Energy and Environment Management by Colin Murphy

ireland’s leading environment & energy management publication

ESB’s Next Generation €360m Power Plant at Aghada Resource Ireland – RDS, Dublin, 13-14 October 2010

JULY/AUGUST 2010

Wind Energy

www.eandemanagement.com

C o n t e n t s

- 3 E NVIRONMENT N EWS

- 26 E NERGY

News from home and abroad.

Inaugural National Smart Grid Summit – Croke Park Conference Centre, October 7, 2010.

- 7 & 14 E NVIRONMENT

PA G E 2 7

PA G E 9

Environment Ireland Conference – Croke Park Conference Centre, 14 September 2010.

ESB’s €360m power plant at Aghada.

- 27 M ARINE E NERGY

Marine Energy.

Realising Ireland’s ocean energy potential.

- 9P OWER G ENERATION ESB’s next generation €360m power plant at Aghada sets new standards.

- 28 S OLAR P OWER SolarPrint enters into solar technology deal with Fiat.

PA G E 1 5

- 15 W ASTE M ANAGEMENT Repatriation of illegal waste from Northern Ireland commences.

John Gormley TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

- 17-20 E XHIBITION Discuss how to protect Ireland’s resources at Resource Ireland – RDS, Dublin, 13-14 October 2010. Resource Ireland 2010 Exhibitor Previews.

PA G E 2 9 World’ largest tidal turbine.

- 29 E NERGY P OINT Latest energy developments in Ireland and overseas.

PA G E 3 1 UK biofuels.

Managing Director: Colin Murphy Sales Director: Ronan McGlade

PA G E 1 7 Resource Ireland 2010.

- 21-25 W IND E NERGY

Editor: Mike Rohan Sales Manager: Don Sheridan Production Manager: Susan Doyle Production Assistant: Jackie Kinch

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The IWEA Autumn Conference 2010 – The Galway Bay Hotel, 30 September.

- 25 O FFSHORE W IND E NERGY Offshore wind heads for record year in Europe.

PA G E 2 1 Dr Michael Walsh, Chief executive, IWEA.

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E N V I R O N M E N T

N E W S

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Panda Waste Mark 2010th Brown Bin Collected in Newly Introduced Service anda Waste has announced its 2010th brown bin collected since it introP duced its service to comply with the newly introduced food regulations. The new EU Directive regulations state that food waste must be segregated from non-biodegradable materials, other waste and contaminants. The service is available to cafes, restaurants, fast food outlets and catering facilities from Dundalk to Dun Laoghaire.

“We are delighted at the success of the service so far with 2010 bins collected since we began the service in June. We have been preparing for these new regulations well in advance, having also piloted a mini brown bin collection service to 1,000 domestic customers in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown over the past few months. We provide a hassle free service to catering premises,” says Brian McCabe, director of Panda Waste. Panda Waste was acquired by Eamon Waters in 1990, has a turnover in the region of Eur50 million and employs over 200 people in three facilities, one in Meath and two in Dublin. Panda has over 70,000 domestic Pictured outside Riva Restaurant is proprietor Dieter customers (60,000 of whom are in Dublin) with over 3,000 commercial cus- Bergman and Brian McCabe, general manager of Panda Waste, to announce Panda’s 2010th brown bin collected. tomers nationwide. EMISSIONS

€220m Investment to Help Lower Emissions From Agricultural Equipment The European Investment Bank has agreed to support research and development at John Deere plants in Germany and France, including initiatives to lower emissions from agricultural equipment. The loan is part of the European Investment Bank’s broader financial support for innovation and to promote longterm investment in low emission and fuel efficient engine technology across the European transport and engine sector. The research and development will be carried out at John Deere plants in Mannheim and Zweibruecken in Germany as well as Saran in France. “Designing new models of low-emission engines and more fuel-efficient agricultural vehicles will also develop new skills and innova-

tion among employees across the company’s European operations,” says European Investment Bank vice president Matthias Kollatz-Ahnen.

EU Urged to Allow Forest Carbon Sinks to Offset Ireland’s Emissions The European Union should agree that forest carbon sinks can be used to offset Ireland’s non-Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) emissions, a new report from the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security and the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Food has recommended. In a report on the European Commission’s Green Paper on Protecting Europe’s Forests Against Climate Change, the Committees said that as forestry, land use and farming are all part of the same climate equation this linkage should be recognised in relation to the EU’s Forestry Policy, CAP reform post-2013, and – in particular – the EU’s climate change strategy. The Committees recommend that the Commission should bring forward an EU Directive setting out the framework conditions for the setting up of a national pro-

gramme for forest carbon offsets. In the context of meeting the EU’s Renewable Energy Sources (RES) targets, more attention should be given to wood biomass, according to the submission. CLIMATE CHANGE

UK Businesses Must Plan For Climate Change A new survey of UK businesses and other organisations carried out for Defra by Ipsos MORI has found that while many businesses have been affected by the type of weather that climate change may bring, preparations for the impacts of climate change are not well advanced. Three quarters of the businesses surveyed were concerned about the effects of climate change on the UK and one in three (31%) had been significantly affected in the last three years by extreme weather such as flooding and drought. However, less than a quarter (23%) had actually started to do something about the risks and opportunities that climate change poses. The survey also shows that businesses generally perceive a changing climate to be a threat rather than an opportunity. However, recent Defra-funded

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

research has shown that the impacts of climate change will present opportunities for UK businesses across a range of sectors such as construction and retro-fitting, water management, tourism, transport and food production. But greater effort is needed by companies to factor climate risk and opportunity into their business if they are to exploit these new opportunities and areas for significant growth.

WATER SERVICES

€20.5m in Extra Funding For Local Authority Water and Sewage Treatment Plants The Government has allocated an additional Eur20.5 million from the Local Government Fund to assist city and county councils with running costs on their water and sewerage treatment plants. This follows on from an additional Eur1.5 million from the Fund that was notified to authorities last April to support training needs in the water services sector. 3

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I ENVIRONMENT SERVICES

FLI Environmental Wins Major Contract in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert W aterford-based FLI Environmental, a global and diversified environmental services company, has secured a Eur1.6 million contract to construct the Maiga Mountain Reservoir in the province of Umnogabi in Mongolia.

Already a four-strong team from Tramore and Waterford, consisting of an FLI project manager and three technicians, has been dispatched to begin construction of two reservoirs with insulated floating covers for Energy Resources LLC at its new coal mine, located in one of the physically toughest environments in the world. The Irish team will be supported by locallyhired employees. The 30,000 square meters of reservoir will hold clean water needed in the new coal mine and will have an insulated floating cover of 38,000 square metres to keep out debris and dust swirling in from the Gobi desert. Michael Flynn, who founded FLI in 1989, says approximately three-quar- FLI founder, Michael Flynn, with Philip Galvin, FLI’s senior ters of the company’s Eur50 million annual turnover is now accounted for by project manager in charge of international projects. (Photo: Dylan Vaughan). projects outside of Ireland. The additional Eur22 million is on top of the Local Government Fund general purposes grants of Eur870 million, notified to authorities earlier this year. The Eur20.5 million is additional to the capital spend of Eur508 million available to the Department Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2010 to fund water services infrastructure. Average spending on water services infrastructure over the period 2009 and 2010 will be up 3% on the 2008 outturn. “Given the ongoing economic difficulties, this continuing high level of expenditure reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to preserving and protecting our water resources, to meeting EU standards for drinking water and wastewater treatment and to putting critical infrastructure in place that will ensure ongoing support for industrial, commercial and other development,” points out John Gormley, TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Eur8.7 million from the Eur20.5 million package will directly contribute towards local authorities’ operation and maintenance costs on recently completed water and 4

wastewater treatment plants. The balance of Eur11.8 million will be used to offset sampling costs to establish compliance with drinking water and wastewater effluent standards and the cost of licence applications to the Environmental Protection Agency for wastewater discharges. Allocations from the Eur11.8 million fund have been weighted towards those authorities that are meeting the required standards.

First Pipe is Laid on £2.4m Water Supply Project Water experts from international consultancy, WYG are assisting in the creation of one of the largest water mains in Northern Ireland as part of Northern Ireland Water’s (NI Water) £2.4 million project to improve water supply across Belfast City. WYG has been appointed as designer to Lagan Construction on the Belfast Cross Town Water Main project. The project involves a 2.8km water main extension between Barnett’s Park and the reservoir at Newtownbreda and the lining of 1.1km of 39” steel distributor main along the Annadale Embankment. The 900mm diameter water main is one of the largest of its

kind in Northern Ireland. Once operational, it will provide the link between Dunore Point Water Treatment Works across the city to Purdysburn and Breda Service Reservoirs. NI Water, which is the sole provider of water and wastewater services in Northern Ireland, is in the midst of an extensive capital investment programme with £281 million invested during 2008/09 in improving network and treatment facilities. In addition, £200 million in value has been invested in new and upgraded water and wastewater treatment works through NI Water’s Public Private Partnerships since June 2006.

EPA Issues Waste Water Discharge Licence for Greater Dublin Area The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a waste water discharge licence for the Greater Dublin Area Agglomeration in accordance with the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, 2007. The

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

Agglomeration is served by one waste water treatment plant (WWTP) at Ringsend. The licence has been issued to Dublin City Council (lead authority) and the joint applicants Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and Meath County Council. The licence contains more than 66 individual conditions and schedules relating to the environmental management, operation, control and monitoring of discharges to water from the Agglomeration. The licence conditions require that: * The Licensee upgrades the waste water treatment plant at Ringsend by December 2015. * The Licensee discontinues two secondary discharges to the Irish Sea, at Doldrum Bay and the Nose of Howth, within timeframes specified in the licence. * The Licensee assesses storm water overflows within the Agglomeration and prioritises the most significant for improvement works. * The Licensee submits an Annual Environmental Report which will be available to the public and will include a summary of emissions, monitoring data and

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I ENVIRONMENT

Abbott Longford is Abbott Global EHS Manufacturing Plant of the Year ing EHS achievements, environA mental performance and outreach initiatives involving local

bbott's diagnostic facility in Longford has been recognised by the global healthcare group’s leadership for its outstanding Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) performance and environmental excellence. The Longford site has been named as the Abbott EHS Manufacturing Plant of the Year 2009 at the global Environment, Health and Safety Excellence Awards which took place recently in Chicago.

Abbott facilities from all over the world entered the company’s internal awards programme this year, which recognises outstandupdates on both the waste water treatment plant and storm water overflow upgrades. * The Licensee monitors the primary discharge and also undertakes ambient monitoring, including marine, shore, biological and chemical monitoring. The Greater Dublin Area Agglomeration includes all of the geographical area of Dublin City Council and parts of Fingal County Council area, South Dublin County Council area, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council area and Meath County Council area. The Agglomeration is the largest in Ireland with a current load of approximately 1.79 million population equivalent (measure of effluent load received at a municipal waste water treatment plant). The Licensee predicts the agglomeration to have a load of approximately 2.2 million population equivalent by 2025.

