Forestry & Energy Review - Vol 1 Issue 1 Summer 2011

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FORESTRY INDUSTRY

EUCALYPTUS

SUSTAINABLE WOOD SUPPLY

HOME GROWN ENERGY

>> SEE PAGE 24

>> SEE PAGE 48

ANAEROBIC DIGESTION A FARM FUTURE? >> SEE PAGE 42

Forestry&Energy Volume 1 Issue 1 Summer 2011 Price €3.95. £2.95 (Stg)

R E V I E W

THE VOICE OF FORESTRY & RENEWABLE ENERGY

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C+f Energy

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Foreword/Contents/Credits

Forestry&Energy R E V I E W

Volume 1 Issue 1 Summer 2011

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Foreword

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elcome to the 1st Edition of Forestry and Energy Review Magazine.

The Irish Government has a strategic plan to increase the area under forestry in Ireland from 10% to 17% by the year 2030. A substantial proportion of this is in private ownership (44 %) primarily due to planting by 16,000 Farmers.This segment is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years.

Forestry is Ireland’s largest source of Biomass and second only to Wind Energy in terms of contribution to the Renewable Energy Sector. This sector currently provides employment for an estimated 22,000 people and is expected to increase over the coming years primarily in Rural areas.

This issue will cover a selection of key topics which include an Overview of the Forestry Industry by Henry Philips, while Tim Clarke explores the Future for Farm Digesters in Ireland.

Also the logistical problems in the demand for raw material by Frances McHugh of Teagasc.

This edition also offers a series of profiles and case studies from SWS Forestry, Green Belt Ltd, C&F Green Energy, The Western Development Commission and D-Plant Horticulture.

We would like to thank the following people whose assistance was invaluable in the compilation of this publication.

Michael Davoren, Paddy Donovan and Dr Nuala Ní Fhlatharta who’s advice was freely given and gratefully received.

We trust you enjoy reading this new publication which will aim to provide a voice for the Forestry and Energy sectors.

You can also download this edition electronically to your computer, iPad and smartphone.

Simply type in the following url: www.selectmedialtd.com/feremag.html

24 FOREST INDUSTRY – SUSTAINABLE WOODSUPPLY Henry Philips provides an overview of the Forestry sector.

28 FINDING A WAY FORWARD IN COOPERATION WITH TEAGASC

By Frances McHugh.

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42 IS THERE A FUTURE FOR FARM DIGESTERS IN IRELAND? It is widely appreciated that anaerobic digestion (AD) has great potential to provide a variety of environmental benefits and solutions to waste problems on a local and national level, writes Tim Clarke.

48 EUCALYPTUS – HOME GROWN ENERGY D-Plant Horticulture offers some practical advice on Eucalyptus.

Profiles/Case Studies 46

30 SWS FORESTRY– PIONEERING THE WAY FORWARD SWS Forestry Services evolved from the Western cooperative society which started out as an agricultural services company and was set up in 1957, writes Padraig Egan.

32 THE WESTERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (WDC)

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The Western Development Commission (WDC) actively supports the development of the bioenergy sector in the Western Region (counties of Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Galway and Clare).

36 GREEN BELT LTD Since 1982, Green Belt Ltd has facilitated investment in Forestry, enabling thousands of Farmers and a diverse array of investors to benefit.

46 C&F GREEN ENERGY

Until the next time………

C&F Green Energy is a world leading manufacturer of small and medium sized wind turbines with a mission to make wind energy affordable and accessible to everyone.

The Publishers Forestry & Energy Review Publishers: Denis Lane and Robert Heuston Enquiries: Editorial: Denis Lane Advertising: James Small Design: John Barrett Production: Emma Meade

Features

Contributors: Henry Philips Frances McHugh (Teagasc) Tim Clarke Distribution: Easons,Newspread,WNS

Published by: Select Media Ltd, 19 Clare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Tel. + 353 1 6622266 Fax. + 353 1 6624981 Email. info@selectmedialtd.com

All material contained in this edition is copyright of Forestry and Energy Review 2011 and may not be reproduced or electronically stored without the permission of the publisher. However items may be freely reproduced provided the source is acknowledged. Content and views expressed in the publication do not necessarily represent those of the publishers.

