units (to heat water). The introduction of our X4I and X8I system controllers

allow us to control multiple compressors installation in an energy efficient manner for both IR and competitor machines. The success of our intelliflow valve in system pressure reduction and allowing maximum usage of storage capacity has also proved a worthy tool in the pursuit of energy reduction.

In relation to heating, Harold Engineering have over eighteen hundred Roberts Gordon low intensity burners in the market delivering approximately 40% energy savings versus conventional heating systems. www.haroldeng.ie / 01 25 75 100

CONTROL OF ENERGY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS At Premium Power we have been helping Industrial Plant Managers, Windfarm and Utility operators, Hospital and Data Centres control the use of their power for 10 years now.

Premium Power’s Energy Management Software is a fully web based system for all energy analysis and reporting requirements. The reports include tenant billing, energy league tables, budget analysis, carbon emissions for multiple utilities – includes water, air, gas, electricity, steam.

Premium Power’s in-house software team can offer bespoke modules for specific customer requirements.

Their highly experienced engineers can analyse power quality problems, then design, specify and project manage cost effective solutions. This includes power factor correction, harmonic filters and voltage sag mitigation.

Talk to us at the Energy Show (Stand A9) about putting the control of energy back into yours!

Telephone us at +353 1 8105032 or see www.premiumpower.ie.

WIND ENERGY DIRECT Wind Energy Direct provides organisations with lower cost green electricity and reduces their carbon emissions.

Wind Energy Direct (WED) provides 100% finance, builds and operates the turbines on the sites of large energy users. WED sells the electricity to the client at a discount. No capital outlay is required from the client.

Key benefits: • Significant savings in electricity bills • No capital outlay • Less exposure to fossil fuel price fluctuations • Large reduction in carbon emissions

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WED will carry out a free desktop study to assess your site’s suitability – 061 503 088.

Contact: Michael Murphy, Wind Energy Direct, National Technological Park, Limerick.

Tel: 061 503 088 or michael@windenergydirect.ie

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

I ENVIRONMENTAL TRADE FAIR

IFAT Becomes IFAT ENTSORGA esse Munchen, M organisers of Ifat, Europe’s largest trade fair for the environmental industry, and the BDE, Germany’s major trade association for the water and waste industry, have confirmed a co-operation between the Munich event and Entsorga, formerly held in Cologne. The combined trade fair will take place in Munich from 13–17 September this year.

This consolidation will undoubtedly be of benefit to the industry, providing the chance to combine marketing budgets into one global

environmental trade fair. IFAT ENTSORGA’s profile will include all aspects of water and waste disposal, recycling and decontamination, maintenance of all sewage disposal systems, street cleaning, measurement and control, coastal protection, and flood prevention, as well as noise reduction and abatement.

Something like 2500 exhibitors are expected from around 50 countries, with a global audience of 100,000 professionals from throughout the environmental industry.

For further information contact Pattern (Trade Fairs) Ltd, Email info@pattern.co.uk, Tel +44 208 940 4625. I ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

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I WATER QUALITY

NUI Galway Water Research Facility Opens The new NUI Galway Water Research Facility at Tuam, County Galway has been officially opened. ore funding to establish the facility was provided by the EPA through its STRIVE Research Programme, and by NUI Galway. Located on the site of Tuam Waste Water Treatment Plant the facility is a full-scale test-bed for novel waste water and water treatment technologies. There are already a range of NUI Galway research projects on new green technologies underway at the Water Research Facility.

“With a rising population and increasing requirements for improved water quality, there is a real need to develop and optimise waste water treatment systems, especially for villages and small towns. I expect that this facility will play a strong role in developing new indigenous solutions to protect the environment and deliver economic growth,” says Laura Burke, director of EPA.

C

Evaluation of Novel Technologies In order to minimise the environmental impact of sewage discharges, effective systems are required to treat waste water and ensure clean and safe waters. By using influent taken from Tuam town waste water, the facility provides researchers and manufacturers with opportunities to evaluate novel technologies under realistic conditions.

Effluent from the research facility is returned to the main Tuam WWTP ensuring there is no risk to the environment from the development work.

Operating at a scale equivalent to a village with a population of 400, this system offers high performance at low operating costs. It is estimated that this new technology will allow the plant to operate at approximately 25% of typical running costs for a conventional activated sludge plant of similar size.

World Class Facility According to Professor Terry Smith, vicepresident of research at NUI Galway: “The Tuam Water Research Facility provides a world-class facility for carrying out collaborative cutting-edge research for research institutions and industry on fullscale, smart green technologies that purify water and wastewater. The Water

Research Facility has great potential to give Irish companies an innovative advantage in increasing its share of the international environmental technologies market.”