New €540m Water Eco-Park in Midlands Could Store Water For Dublin and Midland Counties An innovative water based ecopark with fishing, boating, cycling, water and leisure sports on 500 acres, with a major water storage reservoir,

communities. The Longford facility, which manufactures diagnostic tests for a range of infectious diseases, introduced a range of innovative projects. These are designed to improve and enhance EHS performance at the 135,000 sq ft facility. Also, these projects raise the awareness and personal responsibility amongst the workforce in relation to health and safety, waste segregation and minimisation and energy reduction. located on a former cut away bog, Garryhinch Bog, Co Offaly is the recommended solution to finding a new water source for the Greater Dublin area and supply water to Counties Meath, Wicklow, Kildare, Offaly and Westmeath. The project would cost an estimated Eur540 million and generate an estimated 1,000 construction jobs for three years, in addition to generating ongoing sustainable long term jobs in the midlands managing the eco-park activities and a water plant. Consultants for Dublin City Council, RPS and Veolia Water, have recommended that a total of nine counties, including the four Dublin local authority areas could benefit from the eco-park, with the reservoir water being taken from the River Shannon at Lough Derg during periods of flood and high flows only, when there is more than enough water in the lake for all users. It would be stored at the new water eco-park, from where it could be used during periods of low flows in the Shannon.

New Chlorine Monitor for Drinking Water Networks Athenea is the new chlorine monitoring system for potable

Pictured at the awards ceremony are left to right: Leona Halton, occcupational health; Ursula Hinz, divisional vice president, international reagent operations; Sanford White, director EHS&E diagnostics division; John Frels, site director; Mary Rooney, EHS specialist; Mick McGetrick, engineering manager; and Lorraine Gillespie, EHS specialist.

water networks from Halma Water Management (HWM). It is an autonomous, battery powered chlorine analyser that provides continuous monitoring of concentration levels and transmits data automatically via cellular telemetry. This greatly reduces the need for time-consuming on-site ‘spot’ testing, and obviously allows for much more frequently updated results.

The product uses proven amperometric technology for chlorine measurement, and also records pH and temperature levels for complete and accurate analysis. By using an innovative power-saving process, battery life is maximised and a full charge will power the analyser for at least six months. By drawing fresh water from the network for each reading, results are always current, and as no chemicals are used in the test the water can be either reintroduced into the network or siphoned off as waste.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

I SUSTAINABILITY

Government's Investment Priorities Highlight Environmental Sustainability and Energy Efficiency The promotion of environmental sustainability and energy efficiency will be a key focus of the Government's Infrastructure Investment Priorities for 2010-2016, which will entail investment totaling Eur40 billion, up to 4% of Gross National Product, over a seven years period. The current economic climate has forced the Government to complete a comprehensive review of its Public Capital Investment Programme. The review sets out infrastructure investment priorities for the years 2010-2016 and in doing so fullfills the requirement to publish a revised set of investment priorities as pledged in the Renewed Programme for Government. The Review represents a reappraisal of the Government’s Public Capital Programme, designed to refocus investment plans and ready the Irish economy for a return to growth. Among the key allocations are: * Eur4.21 billion euros for 5

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I WASTE MANAGEMENT

New Global Headquarters For SmartBin martBin, a fast-growing provider of cost-efficient, green technology S solutions to the waste collection industry, has officially opened its new global headquarters in Dublin. The move follows a period of success for the company which saw it secure an additional Eur1.5 million in funding as it expands its global footprint into the North American waste collection marketplace, having proven its success in the European market.

As a global leader in remote monitoring and management systems for the waste and recycling collection industry, SmartBin fuses innovative wireless telemetry and web access technologies to provide innovative, real-time information management and intelligence solutions that help waste collection firms to cut costs and emissions, whilst streamlining operations to create more cost-efficient and effective processes – all of which are designed to directly enhance the bottom line. education, * Eur2.89 billion euros for health * Eur3.69 billion euros for enterprise * Eur5.77 billion euros for public transport * Eur5.97 billion euros for roads * Eur3.66 billion euros for environmental services. There are also major investments in housing, agriculture, flood relief, community development, energy, broadband, information and communications technology, tourism, culture and sport. The Department of Environment Heritage & Local Government will be responsible for capital investment of Eur8.56 billion or 22.7% of the total Public Capital Investment Programme, 2010 – 2016. A major focus throughout the entire programme is investment to promote environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. The programme includes significant investment in water services, energy efficiency, and waste management in particular. Alongside the introduction of a carbon tax these measures will help safeguard our environment and tackle climate change. 6

Eur880 million will be invested in a national energy efficiency retrofit programme spanning public and private housing, industry and the public sector – delivering major cost savings for consumers and reducing CO2 emissions. The Government will invest close to Eur3.5 billion in developing water services infrastructure in light of existing and anticipated demand and to satisfy environmental requirements. Over Eur480 million is also being provided for Flood Management and Relief Schemes.

I CONSERVATION

European Commission Gives €4.1m for Irish Nature Conservation Schemes The European Commission has approved grants to restore raised bogs in County Westmeath and to improve water quality in the Special Conservation Area river, the Upper Blackwater in County Cork. The grants will be paid

Pictured at the official opening are: Seamus Devitt, chief executive of SmartBin; Minster for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O’Keeffe, TD; and Alan Mangan, (director of business development at SmartBin.

to Coillte in Westmeath and 'Integrated Resource Development' in Cork. Ireland's raised bogs represent some of the finest examples of their habitat type in the world and are regarded as highly important. The Westmeath grant (Eur2.2 million budget of which 60% is from the EU) will support local employment over five years involving drainblocking and tree removal and builds on Coillte’s previous work in this area. The Cork project has a total budget of Eur2 million of which 47% is from the EU. The work on the river will improve conditions for the kingfisher, freshwater pearl mussel, Atlantic salmon and European otter. There will be employment clearing invasive plants and overgrown bank vegetation to allow the river bed to stabilise. There will also be nesting areas built for kingfishers and an online 'schools species recording project', amongst other activities. “The LIFE+ programme continues to fund high quality, innovative projects with a high level of added value for the EU. I believe that these new projects will not only make a significant contribution to nature conservation and to improving the envi-

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

ronment, they will also help raise awareness across Europe of the key environmental challenges facing us, notably biodiversity loss, water scarcity and climate change,” says Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik.

Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik.

I WASTE MANAGEMENT

South Dublin County Council Introduces Brown Bins South Dublin County Council is providing householders with a Brown Bin service for food and garden waste in order to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. Brown Bins will be delivered to 75,000 households throughout South Dublin County for food waste including cooked and raw meat and fish, rice, pasta, teabags, bread and cooked/raw fruit and vegetables, and for garden waste such as grass, weeds and hedge clippings. Along with the Brown Bin,

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Recent Wor

Cork School of Mu Limerick Regional Hospital, Dialysis u Merck, Sharpe & Dome, R& Formulation Buildi Cordis/Alza, Cashel, Co. Tipper ESB/Alstom, CCGT project, Aghada, Co. Co Eirebloc Ire, (timber pla Macroom, Co. Co Genzyme, Co. Waterfo Killarney Sport & Leisu Cen

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

I POWER GENERATION

ESB’s Next Generation €360m Power Plant at Aghada Sets New Standards ESB’s recently completed 435 megawatts natural gas-fired power plant at its Aghada site near Middleton in County Cork is the most efficient and cleanest large-scale thermal facility in Ireland and also one of the most technologically advanced in Europe. he 435 megawatts Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant was built by global power engineering company Alstom for ESB at a cost of Eur360 million. The gas turbine used is Alstom’s latest GT26B 2.2 model. It is the second GT26 gas turbine powered plant to be designed, engineered and built by Alstom in Ireland following the opening of the Synergen plant at Ringsend in Dublin in 2002. The new Aghada plant will generate sufficient power to provide electricity to around 450,000 homes.

The investment at Aghada is part of ESB’s programme to replace ageing and less efficient power stations with modern, high efficiency and environmentally-friendly plants. The development phase for the CCGT project at Aghada started in 2003, construction commenced in 2007, and the new facility was officially opened in April 2010.

Features of the CCGT Plant The CCGT comprises a gas turbine, a steam turbine and a generator. Hot flue gas exhaust from the gas turbine is passed The 435 megawatts Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant at Aghada through a Heat Recovery Steam was built by global power engineering company Alstom for ESB at a cost of Eur360 Generator (HRSG), which Capacity Expansion The investment by ESB has million. incorporates a water piping sysexpanded generating capacity tem that uses this heat energy at the Aghada power station site to 963 megawatts. to convert water into steam. The steam is megawatts of electricity. ESB has also Aghada is now Ireland’s largest power discharged from the HRSG via high presrecently spent Eur75 million on upgrading station and ranks among the most efficient sure piping into the steam turbine, providthe four existing units at the site, which electricity generators in Europe. Eighty ing additional energy. “The gas turbine and have a combined capacity of 528 people are employed to operate the station. the steam turbine operate in tandem to

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

Members of the project team at Aghada.

produce input into the generator, which produces the generated power supply,” explains Ken Larsen, project manager at Aghada for Alstom. “From the generator there are high voltage connections that transfer out to a transformer, which is in turn connected to the Irish power grid system.” The CCGT and HRSG are supported by a number of systems and processes which provide water, cooling water, compressed air and chemical dosing. A cooling water pump house takes sea water from Cork Harbour, which is adjacent to the Aghada power station, for condensing the steam which is exhausted from the steam turbine. An electro-chlorination plant is used for dosing to stop marine growth within the sea water extraction system. A demineralised water production plant sterilises mains water for use within the high pressure feed system for the HRSG. A high pressure pumping installation circulates water around the system for feed water and cooling purposes. Another plant supplies compressed air into a network which runs throughout the power station. Building services, including fire detection, fire prevention, security systems, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, are further aspects of the site. The CCGT plant is fuelled by natural gas delivered through a new 12 kilometre

The investment by ESB has expanded generating capacity at the Aghada power station site to 963 megawatts of electricity.

