Environment & Energy Management

ireland’s leading environment & energy management publication

Ireland’s first geothermal electricity generation projects

MAY/JUNE 2010

€2.8b investment in Irish water services Renewable Energy

www.eandemanagement.com

C o n t e n t s

- 19 G EOTHERMAL E NERGY

- 3 E NVIRONMENT N EWS

GT Energy and ESBI to collaborate on Ireland’s first geothermal electricity generation projects.

News from home and abroad.

- 7 E NERGY E FFICIENCY SEAI invites product submissions on new technologies for Accelerated Capital Allowance Scheme.

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Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik.

New index to track global energy prices.

- 22 E NERGY P RICES New index to track global energy prices.

New consumer features to be introduced to Home Energy Saving Scheme.

PA G E 2 5 - 23 E NERGY & E NVIRONMENT

- 9W ATER S ERVICES €2.8b investment in Irish water and wastewater infrastructure.

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New exploration opportunities.

Energy experts are easing pressure in uncertain times.

Brian Motherway, chief operations officer, SEAI.

- 13 E XHIBITION

- 25 E NERGY P OINT

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Environmental innovation at Resource Ireland 2010.

Latest energy developments in Ireland and overseas.

Professor Owen Lewis, ce SEAI.

- 14-16 & E DUCATION

Managing Director: Colin Murphy Sales Director: Ronan McGlade

TRAINING

A guide to some of the courses available.

PA G E 1 8 Dr. Mary Kelly, director general, EPA.

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

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

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- 17 E XHIBITION

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The Southern Energy and Facilities Management Exhibition – ARC Event Centre, Centre Park Road, Cork – 6th-7th October 2010.

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

- 18 G REENHOUSE G AS

PA G E 1 9

Design, Origination and Separations by Fullpoint Design (057) 8680873

Greenhouse gas emissions projections to 2020.

GT Energy and ESBI to collaborate.

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ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2010

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WASTE MANAGEMENT

NTR to Sell Greenstar UK For €160m number of blue chip clients in the commercial and industrial N sectors. Greenstar UK's truck fleet of 569 vehicles provides collection services to 23 local authorities and over 900,000 homes

TR, the Irish and international renewable energy group, is selling its UK-based sustainable waste management business, Greenstar UK, to Montagu Private Equity and Global Infrastructure Partners, the controlling shareholders of British waste management company Biffa, for a gross consideration of £135m (Eur162m).

and it operates some of the largest materials recycling facilities in the UK. The business employs over 2,000 people and reported sales of £145m in 2009.

The Greenstar business will be Successful completion of the deal merged with Biffa to create the will release significant liquid UK’s biggest commercial and resources for NTR Group, enabling industrial recycling company. it to both fortify cash reserves and Biffa has the largest industrial strategically invest in other areas of and commercial collections netits clean energy and resource suswork in the UK serving over taining portfolio. The net proceeds 70,000 customers through 1,450 to NTR Group after repayment of collection vehicles and across 128 debt and disposal costs will amount locations. Biffa currently handles to about £80m. seven million tonnes of waste The transaction, which is subject each year, processes approximateto regulatory and various other ly half a million tonnes of recy- Greenstar UK employs over 2,000 people and reported sales of approvals, arises from a strategic clables through nine recycling £145m in 2009. review by NTR of its business portfacilities and operates two PFI folio. The decision does not affect contracts.

NTR’s Irish and US-based Greenstar businesses, which will Greenstar UK is based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, continue to play a critical role in the group’s strategy to build and provides recycling waste management services to a large and run clean energy and resource sustaining businesses.

ENVIRONMENT

New Offices For Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government John Gormley, TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has officially opened his Department’s new office on the Newtown Road in Wexford. There are now almost 200 staff working in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government’s Wexford office, with more due to arrive in the coming months. The impact of this number of staff now living and working in Wexford will have a beneficial effect on the local economy.

All Divisions of the Department are represented in the Wexford office and many of the Department’s priority policies are being delivered from this office.

The building of 6,500 square metres is situated overlooking the Slaney estuary on the outskirts of Wexford town. The building was commissioned by the Office of

Public Works and was designed by Scott Tallon Walker Architects and built by Pierse Construction.

The building is designed and built to be a sustainable building for the 21st century.

It incorporates many environmentally friendly features. It has high levels of natural daylight and natural ventilation.

Its high performance glazing helps to retain heat in the winter and reduce solar gain in summer.

Other environmental measures include intelligent lighting systems to reduce energy wastage, high insulation standards, water conservation measures including reducing rainfall runoff with a sedum roof and reinforced grass car parking.

“High quality architecture and urban design have a real place in the pursuit of sustainability. I believe this building shows how we get it right when we invest in good quality design and high building standards,” comments Minister Gormley.

Sustainability was a key driver in determining all aspects

of the building design and influenced the decision making process at every stage in both design and construction of this office.

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

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

37 Communities Awarded For Greening Their Homes An Taisce, in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has awarded 37 Green Home flags to communities who completed the Green Home programme. The awards ceremony took place recently in Croke Park to celebrate the participants’ success,

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2010

and acknowledges the efforts of householders to improve environmental actions within the home.

The aim of the Green Home programme is to raise environmental awareness and support positive and sustainable environmental actions amongst householders and community groups.

“Great strides have been made by An Taisce in developing and rolling out the Green Home programme.

This provides every citizen in Ireland with the information they need to play their part in living in a more sustainable way. This in turn will provide a sound foundation for the development of a greener, smarter economy and destination for Ireland,” says Laura Burke, director, EPA Office of Climate, Licensing and Resource Use. The programme focuses on: * waste reduction; * energy efficiency in the home; * water conservation and * the promotion of sustainable travel.

Householders receive infor3

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WATER MANAGEMENT

Ireland One of 12 Member States Warned Over Missing River Basin Plans T

he European Commission is sending a first warning to twelve Member States for failing to submit their plans for managing Europe's river basins, as required by EU water legislation. The Member States involved are: Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, Poland,

The Water Framework Directive obliges Member States to protect and restore all bodies of ground water and surface water (rivers, lakes, canals and coastal water) to achieve good status by 2015 at the latest.

mation and advice through the programme to help them make informed decisions and take various actions that will help the environment, while also reducing costs in the home.

The Green Home programme, which builds on the very successful Green Schools programme, commenced in November 2006. To date, almost 10,000 families in 65 different communities throughout Ireland have been given the opportunity to participate.

Laura Burke, director, EPA Office of Climate, Licensing and Resource Use.

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Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Spain. The river basin plans are the cornerstone of the Water Framework Directive and essential for achieving the EU's objective of 'good status' for European waters by 2015. They should have been adopted by 22 December 2009 at the latest.

Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik says: “I am pleased that the majority of Member States have successfully delivered their river basin management plans on time. However, we still do not have plans for a quarter of the EU’s territory. I urge those Member States to take action quickly, complete the public consultation and submit their plans.”

The Commission is sending a first warning letter to twelve Member States concerning the absence of river basin management plans required by the Water Framework Directive. Under the legislation, Member States had to publish a management plan for each river basin district at the latest nine years after the legislation entered into force. Member States

CARBON STORAGE

Clare Rocks Not Suitable For Carbon Storage A new research report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that the geology of West Clare is unsuitable for long term carbon storage, a key technology in the fight against climate change.

The study, An Assessment of the Potential for Geological Storage of CO2 in the Vicinity of Moneypoint, Co. Clare, was funded under the EPA Climate Change Research Programme with support from the Geological Survey of Ireland.

Carbon dioxide is the most important long-life greenhouse gas implicated in driving climate change. Carbon Capture and Storage is widely regarded as being essential if fossil fuels, such as coal and peat, are to be used for future large scale energy production. At European level this technology is already in use, with provision for funding further projects being provided within the EU emission

Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik.

sharing international rivers must work together to produce a single international river basin management plan.

The groundbreaking Water Framework Directive, which came into force in 2000, provides a framework for integrated water management in river basin districts across the European Union. It obliges Member States to protect and restore all bodies of ground water and surface water (rivers, lakes, canals and coastal water) to achieve good status by 2015 at the latest.

trading scheme.

The costs of Carbon Capture and Storage increase when the carbon dioxide has to be transported long distances from the generation source to a long term storage location and therefore this research study assessed potential for Carbon Capture and Storage in Ireland. This research study was targeted at the West Clare region, where Moneypoint power station, one of the largest carbon dioxide emission sources in Ireland, is located.

The study, which involved advanced re-analysis of existing geological data and new drilling investigations in the region, found that the complexity and characteristics of the rocks which underlie West Clare are unsuitable for storing carbon dioxide. The porous nature of the rock and permeability of the rock would not support such a use, the space available within the rock for carbon dioxide storage is limited and the effort needed to inject carbon dioxide into that space would be pro-

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2010

hibitive.

The project findings also have implications for earlier assessments of the potential storage capacity around Ireland as it suggests that this may be less than originally considered.

However further extensive geological studies will be required to confirm this.

GREENHOUSE GAS

EU Greenhouse Gas Emissions More than Half Way to the ‘20 % target by 2020’ The European Union’s greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory report, compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA), shows that emissions have not only continued their downward trend in 2008, but have also picked up pace. The EU-27’s emissions stood 11.3% below their 1990 levels, while EU-15 achieved a reduction of 6.9% compared to Kyoto baseyear levels.

“The GHG inventory report shows that the EU is well on

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SAFETY

Safe Electric Scheme Promotes Need to Use Registered Electrical Contractors new safety awareness campaign, known as ‘Safe Electric’, has been launched today by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) to make people aware of the need to hire a Registered Electrical Contractor when getting any electrical work done in their home and to ask for a certificate when the work is complete.

By hiring a Registered Electrical Contractor, people can ensure that any work carried out in

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track to meet its emission reduction targets with domestic policy measures only. Our policies and tools seem to be working,” says Professor Jacqueline McGlade, executive director of the EEA. “Although we are expecting an even sharper decline in 2009, caused mainly by the recession, we need to ensure that the downward trend in emissions continues and that Europe boosts its climate investments, with the ultimate aim of achieving a more resource-efficient economy.”

The combination of high coal and carbon prices accompanied by a drop in natural gas prices in 2008 induced heat and electricity producers to replace more polluting coal by gas and as a result, reduce their GHG emissions. The use of biomass and other renewable sources (wind and hydroelectric power) has also increased significantly in 2008. The economic recession, which started during the second half of the year, also contributed to emission reductions from several sectors

Professor Jacqueline McGlade, executive director of the EEA.

their home is completed by a competent contractor who is insured and inspected as part of the Safe Electric campaign.