Environmental technologies are cleaner and resource-efficient technologies that can

Pictured at the opening of the water research facility in Tuam were Minister Michael Finneran, Professor Terry Smith of NUI Galway and Laura Burke of the EPA.

decrease material inputs, reduce energy consumption, recover valuable by-products, minimise waste disposal problems, or some combination of these. In the EU the sector currently employs 3.4 million people and turns over Eur227 billion annually. On a global scale, it is anticipated that the environmental technologies market will double from its present level to reach Eur2.3 trillion by 2020.

Whilst core funding was provided by the EPA and NUI Galway, additional critical support came from Galway County Council, who provided the site and carried out civil engineering works. A range of industrial partners, including the main contractors Response Group, also contributed resources and equipment.

EPA STRIVE Programme The EPA Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for the Environment Programme (STRIVE) employs a strategic and targeted approach to protecting and improving the natural environment through the provision and accumulation of scientific research and knowledge. The programme is funded through the National Development Plan and the EPA administers this funding on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The programme has placed a particular emphasis in environmental technologies and to position Ireland as a leader in this field by building capacity, while simultaneously contributing to environmental protection.

“Work funded through the EPA STRIVE Research programme is continuing to deliver new and innovative responses to environmental problems, while also making a significant contribution to the development of Ireland’s Smart Economy,” explains Michael Finneran, Minister for Housing & Local Services and TD for Roscommon-South Leitrim, who officially opened the new NUI Galway Water Research Facility. “The Tuam Water Research Facility is an excellent example of this, employing solutions generated by Irish researchers to deliver high performance results at low operating costs. As work progresses at the facility, it will also contribute towards implementation of the Water Framework Directive in Ireland.”

Further Collaborative Research Building on the EPA’s investment, other bodies including Enterprise Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland and the EU are currently funding NUI Galway research projects on new green technologies at the Water Research Facility. Collaborative research proposals on smart water quality sensors, advanced equipment for removing viruses and phosphorus from waters, and the use of efficient biological processes have been received from research organisations and companies in Ireland and the USA. The research facility also provides a location for education and training in best practices for wastewater treatment for engineering and science students, water industry personnel and the public. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

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I WATER QUALITY

Monitor Your ‘Water Quality’ Remotely in Real-time Across Your Network owflo – Water Control & Leak L Detection is the Irish agent for the new and exciting Intellisonde. The Intellisonde provides revolutionary live monitoring of water flow, pressure and water quality in one lightweight, easy to install, unit. By utilising the latest third party communica-

tion technologies, remote data retrieval of 12 measurements can be transmitted to anywhere in the world in real time. The potential benefits of this wireless water data transmitting device are ground breaking.

The Benefits The benefits of the Intellisonde include: • A pro-active approach to water quality management, • Ability to monitor real time data for actual or impending water quality problems at a local level, • Ability to appraise and minimise risk of contamination posed by bursts or repairs, • Integration with operational network modelling providing real time data for operational control and risk assessment related to water quality, • Ultimate provision of cyclic reviews in line with DOMS. The Intellisonde is causing quite a stir globally in the water industry. With the constant threat of water quality concerns across water networks in Ireland and continual auditing by the EPA the Intellisonde provides real-time data which will help councils and group water schemes to react instantly once water quality parameters are breached. The Intellisonde measures and records the following parameters:

Physical

Optical

Flow

Turbidity Chlorine

Conductivity

Pressure

Colour

PH

Temperature

Cemical

Chloramines

Other

Dissolved Oxygen ORP Fluoride

Other Models Intelisonde is available in two other models: • The Intellisonde SA monitors up to 11 water quality parameters in one integral device which can easily be fitted into a Consumer MSM Chamber/Boundary Box. • The Intellisonde EM (Environmental Monitoring) was developed for cost effective and accurate water quality monitoring of fresh water into treatment works, and treated waste water outflows from factories and treatment works into rivers (including unmanned sites for final effluent).

For further information contact Lowflo – Water Control & Leak Detection, Unit P1, Marina Commercial Park, Centre Park Road, Cork City, Ireland. Tel +353 (0)21 5004 111, Fax +353 (0)21 5004 112, Web www.lowflo.com or www.aqualogicwc.com. I

New Digital Chlorine Dioxide Testing From Palintest alintest, the leading water analysis techP nology company, has developed a completely new method for testing Chlorine Dioxide levels in water. The ChlordioXense provides accurate testing without relying on subjective analysis for results. The instrument eliminates the potential for user error giving precise, consistent results whatever the operator’s level of experience.

Developed from the successful electrochemical sensing technology in the company’s ChloroSense digital chlorine sensor (now EPA approved), the ChlordioXense is very easy to operate. Simply insert a disposable electrode along with the water sample and close the lid to start a test. The instrument works for a wide range of concentrations, from 0.02-50 mg/l, with sample temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius, with results given clearly on the LCD screen in

less than a minute.