gas pipeline from Midleton. Distillate oil is stored on site as a back-up fuel. A novel feature of the new CCGT facility is the cooling water discharge system. Cooling water is discharged over 400 metres offshore in Cork Harbour. The construction of the outfall connecting the plant to the discharge point involved a major civil engineering project (see Panel). The pipeline was fabricated in one piece in Norway and ferried to the Aghada site. Upgrade to Existing Plant The existing electricity generating plant at Aghada comprised a 258 megawatt gas fired conventional steam generation unit (Unit 1) plus three 90 megawatt open cycle combustion turbines fired on gas with distillate oil as a back-up fuel. All four units have been modernised during the past four years under a Eur75 million investment programme. A key aspect of this upgrade entailed the installation of a hi-tech control system to ensure that the existing Aghada generators operate with increased reliability and flexibility in the new All-Ireland Single Electricity Market. The control room at Aghada was also extensively renovated to ensure that management of the new CCGT plant could be seamlessly integrated with the existing system. The enlarged Aghada power station, which will supply about 8% of the AllIreland power demand in the Single Electricity Market, is now operated by this dedicated, centralised control system. “Every function to start, to monitor, to fault find, to shut down the plant the plant along with the individual systems and subsystems are all channeled into one computerised processor, so that one individual can operate the power station automatically,” Ken Larsen points out. Enhanced Efficiency “The new plant incorporates the very latest combined cycle gas turbine technology. It has a cycle efficiency of in excess of 58.5%,

which would be the leading edge of what is achievable for any of this plant worldwide,” remarks Paul Smith, Station Manager, ESB Aghada. “Of all the conventional plant connected in Ireland, it is the most efficient and is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future.” “60% is the ‘holy grail’ of thermal efficiency for combined cycle power plants – no one has achieved that yet,” stresses Kevin O’Donoghue, Operations Manager at the station. “The gas turbine is Alstom’s tried and tested GT26 model. Alstom has upgraded the compressor and has made other improvements in terms of both the mass flow of air through the machine, which is directly proportional to the power output, while improving the efficiency of the engine. So in effect, Alstom has increased the net output of this gas turbine.” Environmental Credentials The new CCGT meets all environmental standards, both national and international. It does not discharge any harmful liquids and any air emissions are well within European standards. NOx and CO2 emissions are low and CO2 emission per kW generated are reduced compared to existing electricity generating plants. “The cooling water which is discharged into Cork Harbour is monitored 24/7 and is clean, if not cleaner going into the harbour following its extraction,” says Ken Larsen. With regard to noise levels, “the plant is one of the quietest of its kind and well within the statutory requirements for industrial plants,” he adds. Clean Fuel “Natural gas is a clean fuel and the carbon intensity is less than other fuels, such as coal, peat or heavy fuel oil. It is also very efficient. Sulphur emissions, of course, are zero and NOX emissions are also very low.” Paul Smith continues: “The new plant marks a big step in ESB’s strategic intent to achieve zero carbon by 2035 in that much

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

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of the plant that we have divested or closed was heavy fuel oil powered. We have replaced that plant with the most efficient gas-fired plant using a clean fuel.” Technologically Advanced The new facility at Aghada is at the cutting edge of CCGT technology. “It is basically state-of-theart and it is the most thermally efficient plant in Ireland and stands up alongside all the new CCGT projects that have been constructed by Alstom in the last couple of years in, for example, the UK, France, Spain, Italy, ABB supplied Steam Turbine. Brazil, Chine etc,” says Ken Larsen. “The prime moving equipment With a current generating capacity of such as the gas turbine, the generator and 963 megawatts, Aghada is now the largest the control system are absolutely state-of- capacity generating station in the Republic the-art and give the best design, the best of Ireland. Indeed, Aghada accounts for reliability, longevity, security of supply and, about 25% of ESB’s total installed capacity of course, efficiency.” throughout the whole of Ireland. As the main contractor for the project, Furthermore, it is the only power station in Alstom has retained a presence on site to Ireland serving all three market segments. support the client technically during a two “It gives us a foothold in each segment of year warranty period. ESB has also signed a the market from one location,” remarks long-term service agreement with Alstom to Kevin O’Donoghue. “At Aghada we have a maintain and service the gas turbine, steam fleet of almost 1000 megawatts of plant turbine and ancillary systems for 12 years. which is flexible and can compete and win in the new market environment.” Rationale Paul Smith elaborates: “The role of the The Eur435 million investment at the three existing GE 90 megawatts open cycle Aghada site – Eur75 million on upgrading gas turbines in the market is to address existing plant and Eur360 million on the peaks in demand for electricity because new CCGT facility - is a major part of they respond very quickly and can run up ESB’s development strategy to adapt to the to full load within a matter of minutes. So new trading environment following the if a generator was to trip, the Grid would introduction of the Single Electricity instruct us to bring on one of these Market in November 2007 and to have the machines. They are also useful in terms of right type and mix of generating plant to be reserve and might sometimes be brought able to compete effectively in all three mar- up to part load, for example 20 megawatts, ket sectors – base load, mid-merit and to act as back-up for wind power, so if wind falls off they would be ramped up.” peaking demand.

The existing gas fired single fuel 270 megawatts generator (Unit 1) at Aghada was until recently operating at base load but is now supplying the mid-merit segment, having been superseded by newer and more efficient plant. The new 435 megawatts CCGT plant serves base load demand. ESB is also focusing on the renewables sector, as reflected by the group’s ongoing heavy investment in wind energy along with its wave energy project at Carlingford to supplement the 500 megawatts of hydro energy already in its generating portfolio. “It was part of a strategy agreed and approved by the Regulatory Authorities that has seen ESB close or divest a total of 1500 megawatts of existing plant so that we could build in return 435 megawatts of new plant,” says Paul Smith. “The investment at Aghada has allowed ESB to rebalance its power generation portfolio.” Looking Ahead According to Padraig McManus, chief executive of ESB, the very high efficiency rate of the Aghada power station means it will remain, not only the foremost generator in Ireland, but also among the best in Europe. “The challenge for all energy market participants is to deliver clean, safe and cost-effective electricity to our customers. The Aghada plant, built by one of the world’s leading engineering companies, does all of this. We now look forward to the opening of competition in all sectors of the electricity industry because value to the customer must lie at the heart of every strand of our business planning. ESB is ready to meet that challenge,” comments the ESB head. I

Aghada CCGT - Offshore Works Van Oord Ireland was contracted by Alstom Power, for the offshore element of the project, to design, supply and construct a new marine outfall pipeline for the Combined Cycle Gas Turbine project undertaken in Aghada. The outfall was required for the discharge of cooling water and involved the supply and installation of a 2 m diameter, 450 m long MDPE outfall pipe complete with weight collars. The project also involved the installation of two under water access chambers and end diffuser protected by a pre fabricated steel structure offshore. Dredging and backfilling of the outfall trench with retained materials, as well as rock armour protection to the diffuser and offshore platform was undertaken. Maintenance dredging of an operational cooling water intake apron was also carried out during the works. In addition, installation of an inshore cofferdam was required for facilitating the onshore connection of the outfall pipe. Van Oord Ireland was complemented on its focus on safety, quality and the maintaining of the project schedule in sometimes difficult conditions. Van Oord Ireland’s element of the works was completed to schedule in April 2008. Heat Recovery Steam Generator Stack.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

I ENVIRONMENT

6th Annual Environment Ireland Conference Programme Announced he programme has been announced for T the 6th annual Environment Ireland conference, Ireland’s leading conference on environmental policy and management. This year’s conference and exhibition takes place on Tuesday 14th September in Croke Park Conference Centre, Dublin. The annual conference, which is organised with the support of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government has become firmly established as a not-to-be-missed event for all those with an interest in Ireland’s environment. This year’s theme looks at the importance of the environment in the economic recovery and how Ireland has a role to play

The expert speaker panel at Environment Ireland 2009.

in continuing to develop its green economy and thereby benefiting from the associated job and wealth creation opportunities. Other issues under discussion at the conference include: environmental policy; creating sustainable cities and investing in environmental infrastructure focusing on water, waste and wastewater. The conference features both local and international speakers, including from the UK Sustainable Development Commission whose Chair, Will Day, will deliver the keynote address. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley, TD will once again open the conference and the locknote address will be delivered by Ciaran Cuffe, TD, Minister for Sustainability. Mary Kelly, DirectorGeneral, EPA, will also address the conference along with Leo O’Reilly, Permanent Secretary, Northern Ireland Department of the Environment. Alongside the plenary sessions, there will be significant networking opportunities

Environment Minister John Gormley addressing Environment Ireland 2009.

throughout the conference during the coffee and lunch breaks. There is also a lively exhibition area in the conference concourse which delegates have the opportunity to visit over the duration of the event. All in all, Environment Ireland 2010 promises to be an interesting and worthwhile event for anyone with an interest in Ireland’s environment sector. Further information on Environment Ireland 2010, including detailed programme, is available online via the conference website www.environmentireland.ie. Register online or by telephone on +353 (0) 1 661 3755 or email bookings@bmfconferences.com. I

JFC Manufacturing Wins Environment Product Award FC Manufacturing, the Tuam-based J based plastics company, has received the Product Award in the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) Business Awards for the Environment. JFC won the award for converting waste stream bottles into a raw material for use in the manufacture of pipes. These pipes are used as part of a storm water attenuation system developed by JFC that minimises flooding. JFC Manufacturing produces pipe and pipe fittings that are manufactured from 100% recycled material known as CorriPipe. Linking in with collection schemes from around Ireland and the UK, bottles are recycled at JFC’s recycling operation at Runcorn, Cheshire and converted into raw material for their twin-wall extrusion plants based at Tuam, and Stratfordon-Avon. CorriPipe has a broad range of applications including civil engineering, construction, sports amenity, agricultural and other sub-soil uses. It is used for surface and storm water drainage as well as land 14

Pictured (left to right): Robert O’Shea, IBEC; Norman Black, operations manager of JFC Manufacturing; Colm Concannon, director of JFC Manufacturing; and Mark Perry, UK sales & operations manager.

drainage and has been used in road projects across Ireland and the UK. Indeed JFC’s involvement in the stormwater sector over the last number of years has led to the development of a complete range of stormwater management solutions. One such system is the JFC HydroChamber. This system delivers water to an innovative system that is designed to retain water during peak rainfall times and to regulate the outflow after the peak rainfall. This system is designed to control and minimise flooding. A family-owned business, JFC Manufacturing was set up in 1987 to supply specialised plastic products to the agricultural industry. The company has since grown to employ over 200 people. JFC has sales offices in Shropshire and StratfordUpon-Avon in the UK, and further sites in the Netherlands, South Africa and Poland. The company also has an additional recycling division in Runcorn, Cheshire, called JFC Plastics. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

I WASTE MANAGEMENT

Repatriation of 250,000 Tonnes of Illegal Waste From Northern Ireland Commences The repatriation of waste which originated in the Republic of Ireland but which was illegally disposed of at about 20 sites in Northern Ireland in the early part of this decade is now underway. he repatriation process follows a 2007 Roadmap agreement between the two jurisdictions and a further framework agreement in June 2009 which agreed measures for dealing with sites containing waste from the Republic. The waste is being removed using powers contained in Article 24 of the EC Regulation on Shipments of Waste. Removal of waste from the first site at Slattinagh, Garrison, County Fermanagh has started. It is estimated to contain around 4,500 tonnes of household-type waste from Cork and Wexford. When the waste at Slattinagh is removed, officials will then begin work on the second site, which is located near Trillick, County Tyrone and contains around 10,000 tonnes of waste. The estimated timescale for the removal of the waste from the first site is three to four weeks. Following this, attention will turn to the second site. Under the agreement the costs of disposing of the waste will be met by the Irish Government together with 80% of the costs of removing the waste from Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland will contribute 20% of the costs of excavation, examination and removal of the waste and the remediation of the site. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Republic has formally approved the disposal of approximately 5,000 tonnes of waste at Ballynacarrick Landfill, County

Waste enforcement efforts in Ireland have been stepped up significantly in recent years since the establishment of the Office of Environment Enforcement in October 2003.

John Gormley TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Donegal. Waste will be transferred Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.30pm in covered and sealed haulage vehicles (30 tonne capacity) - eight vehicles in all will be used. €34 Million Bill For Ireland The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) estimates that up to 250,000 tonnes of municipal and commercial waste from Ireland was illegally deposited at 20 sites in Northern Ireland between October 2002 and the end of 2004. An initial estimate of costs for the first two sites is in the region of Eur2m for Ireland. On this basis, the full cost of repatriation for Ireland would about Eur34.5m. “We are dealing with the legacy from ten years ago, when illegal disposal of waste from the Republic was taking place on a large scale. It involved serious criminality with absolutely no regard to the impact on the environment, local communities or our economy,” says Northern Ireland Environment Minister Edwin Poots. “This operation will repatriate around 250,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste. To put the scale of this operation in context Belfast, our largest District Council, produces less than 160,000 tonnes in one year.”