Pictured at the launch were (left to

Independent market research conducted on behalf of the Safe Electric campaign has shown that 30% of people surveyed were not aware that there are registered and unregistered electrical contractors working in Ireland.

for

including the manufacturing and construction, and road transport sectors. Road transport emissions were also affected by high oil prices, the continued decline in gasoline consumption and a reversal of the upward trend in diesel sales.

EMISSIONS TRADING

EPA Improves Access to Public Information on Emissions Trading The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) operates the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in Ireland. Over 100 major industrial and institutional sites in Ireland are covered by the Scheme (over 12,000 sites in the EU as a whole). These include power generation, other combustion, cement, lime, glass and ceramic plants and oil refining. Also included are large companies in areas such as food & drink, pharmaceuticals and semi-conductors.

Each company must record their Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions every year onto the National Emissions Trading Registry which is an on-line web-based system which tracks GHG emissions and records allowance holdings.

The Environmental Pro-tection Agency has now made information from Ireland’s National Emission Trading Registry publicly available in line with the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol.

To view this information click on the Publicly Accessible

Information link on the homepage of Ireland’s National Emission Trading Registry www.etr.ie/.

Further information on accounts in Ireland’s National Emissions Trading Registry (including annual emissions data for each installation) can be found on the website of the EU’s Community Independent Transaction Log (CITL) at ec.europa.eu/environment/ets/.

Information on the operation of the Emissions Trading Scheme in Ireland can be found at www.epa.ie/whatwedo/climate/e missionstrading/.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

EPA Grants Licence to Fingal County Council for a Residual Waste Landfill The Environmental Protec-tion Agency (EPA) has issued a licence to Fingal County Council to develop an engineered landfill facility and public recycling facility at Nevitt, Lusk, County Dublin. The licence provides for the development and operation of an engineered landfill with a maximum annual intake of 500,000 tonnes of non-hazardous residual waste and an associated public recycling facility. Residual waste, in the context of landfill, is waste that has been subjected to pretreatment (including source segregation, mechanical-biological treatment or energy recovery) to extract the recyclable/reusable components or energy benefit.

The licence contains more than

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2010

right):

Garrett

Blaney,

com-

missioner for safety, Commission Energy

Regulation;

Paul

McGowan, director of safety, Commission for Energy Regulation; and Karen Trant, manager of safety, Commission for Energy Regulation.

250 individual conditions and sub-conditions relating to the environmental management, operation, control and monitoring of the facility.

CARBON EMMISIONS

Dublin City’s Plan to Become Energy-Smart Dublin is leading the way in cutting its carbon emissions and is on track to becoming one of Europe’s first energy-smart cities.

Projects include the world’s first carbon neutral convention centre, a wholly sustainable urban park and an innovative clustering scheme for homeowners to join together to retrofit their houses.

Dublin city signed up to the Covenant of Mayors last year, which is a commitment by signatory towns and cities to go beyond the EU targets for a reduction in carbon emissions.

However, Dublin city is already ploughing ahead by working with its energy agency Codema to achieve a reduction of 33% by 2020.

Local authorities in Dublin are also increasing their use of renewable energy. For example, Dublin City Council is producing renewable electricity locally at Fr Collins Park, which opened as Ireland’s first wholly sustainable urban park last year. Five 50 kilowatt wind turbines provide electricity for the park’s sport facilities, public lighting and water aeration, bringing the portion of renewable energy for the Council’s own use to 19%.

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ENVIRONMENT

Historic Dromoland Castle on Track to Become Fully Carbon Neutral by 2011 T

he five star Dromoland Castle in Newmarket-On-Fergus in County Clare, first built in the 16th Century, is on course to be one of Ireland’s first carbon neutral hotels.

Part of the exclusive Dromoland Collection portolio of hotels, Dromoland Castle last year embarked on a pioneering ‘2011 Carbon Neutrality Project’ which is being overseen and managed on a voluntary basis by hotel staff.

Since its launch, the project has secured a significant reduction in carbon emissions, achieved largely through moving to woodchip for all the hotel’s heating and hot water requirements, overhauling Codema has recently worked with Dublin City Council in developing a Sustainable Energy Action Plan which shows how over the next twenty years, the introduction of carbon neutral and low-energy buildings, improvements in information technology and the development of a low-carbon transport system could lead to the city reducing its carbon emissions by 50%.

Dublin is leading the way in cutting its carbon emissions and is on track to becoming one of Europe’s first energysmart cities.

CONSERVATION

New EU LIFE Conservation Project in Lower Shannon The launch has taken place of MulkearLIFE, a new Eur1.75 million European Commission funded LIFE Nature project working on the restoration of the Lower Shannon Special Area of Conservation (Mulkear River catchment) for Atlantic Salmon, Sea Lamprey and Otter. The project is led by the Shannon 6

Schoolchildren enjoyed a day of digging and tree planting on the Dromoland Castle estate recently while learning from hotel and Dundrum nursery staff the simple and positive steps that can be taken to counter carbon emissions. The visit was part of Dromoland Castle’s Carbon Neutrality Project.

Regional Fisheries Board working together with the Office of Public Works and Limerick County Council and other stakeholders to implement the project over the next four years.

New Visitor Centre For Ballycroy National Park Ballycroy National Park, County Mayo was established in 1998 and consists of almost 12,000 hectares of some of the most important blanket bog in Europe.

The Owenduff area in the Nephin Mountains in particular is a wild and remote area of blanket bog, cliffs and river habitats containing many rare species of plants. The area is also important as a roosting, feeding and breeding site for certain migratory bird species, including the Greenland White-Fronted Goose.

The visitor centre was built under the Government's National Development Plan at a cost of Eur3.9m as part of the BMW programme of regional investment and has received supporting funds from the European Union. In order to maximise the benefit for the local community, the visitor centre was built in the village of Ballycroy rather than in the National Park itself.

Overlooking Blacksod Bay, the new building which fits snugly into the surrounding hillside,

its recycling channels and switching to Airtricity for a renewable energy supply. The hotel has declared that it was ahead of target to become 100% carbon neutral by 2011.

The eco -friendly hotel recently invited dozens of local Clare schoolchildren to help staff plant 500 trees in the 410 acre estate, part of an annual ‘Tree Planting Programme’ commitment whereby 500 native trees will be planted every year to help negate the carbon emissions of the greatly reduced fossil fuel that the hotel must use to operate. The Tree Planting Programme is being run jointly in association with Dundrum Nurseries.

extends to some 650 square metres. It comprises reception and exhibition areas on the ground level, with a tearoom, education area and toilets on the first floor level with lift access to a viewing platform on the roof.

The building has been designed with energy conservation and sustainability in mind and includes high levels of insulation, solar heating panels, ground source heating pumps and recycled rainwater. It has received grant-aid from SEI. The exhibition provides a good mix of traditional interpretation methods as well as modern technical aids and focuses on life on the bog from yesteryear as well as the ecological attributes that make the national park such a special place.

GREEN TRANSPORT

Least Green Car of the Year Uses Football Pitch of CO2 Every Year The Lamborghini Murcielago, a vehicle that over the course of a year emits an amount of CO2 equivalent to felling a football pitch-sized forest of trees, has been named the Least Green Car of the Year 2010 by the Environmental Transport Association (ETA).

The Lamborghini emits exactly five times more CO2 per kilome-

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2010

tre than the car named Green Car of the Year, the 99g/km Toyota iQ. Over a year of driving, the Toyota emits CO2 equivalent to that absorbed by three tennis courts of forest.

The ETA examined over 5,000 models of car and compared their power, emissions, fuel efficiency and the amount of noise they produce to create a definitive guide to buying the greenest vehicle. A fully searchable database of the results is available on www.greencarawards.co.uk.

“With emissions five times worse than the greenest car, the Lamborghini is the bull in an environmental china shop. Thankfully, there are very few on the roads and there is an increasing choice of environmentally-sound cars,” says Andrew Davis, director at the Environmental Transport Association. “With the price of petrol at record levels and greater understanding about the threat to the environment there has never been a more important time to make fuel efficiency a deciding factor when choosing a car.”

Toyota Iq.

I ENERGY EFFICIENCY

SEAI Invites Product Submissions on New Technologies For Accelerated Capital Allowance Scheme he Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is currently inviting submissions from manufacturers and suppliers to the new Accelerated Capital Allowances (ACA) equipment categories announced by the Government as part of the Finance Act. The ACA is a tax incentive for businesses to encourage investment in energy efficient equipment. Introduced in 2008, it offers an attractive incentive whereby companies are allowed to write off 100% of the purchase value of qualifying equipment in the year of purchase.

The 20 new technologies which fall under three different equipment categories included in the Scheme are: • Refrigeration and Cooling Systems • Electro-mechanical Systems • Catering and hospitality equipment.

Equipment manufacturers and suppliers are invited to submit their eligible products to the new categories through the scheme’s online process. Full details of the submission process are available through www.seai.ie/aca. Submissions are accepted on an ongoing basis with the list updated periodically throughout the year.

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Wide Range of Incentives cient practices and investment.”

This expansion of the cateThe ACA tax incentive gories will enable the scheme highlights the savings availto provide a wider range of able by buying best-in-class incentives and cost saving equipment. For example, a opportunities to companies company investing in data across the majority of energy servers can reduce annual runusing equipment in virtually ning costs by 20% by choosall business sectors. All coming the most efficient model, panies liable for corporation compared to the average tax will benefit from the ACA model. The investment pays as it will reduce tax liabilities, for itself fully in two years and increase cash flow and reduce Brian Motherway, chief delivers substantial savings energy costs in a sustained and operations officer, SEAI. over its lifetime. ongoing manner.

“The Accelerated Capital Allowance Efficiency Criteria Scheme acts as an important incentive to com- In order to be included on the ACA eligible panies to invest in energy efficient equipment list, products must meet stringent efficiency and we welcome the extension of the criteria. This provides a strong assurance to Scheme,” points out Brian Motherway, chief users of the Scheme that, as well as puroperations officer, SEAI. “We have seen an chasing equipment in a tax efficient and upturn in interest around energy efficient cost effective manner, the equipment being equipment since the ACA’s introduction in purchased is amongst the most energy effi2008. The growing awareness of companies cient equipment available. Thus the ACA looking at the lists of energy efficient equip- scheme, as well as being an attractive tax ment is both an acknowledgement of the suc- incentive, provides an innovative energy cess of the ACA to date and the genuine shift efficiency benchmark to the industry at in business moving towards more energy effi- large. I

New Consumer Features to be Introduced to Home Energy Saving Scheme he Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is introducing two new features to the Home Energy Saving (HES) scheme, designed to further empower consumers, first by guid-

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The SEAI is introducing two new features to the Home Energy Saving (HES) scheme, designed to further empower consumers, first by guiding them on suitable upgrade works and secondly informing them of the impact of works undertaken.

ing them on suitable upgrade works and secondly informing them of the impact of works undertaken. The Home Energy Saving scheme, administered by SEAI provides grants to homeowners for insulation and heating system upgrades and continues to prove very popular with over 58,000 homeowner applications approved since the scheme was launched in March 2009.