Compared to the US EPA-approved Lissamine Green test method, the ChlordioXense gives accurate results with greater consistency, according to Palintest.

This means that the time taken and the training needed to get results is significantly reduced, benefiting a wide range of applications from food processing to paper mills and building services.

The unit stores up to 500 results in its on-board memory, and can be connected by USB to a PC for simple downloading.

Powered by AA batteries and weighing less than 1kg, it is truly portable and offers effortless Chlorine Dioxide measurement

for any situation. For further information contact Palintest on Tel +44 (0)191 491 0808, Fax +44 (0)191 482 5372, E-mail sales@palintest.com or visit www.palintest.com. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

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I WATER QUALITY

Queen’s University Belfast Nets €3.5 Million for Water Quality Research Queen’s University Belfast research cenA tre has netted a Eur3.5 million grant from the European Union to fund research into improving water quality and quantity for future generations. Queen’s Environmental Science and Technology Research Centre, known as QUESTOR, was awarded the grant under the ‘People’ Marie Curie Actions theme.

Manus Carey, researcher at Queen’s University Belfast.

Described by Professor David Bellamy at its launch, as a ‘bright light at the end of a dark tunnel’, QUESTOR is Europe’s only Industry/University Co-operative Research Centre.

The Centre conducts industry-driven research in the areas of water and wastewater treatment, remediation, waste management, renewable energy and sustainable technologies on behalf of member companies for an annual fee; these range from innovative local SMEs to multinational companies.

The new four year project, which will involve 16 researchers, will be co-ordinated by Dr Wilson McGarel, director of QUESTOR, and will be known as ‘Advanced Technologies for Water Resource Management’ (ATWARM).

“This project will address the technology gaps that prohibit the EU from achieving an integrated water resource management strategy. The performance and sustainability of water and wastewater treatment plants will be enhanced and the project will also lead to improvements in

Dr Wilson McGarel, director of QUESTOR.

the quality of surface and ground water,” explains Dr McGarel.

Queen’s University will head up this project which will involve seven host organisations located in the UK, Ireland and Germany. The project is a Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN), and will involve 14 PhD students and 2 post-doc positions.

Further information on QUESTOR which was awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education is available at www. questor.qub.ac.uk. I

UK Water Industry Set for Record £24 Billion Investment he UK water industry is forecast to make T record investments in capital equipment, infrastructure and operational activities over the next five years, according to a report published by IMS Business Information Services. During the period April 2010 to March 2015, water companies in England and Wales have committed to a £22.1 billion capital expenditure, with a further £2.5 billion scheduled to be spent in Scotland and £564 million in Northern Ireland during the same period.

The industry’s next investment cycle, AMP5, will provide some tough challenges for water companies, who are obliged to invest at agreed levels in a range of improvements to water treatment and supply. At the same time, the amount they can charge the customer is strictly regulated by OFWAT, the industry’s watchdog.

“What this level of investment 20

means is that suppliers into the sector, the manufacturers of the equipment needed to maintain the water and sewerage infrastructure in the UK, are in for a profitable few years,” explains Elaine Coles, the report’s author.

While the water companies may be unhappy about OFWAT’s pricing policy, to those businesses that supply goods and services to the water industry AMP5 should provide excellent opportunities for growth.

Significantly, many companies that could be benefiting from the investment are fail-

ing to capitalise on the market opportunities that exist, according to the report.

Although all water companies have to make detailed plans about their investment and procurement public, many suppliers simply don’t know how to approach the market or fail to understand the tendering systems in sufficient detail.

“Despite the current economic conditions, the UK water and wastewater sector has one of the country’s most significant investment programmes firmly in place.

Manufacturers and consulting engineers could and should be making more of the opportunities presented to them,” she adds.

The 530 page report entitled ‘Selling into the UK Water and Wastewater Treatment Industry 2010- Key Drivers and Opportunities’ is available as hard copy or electronically for £795 from www.waterbriefing.org. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

I WATER MANAGEMENT

New Online Leak Mapping For PermaNet Through Your Web Browser he PermaNet system from Halma T Water Management (HWM) receives data from Permalog+ noise loggers deployed on water pipes to listen for leaks, and transmits this information wirelessly to an office computer. A new development called ALMOS (Acoustic Leak Monitoring Online System) now enables live, onscreen display of PermaNet data tracking from the PermaNet system from any internet-connected PC with using a new graphical interface and the latest digital mapping technology – without the need for any specialist software.