“What we are now doing is facing up to our responsibilities as a State to bring the waste back for proper disposal,” comments Irish Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley TD. “I welcome the beginning of the process of repatriation, which reflects a lot of hard work by the administrations on both sides of the border to deal comprehensively with this issue. It shows that cross border cooperation between the relevant agencies in both jurisdictions is essential to the protection of our environment, and the pursuit of environmental crime.” A file has been submitted by the EPA to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and is currently being considered. Further evidence gathered during the excavation will be utilised, where possible, to bring other cases to the DPP. Waste Enforcement Efforts Waste enforcement efforts in Ireland have been stepped up significantly in recent years since the establishment of the Office of Environment Enforcement in October 2003. The OEE leads an Enforcement Network which coordinates enforcement in Ireland and over Eur7.4m is being provided to local authorities around the country to support continuing waste enforcement with some 120 waste enforcement officers on the ground. With the consolidation of the administration of Transfrontier Shipments of Waste to the National TFS Office (Dublin City Council) more targeted enforcement efforts in conjunction with NIEA have lead to a major reduction in illegal activity. In Northern Ireland the NIEA is actively targeting those involved in illegal dumping via a dedicated Environmental Crime Team. Of the prosecutions taken to date, over 70 cases have involved waste from Ireland. This has resulted in a number of fines and, in four cases, prison sentences being imposed on landowners allowing Irish waste to be dumped on their land. Others cases are still ongoing. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

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To book an appointment call: 0044 151 606 0808 ext 224 Visit us on stand G33 at Resource Ireland Water Exhibition Simmonscourt Dublin 13/14 October 2010

I EXHIBITION

Discuss How to Protect Ireland’s Resources at Resource Ireland he water and waste trade exhibitions running annually at the RDS in Dublin are getting a facelift and a little brother for 2010. Held on 13-14 October 2010 at Simmonscourt, the well established Irish Water Exhibition and Irish Recycling & Waste Exhibition will be complemented by the brand new Irish Sustainable Business Exhibition. The whole event will be known as Resource Ireland. Aimed at all businesses wanting to reduce

Doing business at Resource Ireland.

their environmental footprint, the Irish Sustainable Business Exhibition will offer advice, case studies, best practice guides and feature suppliers of sustainable products and services. The launch of the event in Ireland follows the inaugural sister event Sustainable Business – The Event, attracting more than 4,000 visitors each year since its UK launch in May 2009. The exhibition will offer a platform to discuss climate change policies and legislation, carbon tax models, carbon footprinting and labeling and any other relevant topics with peers, industry experts and the public sector. A line up of leading suppliers of environmental products and services will be available throughout the two days to discuss individual solutions to the challenges faced by environmental professionals. Environment Innovation The Environment Innovation Awards, pre-

sented on 14 October at Resource Ireland, celebrates and highlights excellence and innovation of existing products and technologies. Adjudicated by a panel of industry experts and with an additional ‘Visitor’s Vote’ category, award entries will be checked for degree of innovation, technical content, environmental impact and commercial potential. Resource Ireland will provide an invaluable platform for engineers to network, source and meet suppliers and attend free CPD training. To register for free entry, please visit www.resourceireland.net I

Seminar Programme at Resource Ireland 2010 (Please note subject to change) Water Theatre, organised and hosted by ESAI and Cleantech Network – Smart Economy - How to fund the Water Gap? – PANEL DISCUSSION - National Water Authority of Ireland? – Energy Management – How practical is Rainwater Harvesting in Ireland for the Domestic User? – Electrochemically activated solutions from the oilfields of Tashkent to Industrial Ireland – Proposal for a sustainable Zero-Wastewater Management Policy – Novel Treatment of Stormwater ? Panel Discussion-Should the River Shannon go to Dublin? – The Spirit of Ireland-Using Water as a Strategic Economic Resource – Flood Management – Water Poverty – A Key Issue in Domestic Metering – Commercial Water Metering-Case Study-Dublin Sustainable Business Theatre, organised and hosted by ESAI and Cleantech Network – Celtic Paradigm Changes that Affect Us – Ireland’s Innovative Future-3G Solar Technology – Cracking the International Market– A Shining Light – Convergence of Technologies – IAMECO II-Pioneering Eco-Design of Personal Computers – The Eaga Customer Journey to Sustainable Living – KEYNOTE SPEAKER Walking to Innovation – Green Procurement Policy (GPP) and the CleanTech Network – Resilient Communities-Green, Smart and Sustainable-A Case Study – Transport Efficiencies – Winner of Environment Innovation Award 2010 – Commercial Energy Management – The Future of Renewable Gas in Ireland

– An Irish Green Building Council - Strategies, Tools, and Global Networks – Sustainable Complexes Waste Seminar Theatre, Organised and hosted by foodwaste.ie and CIWM Ireland – The Impact of the Food Waste Regulations on Businesses – EPA Programmes Assisting Business with Food Waste Prevention – Food Waste Prevention Measures in the Hospitality and Catering Sector – Food Waste Management and Prevention in Skycourt Shopping Centre and Cafés in Cliff of Moher and Killarney National Park Visitor Centres – Managing Food Waste in Health Care Facilities in Ireland – How to Set up a Brown Bin Collection Service with a Business – Experiences of On-Site Composting of Food Waste – Compostable Bags & Standards – The Waste Framework Directive – Update on End of Waste Criteria – The National Waste Prevention Programme – Progress to Date & future Actions for Waste Prevention & Minimisation – Optimised Domestic Pay by Use Charging Systems for Ireland – A review of EPA /CTC Research Programme – Factors & Considerations in the Selection of an Appropriate Technology for the Treatment of BMW – Mr. Derek Milton, Senior Consultant, Fehily, Timoney & Co. Consulting Engineers Ltd – Separating MSW into Fractions for use in Anaerobic Digestion (AD) & Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) – Mechanical Heat Treatment of MSW The Market Development Programme – A Review of Progress to Date & a Roadmap for the Future – Packaging Trends & The Issues Facing Packaging Recovery in Recessionary Times

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

RESOURCE SHOW supply and install our range of KSB pumps for both clean and dirty water applications. As the all Ireland agent for KSB for many years we have successfully developed an excellent reputation within the industry for our technical expertise. We would like to offer you our technical support for any applications you may have now or in the future. We are more than happy to work with you from the design stage and onwards and we are sure you will find our knowledge and experience beneficial. Drilling & Pumping Supplies Ltd are a specialist pump company based in Northern Ireland with a dedicated sales office in Athlone. With our range of products and services that includes everything from supplying domestic booster pumps to the complete supply and installation of storm and sewage stations we have amassed over 25 years of experience supplying and installing pumping equipment. Our core business is working with local water authorities and contractors to

Drilling & Pumping Supplies Ltd, 29 Jubilee Road,Comber Road industrial Estate, Newtownards, County Down BT23 4YJ Tel: 048 91 818347 Fax: 048 91 813837 W: www.dps-ni.com

JFC Rainwater Harvesting Systems Want to reduce your water charges by as much as 50%? Tuam based JFC Manufacturing has a broad range of Rainwater Harvesting Systems for both Domestic and Commercial/Farm applications. JFC House and Garden Systems are easy to install and maintain, complete with self cleaning filters giving 95% water yield. They are economically priced and come with a 15 Year Warranty. Suitable for flushing toilets, laundry, bathing and irrigation. The patented filter technology and in-house pump system with automatic switch over to mains water supply means you will never run out of water! Furthermore, the filter technology helps to ensure that the water quality you receive is of the highest standard and is fit-for-purpose.

JFC’s Commercial & Farm Rainwater Systems are a simple and effective solution for Vehicle wash down systems, general power washing & cleaning, water reserve for factories/schools, as well as farmyard applications to name but a few. Systems are available from 1,000 Ltrs upwards with varying pump options also available. They are easy to assemble due to their Modular design and therefore suitable for any future expansion plans you may have. JFC will advise and price on the most suitable system to suit your needs. JFC are a leading plastics manufacturer with over 21 years experience and supply the following industry sectors: civils, construction, recycling, marine, agriculture and materials handling. For further details please see www.jfc.ie or email: info@jfc.ie

Quality Plastic Products Hidden Commission Fees Still Plague Energy Visit JFC at IWE Show - H30 Stormwater Management Solutions Consultancy Market HydroChamber Fully BBA & WRc Certified HGV Traffic loading Cost Effective Technical Back-up Installation Service

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eading energy L experts at Bergen Energi UK have warned energy intensive businesses they may be paying up to 10 times more consultants’ commission than necessary when buying power or gas. Bergen Energi UK Vice President Richard Southgate said: “It is surprising the percentage of purchasers, who are completely unaware of the astronomical concealed commission charges they are paying. In many cases they have been doing so for years, which can equate to millions of pounds in lost capital. “There seems to be a sense that big businesses can look after themselves. This situation certainly wouldn’t be allowed to arise in the financial services market. “The problems can arise no matter what product or contract is in place. Consultants frequently negotiate with energy suppliers to add-on a hidden commission to unit rates before these are quoted to the customer. “However, this service is completely auditable and any end users can request their incumbent suppliers to confirm if any additional commissions have been built in by the consultants.! Bergen Energi UK can provide expert support with this process and always provides price transparency across all its energy market services and even actively encourages its customers to communicate with suppliers in a three-way partnership.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

I RESOURCE SHOW Pellenc ST develops, produces and markets optical sorting machines for household and industrial waste. The technologies used to sort these materials are near infrared, middle infrared, vision & induction technologies. Thanks to Pellenc ST, sorting solutions are highly valuable in the recycling industries. Pellenc ST is currently working on the biggest European research program (OSEO Tri+, 20 million Euros) which aims to develop new generation contact free, high-speed optical sorting machines for recycling and recovery of waste. The new generation machines will make it possible to meet the future needs of sorting plants & recycling units in almost all waste categories.

Feedwater Ltd is at the leading edge in the water treatment industry, providing our customers with safe, controllable and cost effective solutions. ActivOx® is Feedwater's patented Chlorine Dioxide generation process. It is simpler, safer and more effective than most other ways of producing chlorine dioxide and is equally suitable for building services, food and beverage and industrial applications. Feedwater also has its very own UKAS accredited laboratory

Renowned references in more than 40 countries in Europe and Worldwide have installed Pellenc ST machines. The company has launched subsidiaries in Spain and Japan and around 70 % of production is exported. Pellenc ST is actively developing new sorting solutions in the area of municipal solid waste, construction and industrial waste treatment. With more and more references in the Irish market, PST has just installed new machines in Kerry, Meath, Longford, Monaghan and Dublin with different customers on different applications. You can meet the Pellenc Selective Technologies’ team at Resource Show, Hall 8 Stand C13, 13-14 October 2010 at Simmonscourt, Dublin, Ireland.

which is located at our Head Office. Also, we have over 30 years experience in manufacturing and supplying water softeners to the industrial and commercial sector. We have a comprehensive range of water softeners which can provide a cost effective way to overcome problems caused by hard water. Come and find out for yourself visit us on Stand G33 at The Irish Water Exhibition 13/14 October 2010. You can call our team on 00 44151 606 0808 ext 224 for further information or visit our website www.feedwater.co.uk

BOA RECYCLING BOA Recycling Equipment is a global supplier of machines and complete systems for transporting, shredding, sorting and baling of waste. Since its establishment in 1956 BOA has become a household name in the recycling industry. With over 50 years of experience we are able to build powerful products and to design effective systems for recycling and processing waste. We are familiar with all aspects of the recycling industry and provide innovative, efficient solutions to different waste markets: • Paper and cardboard; • Municipal Solid Waste; • Commercial and industrial waste. Come and visit us on Stand No C4.