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS

FORESTRY TRAINING AND EDUCATION IRELAND (FTEI)

FTEI, with the assistance of the Forest Service has been charged with encouraging and supporting the provision of Forestry Education and Skills training.

TEI was set up in 2007 to advance training and education in forestry; to ensure the availability and delivery of suitable forestry training and education programmes;to promote,encourage,guide and cooperate in forestry training and education;and to develop a long term sustainable plan for the provision of training and education in forestry. FTEI has Board members from the various sectors within forestry, representing both education and skill training requirers and providers.

Due to the economic downturn and financial constraints under which the government operated during 2009, the funding received from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food was reduced compared to that agreed in the previous year. However, strict financial controls

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and cost saving measures allowed us to spend a large proportion of this funding on the skills training programme and reduced the running cost of the Company. Given this reduction in the funding in 2009, and a further reduction in 2010,it became essential that clear and transparent training needs prioritisation procedures were developed, to ensure that the funding goes towards those areas where the greatest benefit/cost ratios can be found.These benefits can include: improved health and safety; training of new entrants with a guarantee of employment; training of students to allow them to get experience in the sector; and refresher training and broadening the skills of current employees.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION NEEDS ANALYSIS FOR THE FORESTRY SECTOR In late 2010, the Board of FTEI agreed that an analysis of the education and skills requirements of the forestry sector was vital to identify priorities and to develop a plan for the future.The Training and Education Needs Analysis (TENA) has been completed by June 2011 and has been made public through FTEI’s website (www.ftei.ie) and forestry sector channels.

In broad terms the TENA objectives were as follows: • Present a concise historical report on forestry education and skills training since the foundation of the state.

•Describe the structure and state of forestry education and skills training in Ireland today.

•Develop scenarios on how Irish forestry will develop over the next 10 years and broadly identify the education and training needs..

•Prioritise the short to medium term education and training needs.

•Look at forestry education in other countries for good models appropriate to Ireland.

•Identify how the existing education and training structure best serve future needs and what changes or innovations may be required.

•Identify what encouragements and supports will be required to ensure that forestry education and skills training meet the needs and full potential of Irish forestry.

Over the next few months FTEI will develop an implementation plan, with costs and priorities assigned, setting out how the issues identified in the Analysis can be addressed in the best and most cost effective way.

FTEI are committed to implement the recommendations from the Analysis and to look for support from all stakeholders in the sector to make its vision a reality.

For further information visit the website www.ftei.ie

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS

JOHN DEERE EQUIPMENT-MONITORING TECHNOLOGY MAXIMIZES CUT-TO-LENGTH EQUIPMENT EARNING POTENTIAL igh productivity is a must in mechanized logging business.The priorities of John Deere forest machines design have always been high productivity, high uptime rate, and low daily operating costs.This is also our promise to customers: the success and profitability of an equipment owner are a matter of honor for us.

John Deere invests more money in product development than any other forest machine manufacturer.Two of our recent product innovations are E-Series forest machines,the efficiency of which benefits forest machine owners all over the world and TimberLink™ - a unique system designed to monitor the performance and condition of forest machine.The system makes it possible to monitor the productivity, fuel efficiency, and The four models in the E-Series harvester family include the 1070E, technical condition of John Deere D and E-Series harvesters and E-Series 1170E, 1270E and the 1470E.The E-Series’ six forwarders are the 810E, forwarders.

1010E, 1110E, 1210E, 1510E and 1910E. The completely new automation, and the rotating and leveling cab with a related boom following function in the E-Series and especially the better adjustable control systems contribute to an increase in productivity.

For more details on sales and service please contact: John Deere Forestry Ltd, Ballyknocken, Glenealy, Co Wicklow.

Tel: 040444969 www.johndeere.ie Or contact: Ed Power on Tel: 0872542570

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS

OREGON A CUT ABOVE THE REST regon’s innovative cutting products incorporate the latest developments in cutting performance and safety. Oregon specialise in cutting equipment, particularly in forest and garden areas and are the market leader in chain for chainsaws and nylon for strimmers. Liffey Distributors, located in Ballycoolin Business Park, Blanchardstown are the only suppliers of the Oregon cutting technology in Ireland.