Users of the system simply have to visit the website (www.almosleak.com) and log in to see the precise location, condition and noise levels of their deployed Permalog+ loggers. This information can be displayed either in a list form, or overlaid onto a detailed map, terrain or satellite view of the area. Loggers in a non-leak state appear in blue on the map, those transmitting a leak alert are shown in red, and those with anomalous readings display a yellow warning sign. Each logger can be individually highlighted to view more detailed information, including its serial number, noise level, signal strength and acoustic spread. This enables problem

areas to be quickly and accurately identified, and offers the potential for in-depth analysis of the leak situation. The list view allows loggers to be sorted by a number of variables, and historical leak data for each one is available at the click of a mouse.

Users can be set up to have different levels of access to data and administrative functions, so several people can view the data simultaneously but only administrators will be able to make changes to it. A demonstration of the system is available at www.almosleak.com, which shows a district of Copenhagen where the system has been used for several months successfully to achieve and maintain a 10% reduction in leakage.

The ALMOS system can be used to view and manage integrated data from several sources, including PermaNet and Automatic Meter Reading Readers (AMR’s) systems, with all data running through an extensive web server-based algorithm analysis post processing function (patent pending). This offers currently unparalleled water management functionality to save time, water and money.

Water suppliers can now monitor 100% of their distribution system confidently and effectively, knowing that the

combination of Permalog technology, PermaNet data communication and ALMOS online data presentation enables them to identify potential leak sites quickly, accurately, conveniently and automatically. For further information visit www.halma.com. I

Crowcon Detector Now Ideal for Water and Wastewater Applications as detection specialist Crowcon has G expanded the capabilities of its highly successful Tetra:3 (T3) personal multi-gas detector with three more toxic gas sensors: ozone (03), sulphur dioxide (S02) and ammonia (NH3). This complements the existing sensor range which includes flammable gases, oxygen (02), hydrogen sulphide (H2S), and carbon monoxide (CO).

The new sensors widen the scope of the T3 to include water and wastewater applications.

Featuring a top-mount display and the capacity to detect up to four gases at once, the T3 is designed for use in the most demanding industrial environments, including confined space work. It features intuitive, single button operation, essential for users with gloved hands.

If a hazard is detected, the T3 gives rapid and effective warning with a powerful 95

dBA audible alarm, an extremely bright red/blue LED visual warning, and by vibrating. Despite its compact size and low weight (less than 300g), the T3 is very rugged. It has a shatterproof housing with rubber over-moulding, providing extra shock and vibration protection and giving it water and dust resistance to IP67.

A lithium-ion battery provides over 18

hours continuous operation from a single charge, and there is a 30 day countdown warning of the calibration due date. The T3 is provided with a stainless steel alligator pocket clip as standard and has an optional harness for chest mounting.

To coincide with the expanded T3 gas sensor range, Crowcon has also launched a new ‘universal charger’, developed in response to the market need for reliable vehicle charging of detectors used by service and maintenance crews in the field. This latest addition firmly supports the T3 in a mountable cradle, offering a quick and easy storage solution as well as dependable charging with status indication.

For further information contact Crowcon Detection Instruments on Tel +44 (0)1235 557700, Fax +44 (0)1235 557718, E-mail: sales@crowcon.com, Website: www.crowcon.com. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

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I ENERGY COSTS

Gap in Energy Prices Between Ireland and EU is Closing ‘Understanding Electricity and Gas Prices in Ireland’, a report issued by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), shows a significant fall in both gas and electricity prices to Irish businesses while many EU States experienced rises. he report which covers energy pricing trends for the first half of 2009, shows that while energy prices to Irish businesses remain above the European average, the gap in pricing is closing. While electricity prices to businesses in Ireland fell by 15% in the first half of 2009 compared with the last six months of 2008, the average price across the EU increased by 2.2%. This has closed the gap in electricity prices between Ireland and the EU as prices fell from 38% above the EU average for medium sized businesses in the latter half of 2008 to 15% above for the first half of 2009.

Gas prices for Irish business continued to fall and in the first half of 2009 fell by over 15%. Business sector gas prices in Ireland for the smallest consumers were 13% above the average for EU countries, but were between 7%-10% below the EU average for medium sized gas consumers.

Outlook Looking at energy pricing beyond the first half of 2009 and into 2010, Professor Lewis says: “This report examines up until the middle of 2009. We know that since then there have been price reduction announcements for householders as well as new, strong competition opening up for the domestic market. We expect to see further improvements in prices for homeowners which again is a move in the right direction.” A full copy of the report can be found on www.sei.ie/statistics.

T

Professor Owen Lewis, chief executive of SEI.

Important Finding An important finding of the international comparison is that those States, including Ireland, that are most dependent on Residential Market imported fossil fuels for electricity generaOn the residential front, electricity prices tion tend to have higher electricity prices. rose by almost 15% year on year to June This reinforces the importance of diversify2009 meaning that Irish domestic electrici- ing sources of energy in Ireland, particularty prices were 22% above the EU average. ly into indigenous renewable resources.