NEW WASTE CONCEPTS UK – YOUR ALTERNATIVE LANDFILL & REMEDIATION COVER SPECIALIST New Waste Concepts UK provides innovative solutions to meet specific needs of the environmental, landfill and composting industry. Our products include revolutionary landfill and remediation covers, as well as solutions to control blowing litter, odour, dust and erosion. NWC-UK’s products and technologies help landfill managers, compost operators and remediation contractors reduce costs, improve efficiency and comply with environmental regulations. They extend landfill life by

decades and improve community attitudes about solid waste sites as well as compost sites. Our covers are made from recycled paper and proprietary blend of polymers and are specifically engineered to perform as an Alternate Cover to the traditional soil cover method still commonly used. Our products and equipment could prove to be of great benefit to your program. See us at Stand C29 at Resource Ireland 2010, Contact us on +44 (0)1392 690167 or Visit us at www.nwci.com for more readily available information.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

I RESOURCE SHOW after cleaning. With Activated Carbon Technologies, Nova Q have the full range of carbon products: base, treated and impregnated, from wood, coal and coconut shell. Cleaning is a major issue in food, pharmaceutical and personal care markets and Nova Q will be launching a brand new range of ecological detergents to go with their existing range of industrial degreasers. For more information on any of the above contact Nova Q Ltd. +353-1-2542276. www.nova-q.ie. E-mail: innovation@nova-q.ie.

Nova Q Ltd One of a new breed of chemical distribution companies, Nova Q will be showing a range of products and innovative technologies for odour prevention and control, degreasing and cleaning. The odour prevention technology, EnviroChemTM is effective at removing sulphur and ammonia based odours from waste streams such as waste water, sewerage, brewery waste, as well as from the inside of bins and lorries where lingering odours are an issue before and

OTT HYDROMETRY Environmental instrumentation supplier, OTT Hydrometry Ltd will again be exhibiting at the Resource Show this year. The company is a market leading supplier in the field of hydrometry, water quality and meteorological instrumentation. The company has a local office in Naas, Co Kildare from where the company serves the Irish hydro-met market with local engineers and technical support for everything from sensor supply through to complete turn-key-station provision.

This year at the Resource Show exhibition OTT will be presenting some exciting product developments, especially in the areas of water quality groundwater, precipitation measurement and surface water level measurement. Together with new data transmission options for small easy to establish water level monitoring stations then OTT offer a very comprehensive range of solutions for many aspects of environmental monitoring.

Dublin Office: Whiteswan Business Park, South Circular Road, Dublin 8. T: 01 454 0411 F: 01 454 7589 E: dublin@kirbygroup.ie W: www.kirbygroup.ie Limerick, Dublin, Galway, London

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ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

I WIND ENERGY

€14.75 Billion Investment in Irish Wind Energy Requires Favourable Conditions Ireland has the potential to become a world leader in advanced wind energy services and expertise, and a key exporter of renewable electricity but only if the right climate is created to bring anticipated investment of €14.75 billion by the industry to fruition. reland has a binding target of generating 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020 and wind energy will play a crucial role in this process as the country has one of the strongest wind energy resources, both onshore and offshore, in Europe. At the end of last year, Ireland had a total of 1,260MW of wind power installed. Ireland installed 233MW of wind energy generation last year, just 1MW more than in 2008, during a period when EU wind installations rose by 23%. The Irish Wind Energy Association, the national body representing the wind energy sector in Ireland, is concerned that Ireland is failing to capitalise on its outstanding wind resource and is starting to lag behind its European neighbours. According to Dr Michael Walsh, chief executive of the IWEA, we need to accelerate our turbine installations year on year if wind energy potential is to be fulfilled and targets met.

Massive Investment A joint IWEA/Deloitte Jobs and Investment in Wind Energy report has identified that construction and development of wind energy projects across Ireland, North and South, will involve approximately Eur14.75billion of investment and the creation of more than 10,700 jobs in reaching 2020 targets. Given the strength of our wind resource, the IWEA predicts that Ireland could become one of the world’s leading ‘green exporters’ in ten years time if the right strategy is pursued by Government. Opportunities “Such are the opportunities ahead for us that we can export as much renewable energy as we use by 2020. If generating capacity

is met, we could export up to 5,000MW of renewable energy generation in ten years time, which will be more or less what we will require ourselves. These resources could generate an annual export value of over Eur2 billion for Ireland,” he explains. However, the most lucrative opportunities for Ireland are in the supply of advanced services to the rapidly growing global renewable energy market. “Already this year, there were days when we delivered over half of the power in Ireland from wind generation. As we grow this sector, we are developing knowledge and skills that the rest of the world will need in the coming decade.” Dr Michael Walsh elaborates: “By 2015 there will be over Eur1 trillion spent annu-

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

ally on the development of renewable energy, if we continue our leadership in research and innovation we will be supply(Continued on Page 24)

IWEA Autumn Conference 2010 The IWEA Autumn Conference 2010 will be held in The Galway Bay Hotel on Thursday 30th September. This Conference promises to be an informative and productive event. The conference will have a European theme but indigenous focus, exploring Europe’s market for large scale renewables and highlighting the progressive national energy strategy which needs to be secured in order to meet our binding targets for the share of renewable energy in 2020. The conference will cover topics including: Building a European Industry, The Environment for Development in Ireland and Delivering Ireland's NREAP. Industry experts will cover: • Building a European Industry; • Delivering Ireland's Infrastructure; • The Environment for Development in Ireland; • A European Market for Large Scale Renewables. Book online now at www.iwea.com. A pre conference dinner will take place on Wednesday the 29th September. The Galway Bay Hotel is beautifully located on the sea-front overlooking Galway's famous Salthill Promenade. For details on how to get to the hotel, please visit www.galwaybayhotel.net/home. Accommodation has been booked in The Galway Bay Hotel at a rate of Eur95 per single room per night or Eur55 per person sharing standard both to include Bed & Breakfast subject to availability. To book your accommodation please contact the hotel directly and quote IWEA Tel 00353 91 520520.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

I IRISH WIND ENERGY ASSOCIATION

Bank of Ireland has dedicated Project Finance lending teams in its Business Banking and Corporate Banking divisions. Both teams have extensive experience in the funding of renewable energy projects, in Ireland and internationally, and have assembled a renewable energy portfolio of over €900m including wind, waste, water and waste water sectors. Bank of Ireland is fully committed to the energy sector. Renewables are a key growth area for the Bank and our long term commitment to the sector is evidenced by; - Our €200m Project Finance fund for expanding or developing a new pro-

ject in the renewables sector. - Our small & medium sized business green fund for environmental improvements to business premises or businesses providing products or services that support a greener environment. - Our Global Markets team provide hedging solutions and investment products across wind, biomass and biofuel sectors. There has been significant investment by the State supporting the energy sector, and the above initiatives demonstrate the Banks ‘open for business’ agenda and ongoing support to this sector. Investment in renewables is important for Ireland to achieve our Kyoto and EU targets and create a sustainable secure supply of energy. For further information contact our dedicated team today; Bronagh Larkin 01-6653476 or Katie Mooney 01-6653417 or Austin Coughlan 01-6653401

The renewable energy sector offers significant health and safety challenges to those developing, designing, constructing, operating and maintaining renewable energy facilities. Egan Safety Solutions (ESS) has developed expertise in this industry sector over the last number of years and can offer specialist safety consultancy and training support to the Egan Safety Solutions industry. ESS, as a member of the Irish Wind Energy Health & Safety Engineering Association (IWEA), supports the goals of IWEA in ensurUnit 14, Lee Park, ing the industry operates to the Sitecast Industrial Estate, highest safety and environmenPouladuff, Cork. tal standards. ESS continues to assist IWEA in the development 021 4966560 www.egansafetysolutions.ie of safety standards and training

How can large energy users reduce their energy bills?

Many companies could deploy on-site wind energy to reduce their energy bills. Wind Energy Direct Ltd specialises in financing, building and operating commercial scale wind turbines on the sites of large energy users and selling the green electricity to the client at a significant discount to the grid rate. This means the client benefits from significant financial savings and large reductions in carbon emissions. The fact that Wind Energy Direct pays for the turbines means that clients do not have large capital expenditures and at the same time enjoy lower electricity bills.

programmes by taking an active part in the Health and Safety Strategy Group which has been established by IWEA. ESS, as a training provider, is accredited by the Further Education Training and Awards Council (FETAC) and offers FETAC accredited training programmes to the renewable sector. At ESS we take pride in providing expert, practical and cost effective solutions to the health and safety needs of our clients.

5% increase in prices. With rising costs of oil and gas, Irish electricity prices are vulnerable to even more increases in the near future. On-site wind energy avoids these price increases, as the electricity produced is independent from fossil fuels and the grid. Wind Energy Direct carries out a feasibility study (with no charge) for potential clients to assess their site’s suitability for on-site wind.

The Energy Regulator has announced that from October 2010 a new Public Service Obligation levy will be applied to all energy bills, effectively leading to a

Please contact Michael Murphy on 061 50 20 70 or michael@windenergydirect.ie. Wind turbines supplying Munster Joinery Ltd. www.windenergydirect.ie

Accenture is a global management consulting, technology and outsourcing company. In Ireland, Accenture employs over 1200 people across offices in Dublin and Belfast, working with public and private sector clients and across all industry sectors. Globally the company employs 190,000 people, serving clients in more than 120 countries. Accenture’s "high performance business" strategy builds on our expertise in consulting, technology and outsourcing to help clients perform at the highest levels so they can create sustainable value for their customers and shareholders. Using vast industry knowledge, service-offering expertise and deep technology capabilities,

Accenture identify new business and technology trends and develop solutions to help clients. In Ireland, Accenture’s Resources practice works with leading organizations across the energy and utilities sector including ESB, Bord Gais, Endesa, RWE and Scottish Power. The Accenture Global Utilities Group has more than 30 years experience working with energy providers worldwide. For more information contact Aidan Gregan, Senior Executive & Resources lead on + 01 646 2000 or email at aidan.gregan@accenture.com.

Avoiding increases in Irish electricity prices

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

ing significant volumes of high value expert services that this sector will require.” Stumbling Blocks However, there are a number of stumbling blocks to the development of wind energy and other sources of renewable energy. Achieving the national target of delivering 40% of Ireland’s electricity from renewable resources by 2020 depends on the Government eliminating unnecessary redtape and providing a stable framework for investors in renewable energy. It is essential that the Government adopts and pursues a progressive national and international energy strategy if the potential of Ireland’s wind energy resource is to be fulfilled.