Since the development of the first chipper chains more than 50 years ago, OREGON® has been at the forefront of cutting systems technology. OREGON® has constantly brought new innovative products to the market incorporating the latest developments in cutting performance and safety, notably cutting chains featuring low kickback energies, reduced vibration, narrow kerf and enhanced lubrication features. OREGON® is truly a world wide operation with did and still do, manufacture every bar, sprocket and chain for the plants in Portland, Oregon USA, Guelph, Ontario, Canada and Curitiba Husqvarna Group, which means that every Partner, Poulan, McCullough, nr. São Paolo in Brazil and Distribution Centers in Tokyo-Japan, Jonsered and Husqvarna chainsaw comes fitted with an Oregon bar, Moscow-Russia,Tewkesbury-United Kingdom,Tübingen-Germany, chain and sprocket as original equipment. Oregon also produce product Lyon-France, Varberg-Sweden and Mont-Saint-Guibert/Courcelles- for every other Chain Saw manufacturer in the World.

Belgium.

For further information on Liffey Distributors, please contact: Liffey Distributors, exclusive distributors of Husqvarna Forest, Garden Liffey Distributors Limited and Construction products, Flymo, Poulan, Gardena, Jonsered, Partner 309 Northwest Business Park, and McCullogh all use Oregon bars, chains and sprockets as original Ballycoolin, equipment parts.This year at the National Ploughing Championships Dublin 15, in Athy, Liffey Distributors are demonstrating a selection of the Oregon Ireland. range. In 1947, Oregon invented modern saw chain and since then, Tel: 01-8242600 have been setting the standards for professional saw chain. Oregon www.husqvarna.ie

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THE GRAINGER GROUP

TIMBER PROCESSING FACILITY stablished in 1977, the Grainger Group timber processing facility is located on a 20 acre site in Enniskeane, Co Cork.The company is one of Ireland’s largest and most technologically developed sawmills and 3 has an annual production capacity of 132,000 m and employs 92 people directly and a further 148 people indirectly.

The Group manufactures softwood products for the construction, fencing and packaging industries in both home and export markets. It has also developed long term export markets for forest residues and sawmill coproducts. Grainger’s have invested in new technology to increase operating efficiencies and develop markets for higher added value wood products. In line with the strategy of maximizing the value of sawn products investment in added value facilities for Kiln Drying, Machining and Timber Treatment has taken place.Grainger’s have Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accreditation for all its products.

In 2005 the Group constructed Ireland’s first large scale commercial Biomass CHP plant which was designed around the Sawmill’s heat requirements.The plant uses wood co-products such as sawdust, bark and woodchips, together with forest thinnings, to generate electricity and heat for timber drying.As a result all the hot water necessary for kiln drying timber is now produced on site, while the plant’s output of renewable electricity is sold to the National Grid.

The CHP plant is designed to ensure a highly efficient combustion process with flue gas emissions below the most stringent limits.

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS

NARROW BAND SAWMILLING IDEAS FIT ‘INTERESTING TIMES’ AT LIGNA

arrow blade thin-kerf sawing pioneer Wood-Mizer demonstrated its machines at Ligna, the big forestry and timber fair in Hannover recently. Demos’ of band sawmills for small and medium businesses, improved small log processing and, notably, a mill cutting logs up to 1.7 metres diameter were included.

sawmills with small LT10 mills plus a slightly larger LT15 with power feed and 'Setworks'.

For building sector sawyers a moulder-planer on LT10 or LT15 beds produced planed and profiled beams and boards, with power feed and 'Setworks' added.

A small-to-medium LT20B mill on a segmented bed demonstrated 'ORANGE' BUSINESS IDEAS affordable, increased production.The bed extends, so two or more short Small businesses adapt quicker during economic uncertainty, meeting logs loaded end-to-end were cut in a single pass.A small horizontal customer needs, identifying savings and opening niche markets. resaw demonstrated conversion of short logs into palletwood.

Supporting them, Wood-Mizer demonstrated its ‘Orange’ range

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PRODUCTIVITY BOOST

Wood-Mizer’s mid-range LT40 'workhorse' with an Edger/Multirip showed increased productivity.The edger has one fixed and one moveable blade, adjustable for optimum yield or tailored widths.

Two lasers showed line of cut and smooth material feed.The Edger converts into a Multirip with up to five blades.