However, when adjusting for cost of living “The analysis for the first half of 2009 differences between EU countries (using clearly shows that while energy prices in Purchase Power Parity), typiIreland remained cal Irish domestic electricity above the EU average, prices were just 4% above the the gap closed which is EU average, and were actually positive news for all below the EU average for energy users and for higher volume domestic users.

Ireland as a whole.

Again adjusting for cost of However, we must living differences, Ireland is remember that prices cheaper for all domestic gas are still higher than we consumers, ranging from would wish, and we 15% to 30% below the EU must press to increase average. the deployment of The analysis points out that renewable sources of as energy prices are increasing energy. We must across Europe, Ireland is reduce our dependence doing well in closing the gap. on imported energy However, energy prices and the associated remain a concern for all convolatile global prices,” sumers, in particular for busi- The analysis points out that as energy comments Professor nesses trying to maintain eco- prices are increasing across Europe, Owen Lewis, chief nomic competitiveness. executive of SEI. Ireland is doing well in closing the gap.

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Welcome Improvement Energy Minister Eamon Ryan TD welcomes the significant improvement in competitiveness of Ireland’s international energy costs. Ireland experienced the third largest price drop in electricity prices to industry across the entire EU over the 12 month period ending on 30th June 2009.

At the same time, 22 of 27 EU countries experienced price increases. Gas prices also continued to fall with a result that gas prices are now 7% to 10% below the EU average in the two main consumption bands for business.

“These results clearly indicate that policy to encourage competition in electricity generation and supply is paying dividends for consumers. Ireland has close to the highest overall dependency on fossil fuels for electricity generation across the EU and we are particularly dependent upon imported gas.

Following two decades of under-investment in our networks, Ireland faces the combined challenge of funding a very significant investment in energy infrastructure and the structural challenges imposed by geographic isolation, a small and widely dispersed population and the lack of power generation economies of scale,” says the Minister. “To achieve anything close to cost parity with our European neighbours is a great achievement. Clearly, the long term solution to our energy cost challenge must be to reduce our dependence upon imported fossil fuels by continuing to focus on the development of renewable electricity and to continue to foster competition.” I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

I RENEWABLE ENERGY

Concern that Ireland Lagging Behind as 2009 EU Wind Installations Rise 23% The Irish Wind Energy Association is concerned that Ireland is failing to capitalise on its outstanding wind resource as league tables for installations in 2009 places us in ninth place within the European Union. ccording to the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) figures, Ireland installed 233MW of wind last year – just one MW more than in 2008 – and accounted for just 2.3% of total EU installations in 2009. The EU league table was topped by Spain, with 2,459MW (24% of total EU installations) installed. Germany ranked second with 1,917MW (19%), Italy third with 1,114MW (11%), France fourth with 1,088MW (11%) and the UK fifth with 1,077MW (10%).

Ireland had a total of 1,260MW of wind power installed by the end of 2009 – equivalent to 4.8% of that installed by Europe’s leading wind energy generating nation Germany and 6% of Spain, which has the second highest number of installations.

Responding to the publication of the figures for growth across the EU in 2009, Dr Michael Walsh, chief executive of the Irish Wind Energy Association, says that Ireland needs to accelerate turbine installations year on year if wind energy potential is to be fulfilled and targets met.

A

Unique Renewable Energy Opportunity “The positive is that in a downturn we managed to add 233MW of wind capacity in 2009 but that is not enough, particularly given that we have one of the strongest wind energy resources in Europe and that wind energy has enormous economic potential for Ireland. While Spain and Germany, the market leaders, have far greater land mass than we do, DenCaitriona Diviney, chief mark has 61% of operations officer of the Ireland’s land mass Irish Wind Energy and yet we have just Association.

36.3% of their wind

capacity installed. This shows how slow we are on capitalising on this unique renewable energy opportunity. The Government, under Renewable Energy Directive 1, must submit a National Renewable Energy Action Plan to the EU by June of this year and this is an opportunity to build momentum for the sector,” he explains.

Caitriona Diviney, chief operations officer of the Irish Wind Energy Association, continues: “The reality is that we are not pressing home our advantage over other nations. With enviable resources in both onshore and offshore wind available across the island, it is of concern that while 10,163 MW of wind power capacity was installed across the European Union, only 233MW, or 2.3%, of that was installed in Ireland. While the EU showed a significant increase last year in the rate of installations, Ireland showed none.”

Investment in new European wind farms in 2009 reached Eur13 billion, including Eur1.5 billion offshore.