“In Ireland because we have such a surplus of resource over domestic requirement there is going to be an onus on us as a country to actually push Europe along, to make the market happen and become a reality,” he remarks. “We are going to have to take a leadership role and drive the agenda at a European level to create the market where we can sell our products.” The national grid infrastructure also has to be capable of accommodating the different generating sites for renewable energy for both home market use and export. The IWEA has welcomed EirGrid’s recent commitment to upgrading the national grid. Dr Michael Walsh points out that without the development of the grid, the renewable

Ireland has one of the strongest wind energy resources, both onshore and offshore, in Europe.

energy sector will fail to deliver on its enormous job creation, investment and export potential over the next ten years. I

I WIND ENERGY

ESB Advances Wind Farm Portfolio in Northern Ireland SB has started construction on a new E wind farm in County Derry. The project, Curryfree wind farm, is located between Dunamanagh and new buildings and work are due to be completed by August 2011. When completed it will generate enough renewable energy to power 8,000 homes. The wind farm, 7km South of Derry city, was developed by RES, one of the leading renewable energy companies in the world. RES will also build the project, on behalf of ESB. Curryfree Wind Farm will consist of six wind turbines, each with a height to tip of 100 metres and rotor diameter of 80 metres. The main civil works will be undertaken by a local contractor and the project is a

welcome boost to the economy in the region. “The construction of this wind farm at Curryfree indicates ESB’s commitment to investment in renewables and is another

step in transforming ESB into a carbon neutral company. Curryfree wind farm will not only help ESB reach its targets, its construction will also help the local economy,” says Joe O'Mahony, head of ESB Wind Development Ireland & GB. In a separate development, ESB also confirmed that its 20 megawatt Hunters Hill wind farm close to Fivemiletown in County Tyrone is now generating electricity to meet the needs of more than 11,000 homes. Located ten kilometres from Omagh, the site was purchased by ESB from RES in February 2009. It comprises 8 Nordex N80 2.5 MW turbines and local contractors were employed for the necessary civil and electrical works. ESB took over the site from RES in July. I

€23m North Kerry Wind Farm Begins Production ra Investments, a subsidiary of Lee T Strand Co-operative, has commenced operation at its new Eur23 million wind

farm project in North Kerry. The green electricity will be used by Energia, Ireland’s largest independent energy supplier, to provide power to businesses throughout Ireland. The 16 turbine 13.3MW wind farm is located on three sites between North Kerry’s Stacks Mountains and Castleisland and their combined energy output would have the capability to produce enough electricity to power 14,000 homes in County Kerry. “Energia has invested significantly in developing a portfolio of renewable power

to meet the growing demand for green power. We currently have over 220 MW of operational wind farms, and a further 400 MW in development, and have consistently been one of the largest investors in the renewable sector,” comments James Cronin of Energia. Enercon Ireland, which supplied the 16 turbines, has signed a twelve year maintenance agreement with Tra Investments. Lee Strand’s current portfolio of investments include Tralee’s multi-storey car park, Radio Kerry and a Tralee student apartment complex. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

I OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY

Offshore Wind Heads for Record Year in Europe 18 new offshore wind turbines were fully connected to the grid 1 in the first half of 2010 according to new statistics released by European Wind Energy Association (EWEA). Those 118 turbines have a capacity of 333 MW – well over half the 577MW installed offshore last year - showing continuing strong growth in offshore wind power despite the financial crisis. In addition, 151 turbines (440 MW) were installed but not yet connected to grid. Overall 16 offshore wind farms totaling 3,972 MW were under construction. Of these, four became fully operational: Poseidon in Denmark, Alpha Ventus in Germany, Gunfleet Sands and Robin Rigg in the UK. To date in Europe there are 948 offshore wind turbines in 43 fully operational offshore wind farms, with a total capacity of 2396MW.

Among the developers E.ON Climate and Renewables developed 64% of the offshore capacity grid connected during the first half of 2010, followed by Dong (21%) and Vattenfal (11%). Among the manufacturers Siemens accounted for 55% of the offshore capacity grid connected during the first half of 2010, Vestas 36% and REpower 9%. I

E.ON Backs UK Offshore Wind Cost Cutting Plan nergy giant E.ON, which operates wind farms in Northern Ireland and E Britain, has become the latest investor to back the Carbon Trust’s Offshore Wind Accelerator (OWA), a pioneering industry initiative to slash the costs of offshore wind power. EON is teaming up with five founding members that include offshore wind developers: DONG Energy, RWE Innogy, ScottishPower Renewables, SSE Renewables and Statoil, which recently announced it will be extending its commitment to the OWA over the next four years bringing the total investment into the project to £9.2m. Collectively the OWA partners represent 61% of the offshore wind capacity licensed in UK waters (30GW). Launched by the Carbon Trust in 2008, the OWA is one of the world’s leading technology research and development initiatives designed to reduce the total cost of offshore wind energy. The OWA has the objective to reduce costs by 10% over the next decade which would enable deployment to happen faster I

I GREEN TRANSPORT

CyclePower Taking the Lead With Electric Bikes ublin-based CyclePower is a new IrishD owned company specialising in Electric Bikes and a full range of cycling accessories. An Electric Bike, also known as an E-Bike, is a bicycle with an electric motor used to assist with pedaling. Electric Bikes use rechargeable batteries and can travel up to 25 miles per hour (32 km/h). Indeed, in some countries they are rapidly replacing traditional bikes. CyclePower also supplies Conversion Kits to transform customers’ own bicycles into Electric Bikes and this option offers a huge cost saving (providing the bicycle is suitable for conversion). Bicycles are kind to the environment as they are quiet and pollution-free. Cycling is also part of the solution to our traffic congestion problems.

• Cyclepower bicycles are light and easy to pedal • Low maintenance - few moving parts • No petrol/diesel costs or emissions • Improve personal fitness and health.

Advantages Electric Bikes offer users many advantages: • Save time – it is often quicker than taking the car • Save effort - let the electric motor take the strain and smooth out the hills • Save money - no insurance, no tax and no NCT • Easy to charge batteries which are light and portable • Use of Cycle Lanes

Green Business An increasing number of Irish businesses are now realising the benefits of promoting the use of Electric Bikes. This mode of transport offers companies the following advantages: • Regular cyclists tend to be fitter and healthier than non-cyclists. This contributes towards greater productivity and lower rates of absenteeism due to illness. • Bikes are nimble vehicles, able to squeeze past the queues and the road-works. So

An Electric Bike is a bicycle with an electric motor

Electric Bikes use rechargeable batteries and can

used to assist with pedaling.

travel up to 25 miles per hour.

cyclists tend to be more punctual employees. • People want to cycle. So why hold them back? Give cyclists the facilities and the support that they deserve and you get a happier and more motivated workforce. • Be seen to be ‘green’. Being a cycle-friendly employer is a way of winning valuable publicity at relatively little cost. • Less parking problems. CyclePower is available to call and demonstrate its Electric Bikes to organisations and staff, because the benefits are best appreciated by seeing and testing the bicycles. For more information on CyclePower’s Electric Bikes, visit www.cyclepower.ie or phone 014604641 or 086-8262300. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

I ENERGY

The Inaugural National Smart Grid Summit – Croke Park Conference Centre, October 7, 2010 fter years of research, the age of the A Smart Grid is finally upon us and the transformation of our energy market is now about to take place. How this will impact and contribute to the growth of Ireland’s economy is currently a hot topic for debate.

Denis O’Leary, Head of Asset Management, ESB Networks.

It is against this background of significant opportunity and change that iQuest is hosting ‘The Inaugural National Smart Grid Conference’. The event will explore the requirements of creating a comprehensive business case and long-term plan for smart grid implementation, as well as focusing on smart metering, the consumer and communications infrastructure, and how we can fully maximize the potential of Smart Grid applications. This conference will help attendees understand the challenges of implementing the smart grid, and the processes necessary to get there. The speaker programme includes among others: • Eddie Hobbs, Writer, Broadcaster and Financial Advisor; • Denis O’Leary, Head of Asset Management, ESB Networks; • Mary Ann Piette, Staff Scientist, Berkeley University, USA; • Fintan Slye, Director of Operations, Eirgrid. • Dermot Nolan, Commissioner, Commission for Energy Regulation. These luminaries will be joined by energy professionals, regulators, engineers and financial executives and consultants, all anxious to learn, network and do business.

Dermot Nolan, Commissioner, Commission for Energy Regulation.

Check out the website for full details as well as a fantastic offer for all those who register before September15. Visit www.smartgridsummit.ie. I

One Call Maintenance Heats Up the Refrigeration Market in fact just air, inside a freezer or chill cabinet, when all you need is to keep the food items permanently cold at a perfect temperature. Q: Makes sense, but how did they do it? Christian Sheridan, MD of One Call Maintenance reveals the high tech secret of the eCube. Q: From supermarkets and fast food chains to pubs, restaurants and off licenses, almost everyone has heard of the eCube by now. What is its secret? A: It was the result of a brilliant insight into how refrigeration should work but didn’t. Engineers in the UK asked a simple question: Why refrigerate all the empty space, which is 26

A: It took a while. Eventually they developed cutting edge technology that actually mimicked food temperature. So instead of measuring fluctuating air temperature around a food product, it measured the temperature of the food itself. Q: But isn’t air temperature inside the cabinet and the temperature of the food the same? A: Not always. Air temperature rises faster than food temperature, so refrigeration units start to work to keep the air cold and ignore

the fact that the food is perfectly okay. Q: Even so, is it worth while? A: You bet. Radisson save £17,000 per year with eCube. Paul Kiernan of the Gala group says eCube has cut his refrigeration costs by 35% to 40% And there are many more. Q: So, where to for One Call Maintenance now? A: We’ve launched a whole range of products, among them ground breaking water saving devices, low energy lighting that save 85%, and Fluorescent lamp adapters giving 57% savings. We’re determined to show customers that huge energy savings can avoid the need to increase prices and so keep their business competitive in recession-tough markets. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

I MARINE ENERGY

Realising Ireland’s Ocean Energy Potential The opportunity to derive energy from the ocean is significant in Ireland, both from wave and from tidal sources. he potential is such that ocean energy represents a critical opportunity to create substantial wealth and employment on this island over the next twenty years and beyond, according to the recent white paper by the Marine Renewables Industry Association (MRIA), which represents Ireland’s marine renewables industry in the ocean energy fields of wave and tidal. Key to this transformation of the island of Ireland into ‘Europe’s Battery’ is the achievement of the target set in the Republic by Government to have 500MW of wave and tidal capacity in operation by 2020. The MRIA recognises that achieving the 500MW target over the next ten years will require a major co-ordinated effort across all Government departments and agencies and a focus on a small number of sea areas for developments towards 2020. The MRIA proposes that four Initial Development Zones (IDZs) for ocean energy be prioritised by Government and that efforts to achieve the 2020 target be focused in these zones. The white paper demonstrates that this proposal is consistent with broad Government economic development policy as well as policies in energy, spatial planning and regional planning. This white paper hails the progress made in ocean energy in Ireland to date, highlights the challenges which must be overcome and proposes measures to expedite further development.