Online Home Energy Self Survey The smart online Home Energy Self Survey will only take minutes to complete, taking homeowners through a number of simple steps to identify the current condition of their home and guiding them towards the most suitable upgrade works. This new survey will be offered to all applicants at the start of the online application process and will also be available in hard copy on request from the SEAI call centre. The survey complements the existing fast track online application system and links directly

to SEAI’s other resources including the Buyers’ Guides.

Integral BER Requirement At the same time a Building Energy Rating (BER) is to become an integral part of all grant applications under the HES scheme, whereby homeowners must undertake a BER to measure the impact of works undertaken. This will give homeowners a thorough and objective assessment of the energy performance of their home following upgrade works, including a BER certificate with a A-G performance rating. The first such BER assessment will attract grant aid of Eur100.

At the time of completing the BER, the assessor will also provide an estimate of the energy performance of the home before upgrade works, based upon the pre-works condition of the house. This will inform the homeowner of the effectiveness of the upgrade works in terms of energy and CO2 emissions improvements. I

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WATER SERVICES

€2.8 Billion Investment in Irish Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Over 130 water services contacts with a value of Eur1 billion are currently in progress, while a further 340 projects worth Eur1.8 billion will commence construction in the next three years. he Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, the Government’s three-year plan for improving Ireland’s water and wastewater infrastructure in order to comply with EU regulations, also lists another 190 schemes and water conservation projects that are at the planning stage.

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New Approach The new capital investment plan differs from past initiatives in that it has been devised on a River Basin District basis to emphasise the increasing importance of river basin management in achieving the water quality objectives set down under the EU Water Framework Directive.

Another feature of the 2010-2012 Investment Programme is the focus on water conservation and contracts with a total value of Eur321 million will commence in the period, allowing for the rehabilitation of some 640km of water mains, which is almost 3% of the national public network.

The programme is largely based on Needs Assessments undertaken by Water Services Authorities. These assessments were designed to identify the key environmental and economic priorities for the development of water services in each particular area.

Commitment to Water Services According to John Gormley, TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Government is committed to putting in place the necessary resources to maintain momentum in the water services sector. “The continuing high level of Exchequer allocation is a clear statement of the priority which the Government is giving to preserving and protecting our water resources as a key element of our environment, to meeting EU standards for drinking water and wastewater treatment and to providing critical infrastructure that will ensure ongoing support for economic development,” he says.

Investment under the programme will also support over 4,000 jobs in the con-

The Water Services Investment Programme 20102012 is the Government’s three-year plan for improving Ireland’s water and wastewater infrastructure in order to comply with EU regulations.

struction sector this year and will support many additional jobs in manufacturing and in operating and maintaining new infrastructure post completion.

Projects currently under construction include:

• Ballymore Eustace water treatment scheme – Eur87.2m • Bray/Shanganagh wastewater treatment plant - Eur80.3m • Kinsale sewerage scheme – Eur9.9m • Longford central regional water supply scheme – Eur11.6m • Sligo & Environs water supply scheme – Eur12.4m • Navan/Mid-Meath water supply scheme – Eur23.9m Contracts about to commence construction include: • Ringsend main lift pumping station – Eur78.2m • Leixlip water treatment plant – Eur30.0m • Kildare sewerage scheme – Eur28.0m • Oldcastle sewerage scheme – Eur7.7m • Cork City water supply scheme – Eur22.3m • Kerry central regional water supply scheme – Eur28.7m I

Severn Trent Response Wins €60m O&M Contract Severn Trent Response, a joint venture between Severn Trent Services and the Response Group, was awarded a 20 year operations and maintenance contract for the Limerick Main Drainage Project in southwest Ireland. Operational take over of the assets commenced in May. The contract is the first for Severn Trent Services in Ireland, although it has O&M responsibilities at nearly 2,000 sites in the United Kingdom, the United States and Italy.

“Forming this joint venture with a strong local partner like Response and winning the Limerick O&M contract are a critical part of Severn Trent Services’ strategic expansion of our global Operating Services Division,” says Marwan Nesicolaci, vice president of international sales and business development.

“In addition to further projects in Ireland for which we have already prequalified to tender, we are also rapidly expanding this division’s offerings into Asia, the Middle East and North Africa either directly or through key strategic partners.”

The Limerick contract awarded by the Limerick City Council is valued at Eur60 million. The operations and maintenance is for the 130,000-PE (Population Equivalent)

Photographed at the signing of the Eur60m contract to operate and maintain Limerick Main Drainage over 20 years were: back row (left to right): Maurice Daly (Response Group), David Keane (Limerick City Council), Richard Kent (JB Barry & Partners), Sarah O’Neill (WYG). Front Row (seated left to right): Simon Langton (Severn Trent Services International), Mayor of Limerick Cllr Kevin Kiely, Caroline Curley (Limerick City Council), Seamus Ryan (Limerick City Council).

Limerick Wastewater Treatment Plant, construction of which was completed in 2004.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2010

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I WATER SERVICES

The Liquistation CSF48 and Liquiport 2010 CPS44 are Automatic Samplers and Measuring Stations in One ndress+Hauser is launching its new generation of automatic samplers for liquid analysis worldwide. The stationary Liquistation CSF48 sampler and the portable Liquiport 2010 CSP44 version will revolutionise the world of sampling, according to Endress+Hauser.

They not only fullfil all international standards and laws, they also offer a unique level of flexibility for water-related applications.

Furthermore, they are based on the new Liquiline-Memosens platform and can therefore be used as complete measuring stations.

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Focus on Flexibility The core principle of Endress+Hauser’s new analysis platform is ensuring that identical tasks are always carried out in an identical manner – to provide the customer with a high level of flexibility and simplicity. This platform concept also makes it possible to easily extend the sampler into a measuring station without needing to connect additional transmitters. Thanks to the flexible electronics and expansion slots, inputs for digital sensors with Memosens pro-

tocol can be added via plug-and-play. The sensors are automatically detected by the software and can therefore be put into operation easily. Product manager Karlheinz Bareiss explains: “For the first time, one device can perform both tasks - take samples and simultaneously measure various parameters such as pH, turbidity, conductivity or nitrate content.”

User-friendly, Simple Operation The new sampler features the same clearly arranged operation concept as the rest of the Liquiline platform. The menu depth has been kept to a minimum to allow fast navigation, and the large graphical display guides the user through the software with its 9 lines, each 45 characters long. The sampling programs provide maximum flexibility and cater to all requirements – starting at the ‘Basic’ program with just 5 inputs and ranging up to the ‘Standard’ and ‘Advanced’ programs whereby up to 24 sub-programs can be linked to each other. “The convenient navigator and 4 soft keys make entering the measured values and programs as easy as operating a pocket calculator or mobile phone,” says Karlheinz Bareiss.

Modular Housing With Extra Security The modular housing consists of two parts with separately lockable doors to ensure that samples are always stored securely. Further protection is provided by the design, with no screws on the outside of the housing. Once locked, the sampler cannot be broken open.

Great emphasis was also placed on the stability of the housing materials. In addition to the familiar V2A and V4A stainless steels, 2 plastic versions have been developed - polystyrene for use in all standard applications at wastewater treatment plants and ASA-PC (Luran) for external use. ASA-PC is the plastic with the best characteristics for UV resistance, thermal stress, mechanical stress, insulation and chemical resistance.

Perfect Sample Preparation for Laboratory Analysis The innovative power supply and cooling system ensure that the samples are not exposed to any fluctuations in temperature and therefore cannot undergo change. The power supply has primarily been designed for 24 VDC in order to cope with worldwide variations in mains voltage and mains frequency, and in order to meet safety requirements in every part of the world.

No overly heavy bottles, no back problems – the unique, dual bottle trays make it easier to transport samples to the laboratory.

They meet all of the guidelines of the occupational accident prevention and insurance association. The dual trays also allow simultaneous use of individual bottles and containers in one device (eg 12 x 1 litre + 2 x 13 litres). This is particularly advantageous when ‘alarm samples’ need to be taken and filled into special containers when specific events occur e.g. if the pH value is too high. The bottle configuration is also completely flexible in terms of the bottle materials.

PE and glass bottles can both be used, ensuring perfect operation with any medium and guaranteeing compliance with DIN/IEC standards.

For more information on Endress+Hauser (Ireland), visit www.ie.endress.com/samplers or call 045 868615. I

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ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2010

I WATER SERVICES

Pulsar’s DUET brings First Class Measurement to Manchester Airport ulsar Process Measurement has supplied P a non-contacting ultrasonic open channel flow measurement system featuring its DUET transducer array to give excellent measurement accuracy in the airport’s critical API hydrocarbon separation unit.

Pulsar’s FlowCERT system featuring the DUET transducer has achieved Class 1 MCERTs certification.

Surface water run-off in an area as large as a major airport is considerable, and in certain areas may be mixed with aviation fuel, oil and other contaminants, so it has to be treated in the same way as any other industrial effluent before it can be discharged. That means separation, treatment and measurement of the final effluent flow, which is where Pulsar comes in.

Pulsar supplied a v-notch weir plate along with a DUET transducer array and FlowCERT control unit to measure efflu-

Pulsar's DUET in place on the V-notch in the API hydrocarbon treatment channel.

ent flow through an open channel. As can be seen in the picture, the channel was in an exposed position, where solar radiation can be a significant factor affecting the accuracy of the measurement. The v-notch weir plate was sized for a maximum flow rate of 25 litres per second, although the actual flow can be very small indeed in dry periods of the year. It is vital that the measurement remains reliable and accurate.

Mark Stewart, the airport’s water services engineer in charge of the project, says: “We were very pleased with the way that Pulsar responded to the project brief, and have been delighted with the performance of the DUET. We’re confident about the measurement, so we know we are submitting exactly the right figures to the EA. We’re now in the process of standardising on Pulsar equipment for all our flow and level measurement applications.” I

I INNOVATION

A New Low Cost Way to Control Heating/Access/Appliances Remotely Using Your Mobile Phone he Power Executive provides an easy T way for authorised users to turn on/off their heating via their mobile phone. The unit also has two inputs that can be used to monitor external equipment. The unit has pre-programmed features to monitor thermostats and/or a PIR on these inputs.