Wind power’s total capacity in the European Union has now reached 74,767 MW, up from 64,719 MW by the end of 2008. More new wind power capacity was installed in the EU in 2009 than any other electricity-generating technology. Indeed, 39% of all new capacity installed in 2009 was wind power, followed by gas (26%) and solar photovoltaics (16%). Europe decommissioned more coal and nuclear capacity than it installed in 2009. Taken together, renewable energy technologies

Dr Michael Walsh, chief executive of the Irish Wind Energy Association.

account for 61% of new power generating capacity in 2009. €13 Billion Invested in 2009 Investment in new European wind farms in 2009 reached Eur13 billion, including Eur1.5 billion offshore. 10,163 MW of wind power capacity were installed across the European Union – a 23% increase compared to 2008 installations – made up of 9,581MW onshore (up 21% from last year) and 582 MW offshore (up 56% from last year). 2009 is the second year running that more wind power capacity has been installed than any other electricity-generating technology, and wind’s share of newly installed capacity increased from 35% in 2008 to 39% in 2009. It is also the second successive year that renewable energies have accounted for the majority of new investments.

“It is a remarkable result in a difficult year,” says Christian Kjaer, chief executive of EWEA. “The figures, once again, confirm that wind power, together with other renewable energy technologies and a shift from coal to gas, are delivering massive European carbon reductions, while creating much needed economic activity and new jobs for Europe’s citizens.” I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

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RENEWABLE ENERGY

Wind Power Capacity Installation in the EU Outstrips Other Power Technologies More new wind power capacity was installed in the EU in 2009 than any other electricity-generating technology, new statistics published by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) reveal. 39% of all new capacity installed in 2009 was wind power, followed by gas (26%) and solar photovoltaics (16%). Europe decommissioned more coal and nuclear capacity than it installed in 2009. Taken together, renewable energy technologies account for 61% of new power generating capacity in 2009.

Investment in new European wind farms in 2009 reached Eur13 billion, including Eur1.5 billion offshore. 10,163 MW of wind power capacity was installed across the European Union – a 23% increase compared to 2008

RENEWABLE ENERGY

EirGrid Publishes Wind Farm Connections Report A key indication of how Ireland will meet its renewable energy targets is revealed with the publication of the levels of access available on the electricity transmission grid for wind farm connections up to 2023. The information was generated by EirGrid using a methodology that enables it to determine how much wind energy the grid can sustain. It details how over 3900 MegaWatts (MW) of additional wind generation can connect to the grid over the next 13 years.

Taking into account wind farms already connected to the grid or under construction, the publication indicates that Ireland can successfully reach its 2020 target of 40% of electricity demand to be met from renewable resources.

The report builds on EirGrid’s announcement in December on how an initial 1700 MW of new wind generation can connect to the grid by 2017. It is part of the Gate 3 regulated grid connection offer process.

There are in excess of 200 applications representing

installations – made up of 9,581 MW onshore (up 21% from last year) and 582 MW offshore (up 56% from last year).

2009 is the second year running that more wind power capacity has been installed than any other electricity-generating technology, and wind’s share of newly installed capacity increased from 35% in 2008 to 39% in 2009. It is also the second year running that renewable energies have accounted for the majority of new investments.

The countries with the biggest share of new capacity installed in 2009 were Spain (24% 2459 MW), followed by Germany (19% - 1917 MW), Italy (11% - 1114 MW), France (11% 1088 MW) and the UK (10% - 1077 MW).

approximately 4000MW of wind under the Gate 3 programme.

“This is an important milestone for Ireland’s renewable energy industry. For EirGrid, it demonstrates the importance of the successful implementation of Grid25, our long-term transmission network development strategy,” points out Dermot Byrne, chief executive of EirGrid.

There are in excess of 200 applications representing approximately 4000MW of wind under the Gate 3 programme.

Dermot Byrne, chief executive of EirGrid.

Wind Turbine to Offset Almost 90 Tonnes of CO2 Per Annum A 50 kilowatt wind turbine, part

funded by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), is now fully operational at Gurteen Agricultural College in Tipperary providing the college with more than half of its electricity requirements.

The wind turbine, which has an estimated payback period of eight years, will have an annual electricity output of 150,000 kilowatt hours and will offset almost 90 tonnes of CO2 per annum.

A Eur60,000 grant through SEI’s Small and Micro-Scale Generation programme was awarded to Gurteen Agricultural College in Tipperary to install the 50kW wind turbine on site as part of an ongoing field trial programme designed to access the market potential of smalland micro-scale technologies in the domestic, agricultural and small commercial markets.

The wind turbine which was produced in Canada and installed by Irish wind turbine supplier RES, is connected into the college electrical system with all power produced consumed on site thereby reducing the amount of imported electricity required by the college. It will also provide a practical example of the benefits of using wind energy in a farm setting for the

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

Wind power’s total capacity in the European Union has now reached 74,767 MW, up from 64,719 MW by the end of 2008 with Germany remaining the EU country with the largest installed capacity, followed by Spain, Italy, France and the UK.

agricultural students attending the college and the wider farming community.