MOBILITY ENHANCEMENTS Most 'Orange' Wood-Mizer mills can be in mobile mode, towed to customers’ log piles eliminating transportation costs.At Ligna such machines were represented by Wood-Mizer's semi-industrial LT70 with 42hp diesel engine. Sawing starts 10-15 minutes from arrival.

Modern palletwood production improved An enhanced, sustainable small log processing set-up converted normally non-commercial wood into palletwood. It comprised a twin vertical saw equipped with a new 'spiky' chain system to ease material feed, followed by a single vertical saw and a twin-head horizontal resaw.The log feed eases handling tricky logs, increasing efficiency by enabling logs to be fed butt-to-butt through the line.

Large boards from new, high-powered sawmill.Wood-Mizer now brings thin-kerf sawing to difficult, bulky logs, with its new WM1000 sawmill.Aimed at Asian and African markets for dense tropical hardwoods but equally suitable with large temperate hardwood and softwood, it provides an affordable, productive solution to high quality, low waste processing of large logs.The headrig runs 5075mm wide blades, taking Wood-Mizer into 'wide band' markets for the first time.

EXPERT IN NARROW BLADES Wood-Mizer is the sole sawmill manufacturer manufacturing its own blades.An authority in narrow band thin-kerf blade production designed for optimum cutting on its own and other sawmill makes, Wood-Mizer showed ranges of blades, including new width and thickness specifications.

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS

LARGE GOES BIG ON FIREWOOD

t’s that time of year again. With the ever-increasing price of oil heating fuel it would seem that more people are turning their thoughts to Wood Fire Heating Systems. Many are installing wood gasification boilers and wood burning stoves etc. Up to now firewood was seen as the poor relation when it came to fuel but not any more.The demand for wood fuel is very much on the up with no end in sight. In keeping with this the machinery to produce firewood has progressed over the years with increased and easier production.

When it comes to machines to produce firewood M Large Tree Services Ltd are no strangers to the business. They have ten years experience of importing and distributing the market leader Hakki Pilke range of Finnish manufactured firewood processors throughout the UK and Ireland.

With selling firewood processing equipment it was a natural progression for the company to source and supply the Atmos The Hakki Pilke range is quite comprehensive. Starting with a PTO-drive machine at just over £1,300.00 that will saw and split range of wood gasification boilers and Akvaterm hot water storage firewood up to 10” diameter, which is very popular with farmers, tanks, with boilers ranging from 18kw-100kw and running at 95% right up to equipment designed for high output commercial users efficiency.This makes for a fantastic cost-effective alternative for domestic and commercial home heating with a starting price of with a price tag of £26k+.

With an indication as to where to M Large Tree Services Ltd is only £995 for immediate delivery.

Finally, for those who just need a good old fashioned log splitter, heading they have placed their biggest order to date in the past with 200 in stock from electric, petrol and tractor powered there week with Maaselan Kone which will comprising over 160 machines. has to be one to suit.

Along with processed firewood, biomass woodchip fuel is also becoming more popular. Again M Large Tree Services Ltd. stock M.LARGE TREE SERVICE “Coolewell” Telephone: 02890342838 and supply the Farmi range of PTO-drive woodchippers from a Fax: 02890837377 simple Farmi CH160 6” diameter to a top of the range CH380 15” Church Road Newtownabbey www.mlarge.com diameter chipper designed and built with top grade biomass woodchip BT36 6DH in mind.

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

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WOODPECKER ENVIRONMENTAL LTD PRODUCT LINE-UP 2011 e at Woodpecker Environmental would like to take this opportunity to introduce the all new Schliesing 175MX wood chipper, based on the proven 200MX it has been totally re-designed to take class B driving licence into mind, at a weight of less than 750kg it still retains the 16cm x 240mm infeed with the reliable Kubota 22kw/28hp engine and all of the qualities of the proven Schliesing machine.The all new 175MX 750kg is sure to be a true competitor with the Schliesing patented power grip feed roller system and will be available from August 2011.

We would also like to introduce the line-up of machines for 2011 from the German manufacturer – The New 175MX, the proven 235MX, the more powerful 300MX. The 350EX, 480 and 500 all with turntables and single or twin axle options and finally the mighty 550MX with the Kubota 100hp engine and Turbomatic clutch system. All above machines are also available with PTO drive option listed as ZX machines to be driven with tractors from 30-300hp.