Early Mover The white paper points out that Ireland is one of the international ‘early movers’ in developing the technology required to capitalise on the ocean energy resource and

Irish companies like Wavebob, Ocean Energy and Open Hydro are among the leading developers in the world of wave and tidal energy conversion technologies. Ireland is also well represented in other key elements of the emerging ocean energy industry. The project developer community - including companies such as Vattenfall (Tonn Energy), SSE Renewables (formerly Airtricity) and ESBI, consultants such as Arup, R&D businesses like Pure Marine and supply chain firms such as Lotusworks and Techworks Marine - are all engaged with the industry and ready to scale up as it develops. Ireland has excellent research and test facilities in place at the quarter Scale Wave Energy Test Site in Galway Bay and at facilities such as those belonging to Queen’s University in Belfast. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), with the support of a number of MRIA industry companies, is developing the new Wave Energy Test Site off Belmullet, County Mayo and the planned relocation and expansion of the Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre and other facilities as part of the MERC3 project in Cork is another positive step - construction at MERC3 will commence in 2011. Significant Investment Required The Government has set a target of 500MW of wave and tidal energy capacity to be delivered by 2020. The scale of the challenge in meeting this target is significant with the estimated cost of devices alone being in the region of at least Eur1.5 billion with significant investment required also in supporting project infrastructure. Thus, total capital investment of several billion may be required to meet the Government target, possibly creating several thousand new jobs to support this emerging industry. MRIA believes that ocean energy technology will mature and become commoditised after 2020 as has happened in the wind energy sector over the past decade. The cost of producing electricity from wave and tidal energy sources will fall and the industry will develop an export market via interconnectors to other countries, in particular to the UK. Accordingly, it is important to create both an economic and a regu-

latory environment that would create more certainty for the development of ocean energy, particularly for investors. Transparency, predictability and certainty in statutory consenting processes are important considerations for investors who will take business risks of unprecedented scale with ocean energy investments. Response The eagerly awaited new consenting process for marine renewables developments is expected to be introduced by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the short term. It should be backed up by policy guidelines at national, regional and local level. Such an approach will facilitate the early development of technology, test sites and full scale ocean energy operations. It will provide a route to the development of many thousands of MW capacity in Irish waters having an enormous impact on wealth creation and employment. SEAI is preparing a study on the potential economic impact of ocean energy which will provide firm data on the jobs and general economic impact. The Authority has indicated that the study will forecast a net present value of the contribution by ocean energy to the Irish economy (North and South) of Eur9 billion by 2030. A further benefit arising from the ocean energy opportunity relates to the potential value for Irish companies in supporting the growing ocean energy industry globally (notably in Scotland) where it is estimated that eventually ocean energy could account for as much as 30GW and generate annual revenues of £4.5 billion (source: Renewable UK) in the UK alone. Scotland has already completed a 1.2GW Marine Leasing Round in the Pentland Firth and an Irish company, Open Hydro, and its partner, SSE Renewables, successfully secured a 200MW site for development. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

I SOLAR POWER

I ENERGY PRICES

SolarPrint Enters into Solar Technology Deal With Fiat

Irish Economy Most Vulnerable to Potential Oil and Gas Price Shocks

energy technology company SolarPrint has entered into a partnerreland’ GDP could fall by as much as Ithatrish I 7.5% if the world was to experience a ship with Italian car manufacturing giant Fiat to develop solar panels sudden oil or gas price rise, according can be incorporated into the roof surface of automotives, as a means of generating alternative sources of energy for vehicles by converting light to power. Under the terms of the deal, SolarPrint is a key part of an international consortium that has begun working with the Centro Richerche Fiat (CRF) - the Pictured (left to right): Dr Mazhar Bari, chief innovation and research arm executive of SolarPrint; Conor Lenihan, TD, of the car manufacturer - on Minister for Science, Technology & Innovation; the development of what is and Dr Michele Byrne, chemist at SolarPrint. described as a ‘smart roof’. The new ‘smart roof’ will incorporate low cost photo voltaic (PV) - or solar - cells and lithium batteries that will in turn be used to power on board devices in cars. The consortium working on the Eur3 million project, which has been titled the ‘SMARTOP’ initiative, also includes scientists from University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin and Imperial College in the UK. “The SMARTOP project has been set up to create a technology that will revolutionise the auto industry and the cars that we drive, by converting everyday light into a form of power,” says Dr Mazhar Bari, chief executive of SolarPrint. I

to a report launched by Siemens. The report, which examines the economic impacts for Ireland of different high oil and gas price scenarios, highlights the particular vulnerability of the Irish economy to such price shocks. The findings of the report entitled ‘The Economic Impacts for Ireland of High Oil & Gas Prices; Pathways to risk mitigation and a low carbon future’, indicate that the impacts of an oil and gas price rise would be more severe on Ireland than other economies such as the UK, Europe and USA. “Ireland is particularly sensitive to this type of shock particularly the knock-on effects in global markets and trade. Results from the study show Ireland suffering more pronounced economic impacts and a slower recovery as compared with other countries,” according to Dr Werner Kruckow, chief executive of Siemens. The report recommends a number of policy actions that Ireland could undertake on a national level. Ireland needs to develop a plan for a sustainable integrated energy system based on four strategic pillars and do so without delay. They are: * Maximising Electricity Generation from Renewable Sources, * Grid Upgrade and Integration into the European Grid, * Promoting Energy Efficiency & Conservation, * Maximising Electricity Usage in Transportation. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

renewable energy from ESB Independent Energy

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

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P P O O II N N T T

TRAINING & EDUCATION

BE Programme in Energy Systems Engineering Launched at NUI Galway NUI Galway has officially launched its BE Programme in Energy Systems Engineering. The new course, which will be based in the new Engineering Building currently under construction at NUI Galway, has been developed in partnership with key members of the energy industry including; ESB, GE Energy, Airtricity, Bord Gais, Wavebob, a wave energy technology company, and ARUPS and RPS, two consulting engineering practices. The strong links with industry provide the degree programme with very practical routes. The partnership will also support innovation and technology transfer, working with a cluster of energy companies in the West of Ireland including

MARINE ENERGY

World’s Largest Tidal Turbine Unveiled Atlantis Resources Corporation, one of the world’s leading developers of electricity generating tidal current turbines, has unveiled the largest and most powerful tidal power turbine ever built, the AK1000, at Invergordon, Scotland. The AK1000 is due for installation at a dedicated berth at the European Marine Energy Centre, located in Orkney, Scotland later this summer. Despatching 1MW of predictable power at a water velocity of 2.65m/s, the AK1000 is capable of generating enough electricity for over 1000 homes. It is designed for harsh weather

Pictured at the official launch of the Energy Systems Engineering Programme are: Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan TD; Professor Ger Hurley, Course Director; and President of NUI Galway, Dr James J Browne.

and rough, open ocean environments such as those found off the Scottish coast. The turbine incorporates cutting edge technology from suppliers across the globe, has an 18 meter rotor diameter, weighs 130 tonnes and stands at a height of 22.5 meters. The giant turbine is expected to be environmentally benign due to a low rotation speed whilst in operation and will deliver predictable, sustainable power to the local Orkney grid.

SMART METERS

111.4 Million European Households Will Have Smart Meters by 2015 According to a new research report from the analyst firm Berg Insight, the installed base of smart electricity meters in Europe will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 17.9% between 2009 and 2015 to reach 111.4 million at the end of the period. Providing users with detailed information about their electricity consumption the new generation of meters give customers control over energy costs and create financial incentives for energy savings. Moreover smart meters constitute the core building blocks in

Wavebob, Eirecomposties, Enerit, and C&F Engineering. The Energy Systems Engineering programme will incorporate aspects of traditional civil, electrical and mechanical engineering, with emphasis on energy policy, economics, environmental issues and a strong focus on informatics. The programme will include a range of additional optional modules which will provide students with maximum flexibility to choose from diverse career paths. Graduates of the programme will be multidisciplinary engineers equipped to solve problems across the whole spectrum of energy systems.

future smart grids that will incorporate a wide range of technologies related to renewable generation, distribution network optimisation and energy conservation. The report identifies France, Spain and the UK as the next countries in Europe where smart metering will become introduced, following major rollouts in Italy and the Nordic region.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Hydropower Capacity to Treble in Britain Encouraged by Government incentives to increase renewable energy usage, Britain is on track to substantially expand its use of hydropower technology, with the number of plants in England and Wales set to increase from 400 to 1,200 by 2020. The number of applications for hydropower plants has increased six fold since 2000. The UK’s Environment Agency granted 31 hydropower licences in last year and has already processed 26 applications in 2010, with a further 166 still to be assessed. According to the Environment Agency, England and Wales has almost 4,000 sites with the potential to generate

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

renewable energy through hydropower.

AVIATION FUEL

Topaz Enters Aviation Fuel Sector in Ireland Topaz, the country’s largest fuel and convenience retailer, is expanding into the aviation fuel sector, after agreeing a joint venture deal with Shell Aviation. The deal will see Topaz, the fully Irish owned and managed company, buy 50% of Shell Aviation Ireland to create a 50:50 joint venture that will sell aviation fuel in Ireland. The new company will continue to market aviation fuels to Irish airlines currently serviced by Shell Aviation. It will also provide fuel supply and refueling services to Shell’s international customers at Irish airports. The deal remains subject to regulatory approval.

Topaz has 300 sites in the Republic and another 30 in Northern Ireland.

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P O I N T

MARINE ENERGY

Harland and Wolff Wins Another Renewable Energy Contract Belfast shipyard Harland and Wolff has won the contract to construct a tidal turbine for Scotrenewables, the Orkney-based marine power company. Producing 250kw of energy, the SR250 tidal turbine will weigh around 80 tonnes and will measure 30m in length with twin 8m diameter rotors, giving the system a very competitive power to weight ratio. Scotrenewables used local fabrication firms to construct a fifth scale prototype model but Harland & Wolff has been chosen to construct the full size SR250. “Our input was to assist their engineers to develop the design to make it production friendly. This makes it cheaper and enhances quality,” explains Fred Black, engineering manager of Harland & Wolff. “We have been very active in the renewables market for many years now.”

Work on the SR250 floating tidal energy device has already commenced (see picture) and installation at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney is scheduled for March 2011. The Orkney project is the latest in a series of renewable energy contracts won by Harland and Wolff. Earlier this year, Harland and Wolff Heavy Industries completed the construction of an offshore wind energy transformer in a joint project. The contract was awarded by German offshore construction company Weserwind on behalf of BARD Engineering. Harland and Wolff also recently completed a contract for the assembly of 60 wind turbines for an offshore site near the south west Scottish coast of the Irish Sea.