Three output zones are available – Zone 1 is a controllable power socket, Zones 2 & 3 outputs can be used to drive relays that can control equipment such as external generators, door acc ess control or water heating. All zones can be controlled via timer or set up to react to conditions on the inputs.

It is ideally suited for holiday homes to

avoid frozen pipes and can be configured to alert a keyholder for preset alarm conditions. The unit communicates via SMS messages and can be set up to alert up to five predefined mobile numbers of any preset alarm conditions configured by the user.

The unit is perfect for clubs or community centres and can be configured with additional hardware to allow only authorised mobile phone numbers access to premises, turn on heating and/or hot water.

Reduce Call Outs to Remote Sites or Unattended Equipment The unit has industrial applications allowing power alerts, monitor-

ing/control of hardware on remote sites and reducing the need for call outs. Just one call out prevented could cover the cost of the equipment.

All commands can be sent via SMS as well as front panel and the unit is fully secure from unauthorised access.

Different numbers can be notified for different fault conditions and an escalation process is available where alarm messages are not acknowledged.

For more information contact 087 2350506 , email monitoring@psl.eu.com, visit www.psl.eu.com - Tel 021 4300727. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2010

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I

CLEANING

The Advantages of Dry Ice Blasting ry ice blasting has rapidly become the preferred method of D cleaning among the industrial, municipal, and environmental sectors using solid CO2 pellets. Carbon dioxide is a non-poisonous, liquefied gas known as dry ice. The pellets which are made from food grade carbon dioxide sublimate (convert directly from a solid blast pellet to a vapour) leaving no residue. The process is superior to sand blasting, glass bead blasting and other types of cleaning methods for numerous reasons but it is important to note that it does not damage the underlying surface as it is non abrasive.

Today, the dry ice blasting method of cleaning is quickly becoming favoured for environmental as well as production reasons.

Because of environmental regulations, industry has needed to minimise wastes. Also, there is a growing consciousness that many are placing now on the global environmental impact of their production practices. However, these benefits are accentuated due to the tremendous performance gains through dry ice blasting -- little or no production downtime, quality of clean, no damage to equipment and no chemicals are used in this cleaning process.

Production equipment in foundries, rubber and plastic moulders, food manufacturers, printers, automotive and so many other indusI

tries can be cleaned with results and cost savings not achievable through other conventional cleaning methods.

Dry ice blasting benefits include: • is a non-abrasive, nonflammable and nonconductive cleaning method; • is environmentally-friendly and contains no secondary contaminants such as solvents or grit media; • is clean and approved for use in the food industry; • allows most items to be cleaned in place without time-consuming disassembly; • can be used without damaging active electrical or mechanical parts or creating fire hazards; • can be used to remove production residues, release agents, contaminants, paints, oils and biofilms; • can be as gentle as dusting smoke damage from books or as aggressive as removing weld slag from tooling; • can be used for many general cleaning applications.

For further information contact Alternative Maintenance Services, Ballyhallow, Freemount, Charleville, Co. Cork. Tel 0876996880 or visit www.alternativemaintenance.ie I

ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING

Wraptite is First to Market With 6 Micron EcoWrap Pre-stretch Film raptite Packaging is making eco-friendly packaging commerW cially viable for Irish industry through the development of a new 6 micron EcoWrap pre-stretch film. The company has invested heavily in the next phase of development of its innovative packaging product, EcoWrap.

According to Wraptite, it is the first packaging company in the country to manufacture a 6 micron pre-stretch film with the same mechanical properties and quality of conventional 23 micron film.

It provides proven savings of at least 45% over conventional products.

The quality and strength of the packaging alternative reduces unit costs, packaging waste and the risk of health and safety issues such as back injury. It will save thousands of euro per annum and allow greater competitiveness for Irish industry.

“Waste management and associated costs are of deep concern to our customers. We believe that by supplying Irish industry with more cost effective packaging solutions, this will in turn result in increased profitability, investment and jobs,” comments Wraptite Packaging sales director, Paul Smith. For further informaWraptite’s purpose-built production facility. tion visit www.wraptite.ie. I 12

Alternative Maintenance Services Ltd. Dry Ice Blasting Specialists George 087 6996880 John 087 9318701 info@alternativemaintenance.ie www.alternativemaintenance.ie

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2010

I EXHIBITION

Environmental Innovation at Resource Ireland 2010 n October 13-14 2010, Simmonscourt Dublin will be home to leading environmental exhibition, Resource Ireland.

Resource Ireland, comprising of the Irish Sustainable Business Exhibition, Irish Water Exhibition and Irish Recycling & Waste Exhibition, is the industry events for water, waste and environmental professionals.

Resource Ireland comprises of three exhibitions:

Presentations will be held across three seminar theatres, covering a variety of environmental topics including flood management, metering technologies and legislation updates.

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Irish Water Exhibition Leading suppliers to the water industry are displaying products and services covering municipal and industrial water and effluent treatment, flood management, pumps, valves, pipes, metering technology, water efficiency, leak detection and control.

Irish Recycling & Waste Exhibition Leading waste, recycling and MBT companies will be displaying products and services covering municipal and industrial waste management, recycling of different waste

streams, MBT technologies and implementation, biological waste treatment, composting and waste to energy technologies.

Sign Up Today To register for FREE attendance and get up-to-the-minute news on exhibitors and the seminar programme, or to exhibit, visit www.resourceireland.net or call +44 (0)20 8651 7130. I

Irish Sustainable Business Exhibition- New for 2010 Launched on the success of the Climate Change Theatre in 2009, ISBE will offer environmental and sustainability professionals solutions for carbon reduction, resource efficiency and corporate responsibility.

For the fourth consecutive year, the free seminar programme featured at Resource Ireland will be supported and hosted by CIWM Ireland, CRE and ESAI.

I TIDAL ENERGY

World’s First Commercially-Viable Tidal Energy Array ulse Tidal, the UK-based tidal power P provider, is planning to place what it believes will be the world’s first commer-

because it works close to shore; a system that is entirely scalable; a system that is completely below water and with minimal cially-viable tidal energy array at Kyle Rhea, or no environmental impact,” points out the fast-flowing straits between the Isle of Pulse chief executive Bob Smith. “In these Skye and the Scottish shallow waters a single Pulse Mainland. Operating in shaldevice can generate low waters close to the shore, 1.2MW, while other techPulse plans to deliver electricity nologies would generate at an installed cost of £4milconsiderably less. This lion/MW. The Kyle Rhea means an energy company straits have the potential to could invest in an array of produce 20MW. Pulse devices and quickly “If tidal energy is to play a produce energy at a profit.” major part in the renewables Pulse has already proved sector then the technology has that its system works with a to deliver low-cost electricity trial device in the Humber that will see investors gaining a and the company has decent return. This is exactly received a Eur8 million EU what Pulse has developed: a grant to develop its first system that has minimal instal- Bob Smith, chief executive of commercial generator. lation and maintenance costs Pulse Tidal.

Pulse is also investigating

Pulse Energy’s system operates in tidal streams which move horizontal blades up and down to drive a generator. The system sits on the sea-bed, fully submerged even in shallow water, and is therefore invisible in operation.

various other UK and international sites in which to locate additional commercial arrays. However, Scotland has put in place a progressive scheme of revenue incentives to encourage renewable energy and it is set to be the first country in the world to benefit from a truly commercial tidal power array. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2010

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Sustainable Energy Courses

In response to climate change, rising CO2 emissions, and new building regulations, FÁS in conjunction with Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland, and equipment manufacturers have developed three new award winning sustainable energy courses. These courses won a merit award in the 2008 Vodafone innovating in government awards and complement the successful oil and gas courses on offer since 1997. The sustainable energy facilities located in Dublin and Cork both deliver three new sustainable energy courses aimed at installers these include: Domestic solar hot water systems installation (days x 5) Domestic heat pump installation (days x 5) Domestic biomass heating installation (days x 3) The FÁS sustainable energy facilities are equipped for theory based classroom training and also have functional systems in the workshops for practical based training. The courses are of short duration and are supplemental to having a prior qualification as stated below. On successful completion learners receive a FETAC Level 6 Supplemental award which is one step up from a level six award and may benefit those progressing on to higher education.

Both instructors Paul Noctor (FÁS Ballyfermot) and Jonathan Kennedy (FÁS Cork) agree that the need and demand for sustainable energy installer courses has never been greater due to rising fuel costs, ambitious energy targets for 2020 from Europe and the Irish government, but also our old inefficient housing stock must be up graded by competent and professional installers who will deliver a quality service and maintain the highest of standards.

AIM: To upgrade the skills and knowledge of craftsperson’s to enable them design, install, and commission domestic systems in a safe and competent manner.

CONTENT: Introduction to the technology Principles of operation Site and system suitability Installation of plant and controls Commissioning and handover of a system ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Learners must hold as a minimum the National Craft Certificate as Plumber, Refrigeration Craftsperson, Electrician, or Fitter, or a Diploma/Degree in Architectural Studies or Building Services Engineering or equivalent.

CERTIFICATION: FETAC Level 6 Supplemental on successful completion LOCATION: Energy Training Facility FÀS Training centre Rossa Avenue Bishopstown Cork Tel :021-4856249 e-mail : etfcork@fas.ie

LOCATION: FÀS Training centre Ballyfermot Hill Ballyfermot Dublin 10 Tel : 01-6055837 Fax : 01-6055960

www.fas.ie

training & education

Post Graduate Education at a Distance O

scail was established in 1982 by Dublin City University and has been offering post graduate level education at a distance since 1990. Oscail’s programmes are targeted at working professionals who wish to achieve a deeper understanding in a specialist area and to provide a sound basis for their long-term career, without disruption to their career or other commitments.

Graduates from the programmes are equipped with the knowledge and skills to reach senior managerial positions in specialist areas. Oscail’s mission is to provide adults with access to third level education through Distance Education regardless of location, employment, domestic or personal circumstances.

All of the programmes are accredited by Dublin City University. Students study in their own time, at their own pace and wherever is most convenient, with the help of specially written self-instructional course texts. As the programmes are delivered online through a virtual learning environment, it is possible to build a study timetable to fit individual lifestyles.

MSc in Management for Sustainable Development In addition to the three long established

MSc programmes, (MSc in Management of Operations, MSc in Internet Systems and MSc in Information Systems Strategy), Oscail is introducing a new Masters programme this year called MSc in Management for Sustainable Development.