The 235MXT and 300MXT (track driven options) are also available in both fixed and height adjustable chassis’s for operating on gradience.Amongst the features on the machines are fully galvanised chassis’s, discharge chutes fitted with ball bearing swivel bases and a folding discharge chute for easy storage of the machine.

Many machines are fitted as standard with Powergrip top feed

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rollers and a Power control system.The optional Schliesing Whispercut system reduces stress on the machine by around 40% and also reduces noise levels by up to 30%. Moving with the market trends, Schliesing offers a range of forestry machines fitted with cranes and grabs.

For further information contact: Woodpecker Environmental Ltd, Glenview, Boranaraltry Lane, Glencullen, Dublin 18.

Tel: +353 01 2950646. Mob: +353 87 133 4000/+353 86 818 1636.

Email: info@woodpeckerenv.ie or Web:www.woodpeckerenv.ie

FLI WINS €35 MILLION CONTRACT TO BUILD BIOGAS PLANTS IN THE UK AND IRELAND LI Energy, part of the FLI Group, the Waterford-based international and diversified environmental services company, has secured a €35 million contract to construct a number of anaerobic digestion plants in the UK and Ireland which will use food, agricultural and other organic waste to generate gas, electricity and heat.

Under the terms of the new contract, FLI becomes the sole supplier to Envar, part of the ADAS Group, a former UK semi-state with over 60 years experience in the agriculture and biomass sectors.

FLI Energy has offices at Letchworth Hertfordshire and specialises in energy generation from organic materials by anaerobic digestion and biogas technologies digesting food waste as well as industrial and agricultural by-products. FLI Energy will provide Envar with the full ‘turn-key’ package for all of its anaerobic digestion plants, working in conjunction with its technology partners HoSt BV, Holland and UKbased specialist consultants and contractors together with FLI’s inhouse resources.

“The projects we will undertake span the full range from mediumsized plants on farms to high-end plants digesting food waste with complex waste reception and pre-treatment systems with annual throughput capacities of 25,000 to 60,000 tonnes,” according to Micheal Geary, FLI Energy’s business development director.

“Envar appraised more than 60 companies before selecting FLI. Our proven technology, good geographic spread and after sales service were the determining factors in our success,” added Mr Geary.

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS Choice Heating Solutions MacMACHINERY OFFERING ith spiralling fuel costs we have to look at alternatives to heat our premises in a cost effective way.As a leader in the industry, Choice Heating Solutions Ltd (CHS) has recently launched the award winning Central boilers to their existing product range.

The E-Classic outdoor wood gasification boiler uses a three stage combustion process which shatters virtually every preconceived notion about emissions and efficiencies of wood heating.The E-Classic produces extremely low emission per kilowatt of heat delivered and has an efficiency rating of 97%.These boilers are a self contained unit which can be located outside eliminating the dangers and mess associated with traditional indoor wood boilers.This attractive weatherproof alternative can be easily integrated to existing systems and has the ability to heat multiple buildings, pools and domestic hot water.The huge fire box reduces the need for frequent loading and the highly insulated large capacity water jacket ensures a constant and even delivery of heat when required.

CHS provides a unique platform of customised packages of alternative energy solutions, ranging from initial consultancy and design right through to installation for those interested in lowering their costs and carbon footprint.Their network provides a vital service of technical support and after sales backup to installers and end users. CHS have been involved in the design,implementation and management of high efficient and cost cutting “green” projects in both large scale companies to small scale domestic with short to medium term payback periods.

CHS can be contacted by email:choiceheating@eircom.net

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THE RIGHT MACHINE IN THE RIGHT APPLICATION

n the existing market in Ireland, many clients are now examining the possibility of producing Biomass fuel from waste wood products and left over materials in the forest. MacMachinery examine each application separately, whether it is log handling, chip production, biomass from waste wood, miscanthus shredding.

Doppstadt and Neuenhauser offer a comprehensive range of chippers, shredders, and screens for all types of wood applications.

Clients are now requesting various different sizes of material from the already produced chip.This is turn requires MacMachinery to have availability of all types of screens to suit the clients specification.

Doppstadt have supplied Starwood, the biggest MDF and particle board manufacturer in Turkey a new Doppstadt precision chipper DH 910.The materials to be chipped mainly are materials which in the past were difficult to process.