Bord Gais Completes Purchase of SWS Natural Resources Bord Gais has completed the purchase of West Cork-based SWS Natural Resources, one of the largest wind generators in Ireland, in a transaction worth over Eur500m. The sale of SWS Natural Resources was the subject of a competitive bid process.

SWS Natural Resources operates 179MW of wind generating assets. In addition SWS has an advanced development pipeline of 460MW in the Republic of Ireland and

John Mullins, chief executive of Bord Gais.

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E N E R G Y

P O I N T

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

First House Built Without Central Heating System Set for Belfast A multi-million pound system with the houses cominitiative led by Habitat pleted in the first project to for Humanity Northern be sold for around Ireland in partnership Eur110,000. with Tyrone TimberTyrone Timberframes has frames is set to build over the number of years houses so energy efficient been delivering energy effithey will not require a cient timber frame houses to central heating system. the self build market in the More than 50 homes repUK and Ireland and is for resenting a Eur5.5 million the first time applying the (£5m) investment in local same energy efficiency percommunities across Norformance to deliver affordthern Ireland are to be able social housing locally. built in the next three “We envisaged some time years. ago that the house of the Every house constructed Peter Farquharson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland, and future will be environmenwill use advanced energy David Maxwell, managing director of Tyrone Timberframes. tally friendly and highly efficiency technology energy efficient. We are from local firm Tyrone Timberframes to reduce heating require- excited that our partnership with Habitat for Humanity provides ments by creating homes 75% more energy efficient which great- a tangible example of the enormous potential for the application ly reduces running costs and makes the need for a traditional cen- of this technology locally,” says David Maxwell, managing directral heating systems redundant. This will mark the first time tor of Tyrone Timberframes. across the UK and Ireland social housing sector that a house has Construction on the first project of highly energy efficient been constructed without the requirement of a central heating homes will start shortly in East Belfast.

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ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

E N E R G Y

P O I N T

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

€3 Million Deal Energises PSE Power Systems Newcastle West-based PSE carbon emissions on-site as Power Systems and US corwell. For a large pharmaporation Cummins Power ceutical company, hospital Generation have signed a or hotel, the savings from deal worth Eur3 million in installing a 1MW CHP 2010. The agreement, sees plant on-site and running PSE Power Systems become it for one year can amount the exclusive distributor of to over Eur500,000.

Cummins Power Generation In addition to the savGas & CHP systems, a world ings available from the leading combined heat and CHP system, there are a power unit designed to lower number of grants available energy costs and greenhouse from SEI for feasibility emissions for large scale studies and tax incentives energy users. to help reduce the up-front PSE Power Systems has cost of installing the CHP worked previously with system.

Cummins Power Generation Michael Rule of on the sale of diesel generaCummins Power Genertors and other energy equip- CHP offers large scale energy users the opportunity to dramatically reduce their ation points out that now ment and has developed a energy bills by up to 50%. CHP also reduces carbon emissions and improves energy is the best time to be enterstrong relationship with the security. ing the Irish Market.

American corporation. The “With such a strong multideal, which covers the island of Ireland, is a result of the two national presence in Ireland, combined with some of Europe’s companies’ previous work together. best pharmaceutical companies and other large-scale energy CHP systems allow large scale energy users to reduce their users, we think our CHP offering couldn’t have come to the annual energy costs by up to 30% with a matching reduction in market at a better time.”

Northern Ireland. SWS employs 50 people at its office in Bandon, Co. Cork.

“The acquisition significantly enhances the asset quality of our balance sheet and fulfils the commitment made when we went to international financial markets and raised over Eur800m. Over the next five years Bord Gais will invest almost Eur700m in the construction of the wind projects and in the process create 250 sustainable jobs,” says John Mullins, chief executive of Bord Gais.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Over 100,000 Irish Homes Assessed Under the Building Energy Rating Scheme Figures released from Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) reveal that over 100,000 Irish homes have had Building Energy Ratings (BERs) completed to date, the majority of which were completed since January 2009, the first year for full implementation of the BER scheme. Introduced in 2007 as part of a European Directive to improve the energy performance

of homes, the rate of BER publications has steadily increased in 2009, averaging 300 per day, and indicating an increasing awareness of, and compliance with, the legislation.

Initially the scheme only applied to new homes, but since 1 January 2009 all homes being sold or rented are also required to have a BER certificate that shows prospective buyers or tenants the energy performance of the home.

Research shows that landlords are the group most aware of the need for a BER certificate, with awareness now at 76%. While awareness is improving in most quarters, tenants looking to rent are the least aware of their entitlement to get a BER cert with awareness only at 38%.