This programme is the first MSc programme of its type in Ireland and is aimed at people who are currently working as environmental managers, or who aspire to work as environmental managers within organisations in the public and private sectors as well as consultancy firms and NGOs. The topics on the programme include

Oscail’s programmes are targeted at working professionals who wish to achieve a deeper understanding in a specialist area and to provide a sound basis for their long-term career, without disruption to their career or other commitments. sustainable environmental and waste management, sustainable energy and water management, sustainable procurement and environmental legislation as well as modules in the area of management. Visit www.dcu.ie/oscail for further information and programme entry requirements. I

Oscail is introducing a new Masters programme this year called MSc in Management for Sustainable Development. This programme is the first MSc programme of its type in Ireland and is aimed at people who are currently working as environmental managers, or who aspire to work as environmental managers within organisations in the public and private sectors as well as consultancy firms and NGOs.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2010

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training & education

Specialist Noise Management Training Courses ccredited Centres in Dublin, Carrigaline, Galway, Naas and A Newtownabbey are offering courses tailored for those looking for specialist noise management training.

UK professional body, the Institute of Acoustics, offers a range of courses for those involved in building acoustics, environmental noise and the measurement and control of workplace noise.

The Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control is widely recognised as the leading specialist qualification for the professional practitioner in acoustics.

• Distance learning course is run at Dublin

The Certificate of Competence in Workplace Noise Risk Assessment is a five-day course which helps you establish the risk of hearing damage from noise hazards in the workplace and how to manage this risk.

• In Naas, Dublin, Carrigaline and Galway The Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement is a five-day course that provides a basic knowledge of the methodology of environmental noise measurement.

• In Newtownabbey, Carrigaline and Naas For further information contact the Institute of Acoustics on Tel 0044 1727 848195, E-mail education@ioa.org.uk or visit www.ioa.org.uk/education-and-training I

Certified Energy Manager (CEM) Training Courses MSE, a leading provider of health & C safety, energy and environmental services, has announced the availability of the internationally recognised Certified Energy Manager (CEM) Training course in the UK and Ireland. This course is presented by Eirdata on behalf of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).

By completing the Certified Energy Manager course and passing the associated examination, you will be joining a worldwide group of approximately 6,000 professionals serving industry, business and government in 22 countries including the UK and Ireland.

The Certified Energy Manager (CEM) qualification is only awarded to individuals who pass the required examination and subject to meeting the required educational requirement and energy related experience. The training courses are delivered by top class 16

AEE registered and approved instructors over 6 days at various venues throughout the UK and Ireland.

Available CEM Course Dates in 2010: this course is run over 6 Days • Cork - 21 & 22 September, 27 & 28 September, 4 & 5 October.

• Dublin - 23 & 24 August, 30 & 31 August, 6 &7 September.

Short (1 Day) Introductory Course If you would prefer a short course (1 Day) to learn the basics CMSE also offers an excellent Introductory Energy Manager course. These 1 day courses are run in both the UK and Ireland.

For further information contact CMSe on Tel 021 4375 021 or visit www.cmse.ie. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2010

I EXHIBITION

The Southern Energy and Facilities Management Exhibition - ARC Event Centre, Centre Park Road, Cork - 6th–7th October 2010 The first Southern Energy and Facilities Management Exhibition will be held in Cork’s new 40,000 sq ft event venue - The ARC Centre on Park Road – on 6th–7th October 2010. he Southern Energy and Facilities Management Exhibition is designed to put suppliers of alternative energy solutions, energy saving systems and a wide range of facilities management products, equipment and services into direct person to person contact with a targeted audience of decision makers from manufacturing facilities and the built environment in the southern half of Ireland.

The event is timely given the current business emphasis on cost reduction, improved efficiency, recycling and environmentally friendly processes.

While similar events have achieved excellent results in Dublin, few managers and decision makers in the Munster area can afford the time to travel to the capital in the current environment. However, Cork has the highest concentration of high tech manufacturing facilities in the country.

vices and the use of outsourcing.

The exhibition will encompass sectors such as: access control & equipment, alternative/renewable energy, asset management, build management systems, car parking, catering, data collection/management/database, environmental monitoring & services, fire safety & systems, heating & ventilation, inspection equipment & maintenance, interior fittings, janitorial supplies & services, lifts & escalators, maintenance services, office furniture/equipment, power & energy,

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Extensive Programme The Southern Energy and Facilities Management Exhibition will include a far reaching programme of conference presentation and panel discussions together with a comprehensive exhibition covering these complementary disciplines. As such a significant attendance of those responsible for industrial, commercial, office and institutional facilities in the southern part of the country can be anticipated.

The exhibition offers companies a unique platform from which to meet, network and do business with an audience of key decision makers in search of a range of products, services and solutions that can benefit them in

the delivery of cost reductions, improved facilities and a reduction in waste.

Energy Exhibition The Energy Exhibition will focus on the opportunities that exist to cut costs and reduce emissions through the use of the latest technology, alternative, competitive energy sources and suppliers. The exhibition will be targeted both at the energy industry itself and the commercial user.

Exhibits will include the following sectors: • Heating and Cooling • Air Conditioning • Building Services • Building Technology Providers • District Heating • Energy Management Systems • Heat Recovery • Insulation • Power Producers • Lighting • Project Management • PV & Solar Thermal Energy • Refrigeration • Renewable Energy.

security services & systems, recycling, sewage systems, shredding services, telecommunications and waste management.

The Organisers The Southern Energy and Facilities Management Exhibition is being run by SDL Exhibitions Ltd, one of Ireland’s longest established event organisers of both trade and consumer events including: Engineering Ireland, IRCHEM, Pharmatex, The Electronic Manufacturing Industries Exhibition, Food Process, Instrumentation & Automation.

For further information contact: Farrah Kelleher on Tel 01 405 5556 or E-mail: farrah@sdlexpo.com. I

Facilities Management Exhibition The Facilities Management Exhibition will address the needs of those responsible for managing properties in the manufacturing, commercial, civil and public sectors.

Considerable savings can be achieved not only through the use of the latest technology but also through the rationalisation of ser-

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I GREENHOUSE GAS

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections to 2020 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released projected emissions of Ireland’s greenhouse gases up to 2020. hese projections, produced on an annual basis, give a picture of Ireland’s ability to meet international targets with respect to greenhouse gas emissions and update those published in March 2009. The projections are reported on a sectoral basis and highlight, once again, that the key sectors contributing to greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland are agriculture, energy and transport.

“National greenhouse gas projections are important in understanding Ireland’s greenhouse gas profile in the medium term, and in assessing the effectiveness of policy measures designed to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases,” says Commenting Dr Mary Kelly, director general of the EPA: She adds: ”The projections reflect the effects of the economic downturn, and the anticipated recovery, based on ESRI economic forecasts.

Even with reductions due to the downturn it is projected that Ireland will still be 2.8 million tonnes per annum of CO2 above the non-ETS target in 2020 taking the most ambitious scenarios set out in Government policies and assuming that forestry sinks are fully included.”

Greenhouse gas emission projections have been produced by the EPA, for both the Kyoto

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The Kyoto Protocol limits Ireland’s total national emissions to an average of 62.8 million tonnes of CO2e per year in the period 2008–2012.

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period and up to 2020, under two different policy scenarios, which indicate the potential outlook for greenhouse gas emissions. The two scenarios are a ‘with measures scenario’ and a ‘with additional measures scenario’. Both scenarios are based on SEI’s energy forecasts published in December 2009 which are underpinned by the ESRI’s World Recovery scenario 2009. Agricultural emissions projections are based on data recently received from Teagasc and take into account forecast animal numbers, nitrogen fertiliser use and crop statistics.

Major Challenges Dr Kelly continues: “The clear message is that major challenges still exist in achieving real reductions in greenhouse gases which should not be underestimated. Failure to deliver on the measures outlined in Government policies will result in higher emissions than predicted.

In particular, 20% of the reduction expected in 2015 under the most ambitious scenario, and 35% of that expected in 2020, are anticipated to come from as yet unspecified policies and measures,” Under the less optimistic scenario, total greenhouse gas emissions are projected to decrease by 6% between now and 2020 (an average reduction of only 0.5% per annum) and even under the current most ambitious scenario the reduction is projected to be 15% over the period (an average reduction of 1.3% per annum).

Comparison With Kyoto Protocol Limit (2008–2012) The Kyoto Protocol limits Ireland’s total national emissions to an average of 62.8 million tonnes of CO2e per year in the period 2008–2012. This is 13 per cent above the baseline (1990) estimate.

Applying the most ambitious reduction scenario, the Government’s purchasing requirement (or need for additional domestic policies and measures) would reduce to 2.5 Mtonnes of CO2e per annum for each of the five years 2008-2012 as compared to the 3.6 Mtonnes per annum anticipated in the National Climate Change Strategy. Purchases already made by NTMA on behalf of Government, coupled with operation of the ETS, means that Ireland can comply with the Kyoto obligations without any further purchases.

Dr Mary Kelly, director general of the EPA:

Comparison With EU 2020 Targets for Non-ETS Sector Emissions A second, and different, set of legally binding targets applies under the EU Commission’s Energy and Climate Package, agreed by EU Parliament and Council in December 2008, and requires Ireland to deliver a 20 per cent reduction, relative to 2005 levels, in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.

According to Dr Kelly: “This target is particularly difficult to achieve as it excludes those sectors covered by the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and applies to agriculture, transport, residential and other sectors, where it is much more difficult to achieve reductions.

Not all the targets factored into the projections are associated with detailed policies and measures. Now is the time to develop further policies.”

Growth in transport emissions is projected to slow significantly in comparison with the annual growth rates experienced between 1990-2008. This can be attributed to a slowdown in economic growth, increased use of bio-fuels, mobility management and travel plans, E-working, sustainable transport fleets, efficient driving methods and electric vehicle penetration.

Nonetheless it is projected that Ireland will still be some 7.6 million tonnes of CO2e higher in 2020 than our target for that year.

Inclusion of carbon sinks could reduce the distance to target to 2.8 Mtonnes of CO2e.

Dr Ken Macken, programme manager, EPA Climate Change Unit comments: “A 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the non-trading sector is going to be very difficult to achieve. The profile of greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland is unusual in the European context, with agriculture currently accounting for 27 per cent of all emissions and almost 40 per cent of emissions in the non-trading sector. This makes it very difficult to effect actual reductions on the scale required in the non-trading sector.”

Dr Macken adds: “It is estimated that forest sinks will sequester in the order of 4.8 million tonnes of CO2 per anum by 2020.

The inclusion of forest sinks is therefore critically important for Ireland and will play a significant role in bringing Ireland closer to its 2020 target for the non-ETS sector emissions.” I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2010

I GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

GT Energy and ESBI to Collaborate on Ireland’s First Geothermal Electricity Generation Projects GT Energy, a leading company that specialises in harnessing deep geothermal energy in the development and provision of renewable heat and electricity, has entered into a Technology Partnership Agreement (TPA) with ESB International (ESBI). nder the agreement, GT Energy will generate up to 50 megawatts (MW) of electricity using geothermal energy by 2020, and ESBI will assist the company with the design of the generating equipment and grid connection design work. The two companies will work together to share information, expertise and resources to support GT Energy’s plans to develop a number of deep geothermal electricity projects across the island of Ireland.

