|
|
Inishowen project helps elephant grass grower
29.06.07
A Donegal business is
creating a supply of renewable energy from crops
grown in the county with the help of an Inishowen
based eco-project.
Energy Crops Ltd., is growing elephant grass (miscanthus)
and developing ways to ensure it can be used as
fuel.
“Energy Crops Ltd., was set up to develop and
commercialise the production and utilisation of
biomass,” said spokesman, Jimmy Scott. “This
involves the setting up of robust supply chains of
biomass and developing the logistics to ensure that
there is then a reliable demand for the fuel to be
used for heat and electricity generation.” |
 |
He added: “We have
brought together the expertise to manage and
organise both the demand side and the supply side of
the biomass business, in tandem with each other -
thus solving the classic ‘chicken or egg’ problem of
this rapidly developing industry."
Miscanthus is a perennial grass, which is an ideal
energy crop for combustion to generate heat and
electricity. |
The trial crop planted
in Donegal last year was one of the first such crops
to be planted in Ulster.
“The criteria for the ideal energy crop are high dry
matter yield, perennial growth, and efficient use of
nitrogen, water, other resources, together with pest
and disease resistance. Miscanthus satisfies these
criteria, and as a result is a crop that is
potentially both profitable and environmentally
friendly," said Letterkenny-based Mr. Scott.
Energy Crops Ltd., is working in association with
the Compares (Communication and Partnership for
Renewable Energy and Energy Saving) which is based
in Inishowen and co-ordinated by Inishowen Rural
Development Ltd., in association with Inis
Communications. |
|