Commenting on the BER programme, Minister for Communications, Energy, and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan TD says: “The BER Scheme is a practical scheme which helps current and prospective homeowners make informed choices when selecting or upgrading a property.

The success of the scheme last year shows that the energy

performance and efficiency of a property is becoming increasingly important for Irish homeowners.”

Minister for Communications, Energy, and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan TD.

ENERGY TRANSMISSION

New Cost-saving Technology For National Grid Installation will begin on new technology this year which will significantly cut

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

the cost of upgrading a large part of the national grid, according to EirGrid. The cost of upgrading a significant part of Ireland’s ‘motorways for power’ is set to fall due to the introduction of a new type of conductor from 2010. The new technology will also help accelerate the upgrade to the power grid, which is urgently needed to link up more renewable energy, to provide reliable power which will attract investment and jobs, and to provide essential services in all regions.

Without this new technology, uprating a line would mean replacing the existing conductor with a larger and heavier one frequently necessitating rebuilding many of the support structures. The significance of the new conductor is that, for the same weight and size as the old conductor, it can carry much higher power. Ireland is one of the first European countries to use this new power line technology.

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Green Tax Incentive Scheme Extended for 2010 The Government has extended the Accelerated Capital Allowance Scheme. The Scheme, detailed in the Finance Bill, allows companies to buy energy efficient equipment and write off its full cost against corporation tax in the year of purchase.

Introduced in 2008, the Scheme has been expanded this year to include up to forty different technologies. All Irish business, large and small, can receive tax relief on equipment such as: * Refrigeration and cooling systems * Catering and hospitality equipment * Electro-mechanical systems * IT software and hardware * Lighting * Electric vehicles.

Other categories of equipment such as certain wind turbines and solar photovoltaic technology are also eligible.

The refrigeration category will be highly relevant

MARINE ENERGY

Major Milestone for Ocean Energy The generation of commercial quantities of electricity from Irish wave power has moved a step closer with the signing of an agreement by Ireland’s leading wave energy development company, Ocean Energy with one of the world’s leading turbine manufacturers, US multinational Dresser-Rand.

The move endorses Ocean Energy’s technology and also boosts the Government’s alternative energy strategy. Ocean Energy has successfully tested its quarter scale Ocean Energy Buoy over the last two and a half years at the Government’s test site in Galway Bay. “We are the only company

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in the world Dresser-Rand have entered into a development and supply agreement and we see this not only an endorsement of our technology but of the Irish Government’s development strategy for the industry,” says John McCarthy, chief executive of Ocean Energy.

BIOFUEL

Anomaly in Carbon Taxation Threatens Ireland’s Biofuel Industry Green Biofuels Ireland (GBI), Ireland’s largest biodiesel plant, has warned that a serious anomaly in the recently introduced carbon tax threatens the development of Ireland’s emerging biofuel industry. As outlined in the budget last December, a carbon tax has been introduced on petrol and diesel. Biofuels are exempt from the new carbon tax, but only where the fuel contains more than 10% biofuel. This means that blends with less than 10% biofuel will be treated in exactly the same way as ordinary petrol or diesel.

This approach contradicts

to the food retail industry, such as supermarkets, which may decide to replace or upgrade refrigeration cabinets, chiller units etc. The electromechanical category will be relevant to the manufacturing sector, which may wish to replace outmoded hydraulic or compressed air equipment.

The catering and hospitality category will be very relevant to the hotel and restaurant trades and includes equipment such as commercial ovens, dryers, dishwashers etc.

In addition to the new categories, the existing information and communications technology category has been amended to now include software designed to achieve very high levels of energy efficiency. This will include virtualisation software that allows a business to greatly reduce the number of servers required and related cooling equipment, thus saving greatly on energy and hardware costs. environmental policy as it applies a carbon tax on ‘green’, carbon reducing blends. GBI is calling on the Government to address this serious anomaly. Both the Irish Biodiesel Association and the European Biodiesel Board have also made submissions to the Government on this matter.

“The new carbon taxation system treats fuel blends with less than 10% biofuel in exactly the same way as ordinary petrol or diesel. This is wrong because it is imposing a carbon tax designed for fossil fuels on a renewable green fuel

that is helping to reduce Ireland’s carbon emissions,” explains Nick Tierney, managing director of GBI. “Most of the diesel blends sold in Ireland today contain between 4% and 7% biodiesel. In setting the 10% limit in the new carbon tax, the Government has overlooked the fact that biodiesel blends above 7% cannot even be readily sold in Ireland.”

Green Biofuels Ireland produces 30,000 tonnes of biofuels annually. This output reduces carbon emissions by 90,000 tonnes every year.

Nick Tierney, chief executive of Green Biofuels Ireland, at the company’s facility in County Wexford.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010