Geothermal energy is a renewable and sustainable energy source generated from the heat in the earth’s core. It is harnessed by extracting hot water and/or steam from deep underground and using it to generate heat and electricity. Although already widely used around the world in countries such as Iceland, the US, Italy, France and Germany, to date no deep geothermal projects have been completed in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

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GT Energy and ESBI International have entered into a Technology Partnership Agreement, which will see GT

Potential Sites GT Energy has identified a number of sites on the Island of Ireland, including Dublin, that offer potential for the development of geothermal energy plants. In addition to delivering energy for heating purposes, many of these would have the capacity to generate about 5 MW of electricity. This additional renewable generation capacity would assist in meeting Ireland’s renewable energy obligations and delivering on the National Renewable Energy Action Plan.

GT Energy recently announced that it had raised first round funding through NCB Corporate finance and secured grant aid from the British Government.

“We are delighted to be working with ESBI. Their technical expertise and experience in the area of electricity generation, plant construction, grid connection and knowledge of the single electricity market will be highly valuable to us and will complement our team’s broad experience of

Energy generate up to 50 megawatts of electricity using geothermal energy by 2020. ESBI will assist the company with the design of the generating equipment and grid connection design work. Pictured at a site in Rathcoole where thumper trucks are gathering seismic data on the deep geological structures in South Dublin are (l to r): Padraig Hanly, managing director of GT Energy and Gerry White, manager, Market and Technology Developments, ESBI.

identifying, analysing and developing deep geothermal energy projects. This collaboration brings us closer to delivering Ireland’s first geothermal electricity project,” comments Padraig Hanly, managing director of GT Energy.

Renewable Energy “ESBI is interested in all forms of renewable energy, and is already involved in the development of wind and ocean energy projects. We believe geothermal energy could have very significant potential in Ireland and we will be committing resources to assist GT Energy in bringing its projects to fruition,” explains Gerry White, manager, Market and Technology Developments, ESBI. “This technology is

very attractive because it is one of the very few renewable energy sources that is not intermittent. This means that it is not affected by time of day, season or meteorological conditions and is ‘always on’, thus giving it the distinct advantage of being able to deliver base load electricity to the grid.”

Padraig Hanly adds: “Unlike some other renewable energy sources, geothermal energy is likely to get a preferred status for grid connection to the all Ireland electricity grid because most of the projects’ installed generation capacity will be under 5MW, meaning that limited additional networks and capital investment is required to bring the electricity onto the existing grid network.” I

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I ENGINEERING

Complete Range of Building Services From Jones Engineering Group ones Engineering Group worked on the J National Tyndall Institute project as part of various mechanical and electrical services contacts, with a combined value of Eur12 million, that the Dublin-based company has completed at the University College Cork campus. Jones has also completed projects at the Biosciences Building, the Postgraduate Library and the School of Pharmacy at UCC. Jones Engineering is a multi-disciplined engineering contracting company, offering the complete range of building services: • Installations; • Mechanical Plant; • Process Pipework; • HVAC; • Electrical; • Instrumentation; • Calibration; • Fire Protection; • Commissioning; • Maintenance.

The group’s ethos is the delivery of client satisfaction through the provision of quality

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work, by quality people. With offices nationwide, the Jones Engineering Group works with both local Irish companies and the world’s largest multi-nationals, and has a long track record of delivering projects safely and on schedule to a very high standard and within budget. The group currently employs over 1,400 people and has an annual turnover in excess of Eur180 million.

The operating companies within the group are: • H A O'Neil Mechanical (Est.1890); • Patrick Lynch Electrical (Est.1925); • Irish Sprinkler Fire Protection (Est.1965); • O'Sheas Electrical (Est.1929); • Douglas Calibration (Est.1989); • Jones Engineering UK(Est 2009).

Each of the operating divisions of Jones Engineering is individually certified to International Quality Standards IS EN ISO 9001: 2008.

New Energy Division Jones Engineering recently opened a new

energy division, which is based at its offices in Damastown, County Dublin. Jones Engineering Energy Division has the expertise to conduct professional on-site surveys for all domestic, commercial and industrial premises, including energy ratings of properties and BER certification.

In order to deliver a cost effective energy efficient management solution to existing and new customers, Jones Engineering has formed a strategic partnership with Orbisol to introduce remote energy management and control to the Irish market.

The Orbisol Remote Energy Management system (Orem) provides an internet based wireless remote monitoring solution that allows estate wide management of a company’s energy usage, facilities, environmental and corporate compliance needs.

The technology is currently in use in nine countries and has over 15 million hours of operation saving customers from 10-30% on typical energy bills. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2010

I ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Reducing Energy Costs at Tyndall National Institute art of the enabling work for a recent to provide sufficient cooling capacity at the Structures under the National Monuments major expansion at the Tyndall Silicon Fab cleanroom AHU to maintain Act. National Institute, the Cork-based the cleanroom operating conditions at A major challenge for the project was to research centre, entailed the intro- 44%RH, 20 C. ensure a sufficient level of insulation on the duction of a new energy efficient chilled By simulating with different manufactur- new chilled water pipework, which was water system and the replacement of the ers cooling coil software it was found that located in the external environment.

Silicon Fab cleanroom Air Handling Unit the required room conditions could be met Another challenge was adherence to the (AHU). schedule. The new equipThe chillers and AHU ment could not be installed were replaced in a short shutuntil the Silicon Fab was down and have already saved shutdown. a large proportion of their Due to the production cost of installation. The requirements of the Silicon annualised savings are a quarFab the maximum window ter of the site’s energy bill. available to remove the Located at Lee Maltings, existing units, install the Prospect Row, Cork, the new units and commission Tyndall National Institute was one month. Significant was created in 2004 to bring civil and mechanical works together complementary needed to be completed activities in photonics, elecwithin this time-frame so tronics and networking detailed planning and risk research at the National mitigation was required.

Microelectronics Research Centre (NMRC), several Innovative Aspects University College Cork acaDehumidifying the fresh air demic departments and Cork before it is mixed with Institute of Technology The Tyndall National Institute site during the July 2008 chiller and AHU changeover. return air is a simple yet (CIT). The objective was to effective method of saving create a research institute that would with a chilled water supply of 5 C. To energy. This can be a bigger issue on other become a focal point of Information and achieve this, the existing 16 year old Air sites where there is a higher percentage of Communications Technology (ICT) in Handling Unit would have to be retrofitted return air in a humidity controlled cleanIreland. with the required cooling coils or replaced. room.

In addition, the heat loads generated Many industrial sites have cooling water Expansion Project from the Silicon Fab were reviewed and it systems which would be capable of temperThe original brief of the energy efficiency was determined that the constant waste ing the incoming air. In this case heat project was to replace the end of life chillers heat from the process furnaces could be recovered from the process furnace cooling with new chilled water units to secure the recycled and used to heat the air in the new loop is used to heat the air after the dehucritical chilled water supply at Tyndall AHU. midification coils throughout the year.

National Institute and provide additional Due to the potential energy savings the The furnace cooling loop normally capacity for future requirements. The main end users bought into the concept of rejects its heat to the chillers. Transferring purpose of the chilled water system was to changing the chilled water operating condi- this heat to the AHU also reduces the load provide cooling to the process equipment tions. Replacement of the AHU was added on the chillers. and to cool and dehumidify the air sup- to the project scope when it was found to The chillers and AHU were selected to plied to the Silicon Fab cleanroom and be possible to significantly reduce its energy achieve the least cost of ownership. The other areas in order to meet the required consumption. projected energy and maintenance costs humidity conditions associated with profor five years were added to the capital duction processes.

Implementation cost of the equipment for comparison.

At the initial design stage, studies were The changeover to the new chillers was The Most Economically Advantageous completed and the operating temperature scheduled as part of the larger expansion Tender was selected under the Public of the chilled water system was challenged project at the facility. To provide the Procurement process and the equipment with the end users to see if it could be required heat load for commissioning it was was free-issued to the installation contracincreased so reducing the energy required decided to change out the chillers during tor. to run the chillers.

June 2008. The works were carried out Monthly electricity usage for the institute It was found that the main basis for oper- under a tight schedule, on a congested live showed immediate savings after the project ating the chilled water system at -2 C was site in buildings that are listed as Protected completion. I

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ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2010

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I

ENERGY PRICES

New Index to Track Global Energy Prices new energy index, specific to Ireland A and designed to track movement in the wholesale energy market, has been introduced by Bord Gais Energy. The Bord Gais Energy Index, the first of its kind in the Irish market, is made up of four key energy commodities, oil, gas, coal and electricity.

The Bord Gais Energy Index tracks the monthly global price movements of these commodities factoring in any currency shifts producing an overview and insight into the global energy sector.

“This Energy Index is an exciting development for our trading division,” explains Jason Scagell, energy trading managing director, at Bord Gais Energy. “Bord Gais Energy trades energy commodities in the Irish and global market on a daily basis.

Publishing the Bord Gais Energy Index allows Bord Gais Energy to inform public commentary on energy prices using the wealth of analysis and information at our disposal.”

Energy is a significant element of the Irish economy and it is estimated that Irish businesses spend close to Eur2 billion on I

It is estimated that Irish businesses spend close to Eur2 billion on energy every year.

energy every year. By regularly tracking and publicising the movements and trends in energy prices, businesses and the public can plan and understand better the impact this sector has on economic activity.

The Bord Gais Energy Index has set 31st December 2009 as the baseline date for the

index setting prices at the close of trading that day at 100 points. The index looks back two years to 31st December 2007 exposing a peak in June 2008 of 180 points, when oil prices were at record highs, and a low of 80 points as the impact of the global recession hit. “As the global economy recovers we anticipate that the Index will also rise and we can already see a rise to 109 in May from 100 on January 1st,” says Jason Scagell.

He concludes: “The Bord Gais Energy Index measures the movement of energy prices. These prices are an important barometer of how the global economy is performing and that has a particular relevance to a small open economy like Ireland. As a small player in the global energy market, Ireland is always going to be affected by the movements of the global market. The Bord Gais Energy Index will track the global trends in energy prices that will influence the competitiveness of the Irish economy.”