ENERGY INVESTMENT

AES Expands Northern Ireland Operational Capacity With £99m Acquisition

Uncertainty on Planning Undermining Energy Investment in the UK The Confederation of British Industry has called on the UK Government to deliver key energy and planning reforms within six months, or risk undermining emissions targets and energy security. Launching a new report; ‘No time to lose: Deciding Britain’s energy future’, the UK’s leading business group warned that without clarity on Government policy, £150 billion of private sector investment in low-carbon infrastructure would fail to materialise. This investment is essential for the UK to achieve a secure, sustainable and cost-effective energy mix that includes renewable sources, nuclear power and fossil fuels. The CBI says that uncertainty about the planning regime in particular is making investors wary of committing to new energy projects. The Government has announced it will abolish the

Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) and replace it with a Major Infrastructure Unit with decision-making powers returned to Ministers.

POWER SUPPLY

Musgrave and Airtricity Agree All-Ireland Green Electricity Deal Airtricity is to supply green electricity to Musgrave Group’s network of depots across Ireland in a deal worth Eur25 million. Under the terms of the contract, Airtricity will supply green electricity to all Musgrave Group owned facilities on the island of Ireland, both North and South and via an affinity scheme to its SuperValu, Centra and Daybreak stores in the Republic of Ireland and SuperValu, Centra and Mace stores in Northern Ireland. The agreement is the largest allisland green electricity deal of its kind. The new ‘green’ electricity contract with Airtricity extends Musgrave’s current use of electricity generated from renewables into Northern Ireland. The Airtricity deal will allow Musgrave displace more than 130,000 tonnes of CO2, which is the equivalent of taking more than 60,000 family cars off Irish roads annually.

US-based AES Corporation has agreed with BG Energy Holdings to acquire Premier Power, owner of the 1,246 MW natural gas-fired Ballylumford Power Station in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, for £99 million. The transaction is subject to license consents from the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation and the Northern Ireland Department of Enterprise, Trade and Industry, and is expected to close in the second half of 2010. The Ballylumford Power Station is a gas-fired generation facility and is the largest electricity generation site on the island of Ireland with a nominal operating capacity of 1,246 MW and consists of three stations: •600 MW C Station commenced operations in 2003 and includes two Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT), V94.2 and V64.3 technology, with combined efficiency of 48 percent. All units have dual capacity, running on natural gas with the ability to burn distillate as back-up fuel. •540 MW B Station was constructed in 1974 and includes three natural gas driven steam turbines, each of which has an

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

operating capacity of 180 MW and an efficiency of 31 percent. •106 MW, two Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) units, which began operations in 1976, provide peaking services for grid support and emergency response.

Record Number of Council’s Switch to Save A record 27 local authorities have switched to leading independent energy provider Energia for their unmetered electricity supply since this market was opened last year. The local authorities making the switch include Dublin City Council, Cork City Council, Laois County Council, Louth, Carlow County Council, Kilkenny County Council, Monaghan County Council, Wexford County Council and Wicklow County Council. The unmetered electricity supply market covers an important number of local authority services such as public lighting. It differs from the conventional

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P O I N T

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Antrim College Signs First Biomass Heat Contract in Ireland South West College, County Antrim, is the first educational institution in Ireland to sign a ‘heat contract’ with green energy company Rural Generation based in Londonderry, which will see the college save up to £25,000 on heat costs annually. The college, which houses its own Renewable Energy Academy at the Omagh campus, has already been enjoying the benefits of renewable energy for four years. An initial biomass boiler - a 150 kW Austrian KWB boiler, fuelled by wood chip – was installed when the new college was built in 2006 and supplied approximately 25% of energy market by the fact that no meter is used to record the energy units consumed. Companies wishing to compete in this market require authorisation from the CER. Up to May 2009, ESB was the only supplier licensed to operate in this market. Energia was the first independent power provider to be awarded a licence and this allows unmetered electricity users, such as local authorities and state agencies, to avail of Energia’s competitive energy offerings and significant discounts. Dublin City Council for example will save around Eur300,000 in their deal.

Celine McCartan, head of corporate services at South West College, signs a ‘heat contract’ with Tom Brennan, managing director of Rural Generation.

giant Endesa to construct a new Combined Cycle Gas Turbine generating station on the site of the former ESB plant at Great Island in County Wexford. Endesa acquired the site along with facilities at Tarbert in Kerry, Rhode in Offaly and Tawnaghmore in Mayo from ESB for Eur450 million two years ago, making Endesa the second largest utility company in Ireland. Endesa is the leading utility in the Spanish electricity system and the number one private electricity company in Latin America. It is a significant player in the energy sector of the European Mediterranean region. It also has a growing presence in the Spanish natural gas market and is advancing rapidly in the area of renewable energy.

Solid Performance by Bord na Mona as Renewable Energy Plans Advanced

Gary Ryan, sales and marketing director of Energia.

Endesa Receives Permission For Natural Gas Power Station in Wexford An Bord Pleanala has given permission to Spanish energy

Bord na Mona has reported a slight drop in operating profits from Eur23.8m to Eur23.0m for the year ending March 2010 on turnover down 4% to Eur384.0m. The operating profit margin edged up to 6.0% compared to 5.9% the previous year. “These figures reflect a very solid performance for Bord na Mona in a challenging business environment,” comments

the building’s heat requirement with the remaining 75% being provided by oil boilers. Impressed with the success of this boiler, South West College purchased a second larger - 250 kW KWB - biomass boiler, six months ago, which was also installed by Rural Generation, bringing the total biomass capacity to 400 kW. Now up to 70% of the college’s heat requirement, which includes space heating and hot water for a 15,000 square metre campus, including classrooms, workshops, library, canteens, common areas, corridors and offices, is provided by biomass.

Gabriel D’Arcy, chief executive of Bord na Mona. “Overall our 2009/10 results support our strategic decision to diversify the business of Bord na Mona away from a reliance on peat.” Bord na Mona’s vision ‘A New Contract With Nature’ marks the beginning of a transition from traditional businesses, heavily dependent on peat and fossil fuels - to a new, more sustainable business, focused on resource recovery, wind energy, biomass, environmental products, district heating and ecotourism. On the renewable energy front, Bord na Mona last year lodged two new planning applications to expand its wind energy portfolio by 120 MW. The group recently received planning permission for a Eur120m 80 MW wind farm at Mount Lucas in Offaly. Progress is also being been made on Bord na Mona’s 300 MW Oweninny wind farm at Bellacorick, County Mayo, which will be the biggest on shore wind farm in Ireland. Bord na Mona advanced its co-

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

fuelling agenda during the year with 7.8% of biomass feedstock replacing peat into its Edenderry Power station.

BIOFUELS

UK Biofuels Exceeding Government Targets According to the latest report by the Renewable Fuels Agency, almost 1.6 billion litres of biofuels were used in the UK in the twelve months since April 2009, accounting for 3.33% of total road transport fuel, exceeding the British Government’s target of 3.25%. This has resulted in significant carbon savings of 51% compared to petrol and diesel, making an important contribution to reducing climate change inducing emissions in the transport sector. The savings are roughly equivalent to taking half a million vehicles off the road, or making Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast car free. The carbon figures reflect the directly measurable savings biofuels offer but do not take into account the potential

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

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

P O O II N N T T P

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Wood Pellet Brites Chosen as Green Fuel For New Eco-friendly Building Northern Ireland construction company the Graham Group has selected wood pellet ‘brites’, produced by Fermanagh-based Balcas, as the preferred fuel for its new 3,000 sq m eco-friendly headquarters outside Hilsborough in County Down. The new state-of-the-art sustainable building, which was recently awarded the highest BREEAM rating, includes a Hoval stand alone wood pellet heat source installed by MacFarlane Environmental, which will result in substantial predicted savings of approximately £11,000 per year in energy costs and will also help reduce the company’s carbon footprint even further. By burning 130 tonnes of brites instead of 65,000 impact from indirect land use change (ILUC). The European Commission is due to report by the end of this year on how ILUC should be addressed for meeting renewable fuel targets.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

New Technology to Cut Refrigeration Costs Dublin-based energy saving company One Call Maintenance has launched a new refrigeration technology on the Irish market that it claims will slash both energy costs and greenhouse emissions by impressive amounts. Invented by UK engineers, the eCube is little bigger than an MP3 player and is simple and economical to fit. The eCube cuts the energy used by fridges and freezers by up to 33%, according to One Call Maintenance. When you consider that refrigeration can cost anywhere between 20% and 60% of a business’ overall energy bill these are claims not to be ignored.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Renewables Account for 62% of the New Electricity Generation Capacity Installed in the EU in 2009 Renewable energy sources accounted for 62% (17GW) of the new electricity generation capacity installed in the EU27 in 32

Tim Finlay, brites development officer (left), Jacqueline Gibson, sustainability coordinator, Graham (centre), and James Hughes, Graham facilities manager (right).

2009, according to the ‘Renewable Energy Snapshots’ report, published recently by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC). The share rose from 57% in 2008. For the second year running, wind energy accounted for the largest share of the new capacity - 10.2 GW out of the 27.5 GW built, representing 38% of the total. In absolute terms, renewables produced 19.9% of Europe's electricity consumption last year. In 2009, and in absolute terms, about 19.9% (608 TWh) of Europe’s total electricity consumption (3042 TWh) came from renewable energy sources. Hydro power contributed the largest share (11.6%), followed by wind (4.2%), biomass (3.5%), and solar (0.4%). If current growth rates are maintained, in 2020 up to 1400 TWh of electricity could be generated from renewable sources, the report concludes. This would account for approximately 35-40% of overall electricity consumption in the EU, depending on the success of community policies on electricity efficiency, and would contribute significantly to the fulfillment of the 20% target for energy generation from renewables. However, the report advises that some issues need to be resolved if the targets are to be met. Particular areas of focus

litres of oil they will be offsetting 156 tonnes of CO2 and 43 tonnes of carbon. Brites are produced at the two Balcas wood pellet mills in Enniskillen (55,000 tonnes/year) and Invergordon, Scotland (100,000 tonnes/year). Brites have also been used to fuel and heat two recently constructed schools – Pond Park Primary School in Lisburn and Victoria Primary School in Ballyhalbert, both designed and constructed by Graham Construction – successfully helping to decrease the buildings’ carbon footprint and educate future generations on the environmental benefits of utilising sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels.

include ensuring fair access to grids, substantial public R&D support, and the adaptation of current electricity systems to accommodate renewable electricity. The study highlights that cost reduction and accelerated implementation will depend on the production volume and not on time.

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

MWH Consortium Wins €5.8m Energy Finance Project A consortium led by MWH has been awarded a major contract by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to launch and operate a $200 million credit line for energy efficient investments in Turkey entitled TurSEFF (Turkey Sustainable Energy Financing Facility). The contract win is a significant endorsement for MWH and its partners who have a strong track record of effective working with the EBRD on similar projects in Eastern Europe. “This project win demonstrates the trust we have gained

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, JULY/AUGUST 2010

during six years of successful collaboration with the EBRD,” says Eugenio Ferro, director of MWH Europe-Africa’s Energy Sector. “We are experts in the energy sector and have a strong track record of successful project implementation in the private and public sector in Turkey.” MWH is the leader of the winning consortium which also includes D’Appolonia (Italy), GFA ENVEST (Germany) and the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management (Germany). Between them the consortium members include a pool of leading specialists with expertise in marketing and implementing energy efficiency projects, successfully launching SEFF credit lines and with deep knowledge and working experience in Turkey.

Eugenio Ferro, director of MWH Europe-Africa’s Energy Sector.