The Bord Gais Energy Index will be issued on the second Monday of every month. I

POWER GENERATION

Lab and Online Analytics for Power Generation Plants omorrow’s power generation industry operT ators will be faced with new challenges in developing more complex solutions for the production of electrical power as environmental regulators become increasingly more demanding. HACH LANGE products and services have been designed to comply with the high quality industry standards and local regulations such as EPRI, VGB and ASTMS. Two of the key drivers at HACH LANGE are continuous growth and innovation. Within the last 24 months the company has launched several new products for the power industry the Polymetron 9120 Silica analyser, the Polymetron9240 multi-channel sodium analyser and the Orbisphere 1100 Series – the new luminescent dissolved oxygen sensors.

The latest development of the three launches, the Polymetron 9120 silica analyser has been designed to reduce demineralisation water plant costs by detecting early stages of resin saturation with its low 0.5 ppb detection limit.

The Polymetron 9240 sodium analyser, a popular product in the power industry, provides low level sodium measurement in high purity water applications. With a detection limit of 0.01 ppb and a range of 0-10 000 ppb, it is ideally designed for monitoring sodium in demineralised water, boiler feed, condensate and all parts of the steam/water cycle.

Another blockbuster is the Orbisphere 1100 Series – luminescent dissolved oxygen sensors – 22

often referred to as setting the benchmark in oxygen monitoring, it has been designed to determine dissolved oxygen levels in de-aerated water with the unbeatable precision of ±0.8 ppb and a limit of detection of 0.6 ppb. Such accurate measurement readings are essential to control low oxygen levels in water steam cycles.

Products that Comply to Power Generation Standards - EPRI, VGB, ASTM With the recent introduction of several renowned industry brands as Orbisphere, Polymetron and Anatel, HACH LANGE now offers the power industry an even larger choice of products and solutions. The company’s products optimise power plant efficiency and safety whilst providing reliable measurements in feed water inlets, waste water discharges, water steam cycles and cooling tower applications.

of Polymetron and Orbisphere experience in the power industry. Together with a strong reputable service expertise and high product quality recognition, HACH LANGE yet again takes the lead in designing and manufacturing innovative products that optimise power plant efficiency and safety.

To request a power portfolio brochure, contact sarah.blayds@hach-lange.ie. I

EDF Signs Preferred Supplier Contract With HACH LANGE EDF (Electricité de France), one of the largest nuclear power companies in the world, signed a preferred supplier contract with HACH LANGE. This contract states that for on-line sodium monitoring, EDF chooses to use Polymetron 9245/40 analysers in all their nuclear power plants.

This success is derived from 30 years

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2010

I ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Energy Experts are Easing Pressure in Uncertain Times Developments in technology and changes in legislation make the energy market a volatile animal but Bergen Energi’s recent European Conference showed how it is helping customers make sense of the ever-changing sector. ore than 200 people took part in a two-day conference, organised by leading energy broker Bergen Energi, where hot topics within the industry were discussed by some of its leading figures.

Bergen Energi is one of Europe’s largest energy service providers and a leading international energy risk manager and brokerage house. Its proven track record in the tendering and portfolio management of electricity, gas, C02, brokerage and administrative services has earned it a reputation as a trusted independent energy partner.

M

Big Issues Dozens of lectures and workshops were held during the event in May at the company’s headquarters in Norway. Gas prices, the future of the carbon trading market and EU energy policy were just some of the issues debated as Bergen Energi customers and staff joined representatives from the likes of GDF Suez, McDonald’s, Nordpool and the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies to analyse the ‘big issues’ affecting the industry.

“It was a really productive conference that threw light on what providers, consultants and end-users all thought would shape the market over the coming years,” explains UK vice president Richard Southgate. “The are a lot of question marks about what the future holds, including how the environmental agenda will affect the markets and what kind of impact legislative changes will have. The key is to create a purchasing strategy that puts you in the best possible position to manage that

uncertainty.”

He continues: “The event was particularly timely because the global recession presents some important challenges to be overcome and customers’ margins are being squeezed tighter than ever before.”

Tailor-made Energy Solutions Bergen Energi’s UK and Ireland office was established in 2002 and has helped to reinforce the company’s reputation for providing tailor-made energy solutions.

Since Bergen Energi was founded in 1991 it has grown to include more than 170 staff and support more than 950 clients with offices in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, France and Italy as well as the UK. It is also active in the Italian, Spanish, Austrian and Eastern European markets, with a growing interest in the US and Asia. Bergen Energi currently has an annual energy supply of 85TWh /Eur7 billion.

The UK and Ireland office works with some of the countries’ largest energy users and has a client list covering a broad range of firms within industry and commerce, public authorities and large international businesses.

Richard Southgate adds: “Energy is dictated by worldwide market forces more than any other industry. We are able to secure the best deals and give industry-leading advice to our clients in the UK and Ireland by retaining a global perspective, informed by our operations in dozens of countries around the world.”

Natural Gas Carbon Tax Of particular significance to Irish customers is how

to best respond to the recent Natural Gas Carbon Tax (NGCT) which came into force in May. Bergen Energi has supported customers in preparing carbon abatement plans as well as drawing up procurement strategies to lessen the financial impact of the new rules.

Under the NGCT, gas is taxed at a rate of Eur3.07 per megawatt. This is derived from the rate of Eur15 per tonne of CO2 emitted that has been applied to fuels generally and calculated by multiplying the emission factor of natural gas, expressed in kilograms of C02 per terajoule (56,873), by the number of terajoules per megawatthour (0.0036), and multiplying the resultant figure by rate of 1.5 cent per kilogram of C02 emitted.

The amount of Eur3.07 is based on net calorific value. Where the quantity of gas supplied is measured using a gross calorific value, the rate should be multiplied by a conversion factor of 0.9028, giving an effective rate of tax of Eur2.77 per megawatt hour at gross calorific value.

“Carbon levies are a very complex area but by drawing on our experience of dealing with the EU ETS we are able to give businesses a better handle on how they can fulfil their obligations and responsibilities,” says Richard Southgate.

Tax Relief A full relief from the tax is granted for natural gas which is shown to have been supplied for use in the generation of electricity, chemical reduction or electrolytic or metallurgical processes. A partial relief is granted for natural gas delivered for use in an installation that is covered by a greenhouse gas emissions permit – this will be taxed at the minimum of Eur0.54 per megawatt hour.

Richard Southgate concludes: “Although there is provision for these tax reliefs to be applied by way of repayment, it is envisaged that they will, in most cases, be applied at time of delivery, and that the supplier will account for the tax-relieved supply in the tax return.” To learn more about Bergen Energi visit www.bergenenergi.com. I

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2010

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P P O O II N N T T

EXPLORATION

New Exploration Opportunities in Irish Waters – The 2011 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round The Government has announced details of new offer to allow exploration companies assess the exploration opportunities in Irish waters – the potential of the area and therefore do not require a ‘2011 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round’. The 2011 large up-front cash investment. A fifteen year Atlantic Margin Licensing Round is an invitation licence can then be secured if desired, provided an for oil and gas exploration companies to apply for appropriate work programme is agreed. new authorisations in Ireland’s Atlantic Margin.

In order to encourage the acquisition of new seisThis round is different from previous licensing mic data by seismic acquisition contractors, the rounds and is designed to boost the level of exploGovernment has decided to extend the confidenration activity off the Irish coast. tiality period that will apply to new acquisition in It opens up Ireland’s entire Atlantic – the The 2011 Atlantic Margin Licensing the licensing round area, from 7 to 10 years.

Atlantic Margin - seabed for exploration (apart Round is designed to boost the level of This round will be the largest licensing round to from existing licensed areas) rather than specific exploration activity off the Irish coast. date, covering an area of just over a quarter of a basins (or blocks). million square kilometres, comprising 996 full In the past 15-year licences were granted but they required that a sig- blocks and 58 part blocks. The area on offer extends from about 30nificant investment had to be made within the first phase of the licence 380 km from shore with water depths typically ranging from 200m, or (usually four years). In this round, two year licensing options will be on less, to over 3000m.

EXPLORATION

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Trans Atlantic Research Initiative

EWEA Predicts a Strong European Market for Wind Turbines in 2010

The Government has announced details of a new transAtlantic research corroboration involving a range of Irish and Newfoundland-Labrador research institutes and private enterprise.

This two-year research project will use sophisticated computer modelling software to generate plate reconstruction models showing Irish and Canadian sedimentary basins in their original positions from millions of years ago when Ireland and Canada were near neighbours. By doing this it will be possible to identify areas in Ireland with similar geology that might be rich in petroleum too.

Irish Atlantic waters have traditionally been inhospitable areas for petroleum exploration.

Circa 150 wells have been drilled in the last 30 years with a less than 1 in 30 success ratio (discovery of commercial fields).

Yet, it is estimated that the area is likely to be rich in petroleum reserves. There are potential reserves of 10 billion gallons of oil equivalent (oil or gas) out there.

The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) forecasts that 10 gigawatt (GW) of new wind power capacity will be installed in the EU during this year, taking total installed capacity by the end of 2010 to almost 85 GW - an increase of 13%.

Last year – a record year for wind power installation – saw 10.163 GW of new wind power capacity installed, constituting 39% of all new power capacity installed in the EU that year.

Total installed wind power capacity by the end of 2009 was 74.767 GW. “We predict another strong year for wind turbine installations in Europe, repeating the high level achieved in 2009,” says Christian Kjaer, chief executive of EWEA. “What is encouraging is that, unlike in 2009, the 2010 results consist of orders placed after the start of the financial crisis. This shows continued and strong investor confidence in the technology.”

He adds: “It is too early to say whether, for a third year running, there will be more wind

energy capacity installed than any other electricity generating technology, but it is clear that wind energy will be competing for the top spot with new gas power plants.”

2010 will see more installations in offshore wind power, with up to 1 GW of new capacity expected to be installed during the year compared to 577 MW installed in 2009.

EWEA expects France and Italy to again install around 1 GW each in 2010. The projected decline in installations in Spain will be more than compensated for by a doubling of installations in the new member states – led by Romania and

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2010

Bulgaria - and significant growth in the UK, particularly offshore.

Germany is expected to be the largest market this year, closely followed by the UK.

Leading German Wind Energy Company to Establish Operation in Kerry Enercon, one of the largest manufacturers of wind turbines in the world, is to establish a technical services operation in Tralee, County Kerry, creating 30 new technical and management positions over the next two years. The move is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Founded in 1984, Enercon is the world’s leading supplier of direct driven wind turbines with 330kW to 7.5MW rated power and produces its own rotor blades, generators, towers and other components for its turbines: The company has installed 197 turbines with about 290 MW in Ireland. Main concentrations of turbines are in Kerry, Wexford and Donegal.

Enercon initially entered the Irish market 1998 and currently employs 30 technicians in three service stations to maintain and service its equipment. The com25

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P O I N T

RENEWABLE ENERGY

SEAI to Develop Ireland’s Ocean Energy Potential The Ocean Energy Development Unit (OEDU) of the Sustainable recognised globally. A national wave energy test site is an imporEnergy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has outlined plans to develop tant first step in this process, and we are committed to working a national wave energy test site off Annagh Head, west of closely with the local community in Belmullet on the developBelmullet, County Mayo. A full scale wave energy test site, if ment of these plans.” developed, will allow for the testing and demonstrating of new The site at Annagh Head was chosen as a result of the deep wave energy technologies and determine the potential for Ireland’s water with sandy sea bed close to the shore, the quality of the ocean resources to generate electricity. SEAI is wave climate and good shore infrastructure as well working with the Marine Institute and ESBI as proas proximity to extensive maritime infrastructure at ject partners for the proposed research site.

Killybegs. There will be three test areas; a near The purpose of the national wave energy test site shore area half a mile from land, a coastal area two at Belmullet is to provide a location for the tempomiles from land and a deep water test area seven rary mooring and deployment of wave energy miles from land. machines so that their performance in generating The OEDU is currently preparing an environelectricity and their survivability can be tested and mental study which will determine the effects of demonstrated in real open ocean conditions. It is the test site and its construction on local people, proposed for the site to operate for up to 15 years. marine and terrestrial wildlife and the environ“For the first time, we will have a national test ment. The results of the study will form part of an site which will allow us to determine the potential Environmental Impact Statement which will of ocean energy as a future source of renewable accompany an application to the Department of power, both for Ireland and for export to Europe,” the Environment for a Foreshore License. An applisays Professor Owen Lewis, chief executive of cation for planning permission will be lodged with SEAI. “While only a small number of jobs will be Mayo County Council by the end of 2010. If a created in the short term, there is a real potential favourable decision is issued in each case, it is for future jobs and investment through the devel- Professor Owen Lewis, chief anticipated that the site will be ready for testing the opment of an ocean energy industry, which will be executive of SEAI. first wave energy machine in 2012.

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ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2010

E N E R G Y

P O I N T

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Ireland Could be World’s Leading ‘Green Exporter’ by 2020

The IWEA has presented the Government with a blueprint for developing the Irish renewable energy sector.

The Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) has predicted that Ireland could be the world’s ‘leading green exporter’ in ten years if the right structures are put in place to support Ireland’s strategy to develop the Smart Economy. The IWEA has presented the Government with a blueprint for developing

the Irish renewable energy sector.

“The Government has correctly identified the huge opportunities that exist for Ireland in the development of the Smart Economy and, by putting the appropriate structures and an ambitious strategy in place, Ireland can be the world’s leading green exporter by 2020,” says IWEA chief executive Dr Michael Walsh. “In the simplest terms, such are the opportunities ahead for us that we can export as much renewable energy as we use by 2020. If generation capacity is met, we could export up to 5,000 MW of renewable energy generation in ten years, which will be more or less what we will require ourselves. These resources could generate an annual pany will now create an Irish headquarters in order to service Ireland and the UK, creating employment opportunities in technical and management roles.

ularly well-suited for operation in hot environments and combined heat and power (CHP) applications.

With the new system, which GE developed with specialists from ABB Turbo Systems, the J624 achieves approximately 10% higher output, increasing from 4 megawatts (MW) to 4.4 MW and offers an electrical efficiency of 46.5%.

Introduced by GE in 2007, the J624 is the world’s first 24cylinder gas engine for commercial power generation, used in various applications.

COMBINED HEAT & POWER

GE Launches World’s First Two-Stage Turbocharged Gas Engine Responding to growing global demand for high-efficiency power generation, GE has developed the world’s first two-stage turbocharged gas engine and is applying the technology to its Jenbacher J624 gas engine. The new engine provides significant output and efficiency increases compared to the single turbocharged version and is partic-

NUCLEAR ENERGY

43% of Irish People Feel Nuclear Energy Can Help Fight Climate Change - But Fears Over Safety From the findings of the latest Eurobarometer, Irish people increasingly feel developing nuclear energy is a solution to tackling climate change. Forty-

export value of over Eur2 billion for Ireland.”

The real opportunities for Ireland lie in the supply of advanced services to the ever growing global renewable market. “Ireland is leading the move from traditional methods of delivering energy to clean new sophisticated models. Already this year, there were days when we delivered over half of the power in Ireland from wind generators. As we grow this sector, we are developing knowledge and skills that the rest of the world will need in the coming decade.”

He continues: “By 2015 there will be over Eur1trilllion spent annually on the development of renewable energy, if we continue our leadership in research and innovation we will be supplying significant volumes of the high value expert services that this sector will require.”

IWEA believes that the development of the National Renewable Energy Action Plan is an essential step in ensuring that Ireland meets its international obligations under the Renewables Directive. It is also an opportunity to advance Ireland’s strategies for economic renewal and the developIWEA chief executive Dr Michael Walsh. ment of the smart economy. three percent agreed that nuclear power could limit global warming, an increase of 9% since 2006.

But people in Ireland continue to be wary of the dangers of nuclear power, with 53% of those polled fearing the risk of this energy source (close to the EU average of 52%). Irish people are also concerned about the disposal of nuclear waste, with 36% of those asked saying that it cannot be done in a safe manner (EU average 52%).

The Commission is launching a major public consultation on a possible proposal on the management of spent fuel and radioactive waste at EU level.

The Eurobarometer reveals low public knowledge concerning nuclear energy. * 74% of respondents don't feel well informed on the issue. * When asked 13% of Irish people thought that we were currently building a nuclear power station in Ireland. * 21% see nuclear power stations as the sole producer of nuclear waste (EU average 25%). * Only 39% of Irish people knew that a third of the electricity produced in the EU is

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2010

generated in nuclear stations.

Overall the survey shows that there is a small shift in attitude towards nuclear energy but people are still asking for more information on the topic.

It is up to the Member States to decide whether to use nuclear energy or not. At present, 15 out of 27 EU States have nuclear power plants, but there are only a few projects for final repositories for the most hazardous radioactive waste category.

The EU Commission will propose European legislation on radioactive waste management in the second half of 2010 and is currently conducting a public consultation on such a legislative proposal.

BIOFUELS

European Commission Sets Up System For Certifying Sustainable Biofuels The European Commission has decided to make sure that biofuels used in the EU are from sustainable sources. Member States have agreed on an overall EU target of 10% use of renewable energy in the transport sector, of which 6% to 9% must come 27

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P O O II N N T T P

WAVE ENERGY

Energia Rides New Wave of Renewable Energy Leading independent energy firm Energia is set to add wave power to a professor who specialised in ocean wave energy at the US Naval its 220 MW renewable energy portfolio in an initiative that strongly Academy. supports Ireland’s renewable energy development objectives. The “This exciting new deal with Ocean Energy Systems is a natural company has signed a preliminary off-take agreement (for the pur- step for Energia given our longstanding commitment to renewables. chase of electricity generated) with the pioneering US firm Ocean There is a massive role for new energy technologies such as this in Energy Systems (OES) whose Wave Energy meeting Ireland’s future energy needs,” Converter (WEC) uses wave energy to produce comments Tom Gillen, chief operating offielectricity. cer, Energia.

The off-take agreement has a potential value Energia already supplies many of Ireland’s of Eur1m annually for each WEC unit being leading public and private sector organisaconstructed for a 20 year operating life. The tions with green power including Marks & electricity will initially be generated from a Spencer, Bewley’s, Waterford City Council development test site off Belmullet, County and Cork City Council.

Mayo, where the Sustainable Energy Authority Through its renewable energy portfolio, of Ireland (SEAI) and OES are jointly developEnergia is eliminating over 350,000 tonnes of ing a Wave Energy Converter prototype. The carbon dioxide a year from the Irish atmosprototype will be capable of generating 12 phere – the equivalent of removing the emisPictured at the announcement are: Tom Gillen, sions of over 160,000, 1400 cc cars from our Megawatt Hours of electricity each day.

The new technology in the Wave Energy chief operations officer of Energia’s parent firm roads. In this way, Energia’s operations make Converter transforms the ocean’s wave motion Viridian Power & Energy; Eamon Ryan TD, a very strong contribution to carbon reducinto electricity using the McCabe Wave Pump Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural tion by its electricity customers. These figures articulated-barge coupled with a novel power Resources; and US Ambassador Dan Rooney. will increase significantly in the years ahead as take-off system. Powered by a swell of 2.5 further green projects come on stream. metre high waves for 8.5 secs, the WEC is capable of supplying 500 The company is a leading all-island player in the provision of kilowatts of electricity to the grid – enough to displace 380kg of renewable power. Following initial wind farm investments in 2003 CO2 from conventional generation. The power take-off technology in Derry, Energia currently has over 220 MW of operational windis being developed in the United States by Dr Michael McCormick, farms, and a further 400 MW in development. from biofuels.

The new proposal means that only biofuels which meet the special ‘certification’ scheme will count towards meeting the national targets. About 30% (2007) of the EU’s biodiesel comes from imports and most of that comes from the USA and Brazil. Campaigners have objected that developing countries will cut down their forests in order to grow biofuels to supply the lucrative EU market for renewables.

The European Commission’s move is designed to stop that happening. If agreed, the new rules would mean that the EU will not certify biofuels that come from land converted from forests, wetlands or nature protection areas, and that using them will not be counted in a country’s efforts to meet the targets set.

It also proposes that only biofuels with high yields and high efficiency can count and lays 28

down how this is calculated. The new scheme applies to all biofuels, home-grown and imported.

To meet the overall target for renewables, each country has agreed to national targets, set according to where they were in 2005. Ireland has to bring up its national use of renewables to 16%, across all energy sectors.

For biofuels in transport (2008), Ireland comes in at

1.6%, somewhat below the overall EU average of 3.4%.

Germany is in the lead with 6%, followed by France (5.7%), Austria (5.5%) and Sweden (5%).

The rules for certification schemes are part of a set of guidelines explaining how the Renewable Energy Directive, coming into effect in December 2010, should be implemented.

ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY MANAGEMENT, MAY/JUNE 2010

CLEAN ENERGY INVESTMENT

New GE Investment in Northern Ireland GE is expanding its business in Northern Ireland with investments that should deliver significant job growth over the next several years. The move will see GE add more than 100 new ‘clean energy’ jobs with support from Invest Northern Ireland, the region’s economic development agency.

GE’s investment will expand its Kelman electrical transformer monitoring business. GE acquired Kelman in 2008. A new asset monitoring and diagnostics service will see transformers at utilities around the world monitored from a centre in Northern Ireland. Thirty of the new jobs will be science or engineering degree graduates.