Sennebogen manufacture one of the broadest range of material handlers in Europe. In the last few months MacMachinery have delivered a new 735 Log Handler to a large sawmill in Ireland.

The client mentions ‘In a cost/unit driven market the 735 has greater fuel efficiency than most other machines’.

MacMachinery putting ‘the right machine in the right application’ For further information please contact: Tel +353 749156708 or www.macmachinery.com

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WOODCHIPPING THE WAY FORWARD n the last 4 years the woodchipper market has changed; very rarely It is only when an accident occurs and the law are involved that is there a call for woodchippers to chip over 200mm (8” throughput problems will arise.To achieve the goal of staying under 750kgs and capacity).Why would there be,with people looking to burn timber in all giving Tree Surgeons what is currently required and into the future, guises;logs,drychip,reconstituted logs and strogs. required a lot of head scratching, the brief was simple on paper but I have always felt we would eventually lean in this direction once petro has taken 4 years to achieve and develop. products became expensive or scarce.This is also why it was necessary to develop the mid-range woodchipper s to professional status (up to 190mm, TO OUTLINE, THE REQUIREMENTS WERE AS FOLLOWS: which is more than enough when hand-feeding a machine.We go with the • Weight restrictions max 750 kgs consensus that machines above this capacity should be grab-fed and,even • Ability to chip up to 160mm round more importantly,with young tree surgeons coming into this industry,and • Vertical rollers hence no sluing of material on input most of them after spending years getting their climbing, chainsaw, and • Over-run and parking brake, for safety on the road as standard woodchopper papers in place,they will more than likely have only acquired • Approx 8 to 10 mt throw of material a “B”licence.This means that they are limited to towing a maximum of 750kgs. • 360 degree turntable as standard This puts pressure on larger Tree Surgery companies with a number of crews, • Homologated chassis, to keep ahead of 2010 legislation as each crew is required to have at least one member who holds a “C”licence. • Fold down 280 degree discharge chutes,safety when travelling & storing • Can use straight or disc blades for chipping • Easy to maintain

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So has this been achieved?

The answer is yes.Greenmech are now manufacturing the Quadchip 160 road-tow and you can find out more and see it in action on our website, www.treacymowers.ie or please call Owen at Treacy Mowers on 01 8377240 to arrange for further information.

The future has arrived.

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS

HUGE INTEREST IN SMALL SCALE TIMBER HARVESTING OPTIONS IN KERRY

lmost 400 people attended a National Demonstration of Small Scale Harvesting, Extraction and Timber Processing which took place in Knocknagoshel, Co. Kerry recently. This annual event, organised by Teagasc, in conjunction with the Forest Service, highlighted the benefits of forest thinning on crop quality and value.The demonstration focused on practical, workable solutions to help optimise the returns for owners of small conifer and broadleaf forests.

While most of the felling and extracting in Irish forestry is carried out by harvesters and forwarders, a minimum volume of timber is required to justify the transport and use of such large and expensive machinery.The demonstration presented a range of other options for owners of small forests to manage and thin their crops. A variety of timber harvesting, extraction and processing contractors shared their expertise with those attending on the day.

Machines on view included tractors with forwarding trailer and mini trailer, excavators with harvesting head and timber grab, quad and a tracked dumper operating a winch system.The fuelwood section of the event included demonstrations of firewood processing, wood chipping and log gasification boilers. A common feature throughout the day was the importance of safety. A working forest

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CHECK FIRE RISK IN YOUR AREA Met Éireann's Fire Weather Index can now be consulted on the Teagasc Forestry website www.teagasc.ie/forestry.

This Index provides information on the fire risk in different areas throughout Ireland taking into account current and past weather conditions.

It also provides a forecast index for five days ahead.Teagasc Forestry gratefully acknowledges the assistance provided by Met Éireann.

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can be a dangerous place and safety in operation is paramount.Arthur Kierans of Teagasc, Ballyhaise College, explained the safe use of chainsaws to visitors as well as the need for training.

Visitors were also shown the difference thinning can make when done correctly. Staff from the Teagasc Forestry Development Department and the Forest Service were on hand to demonstrate the marking of quality trees while removing inferior competitors in the ash woodland.

Speaking at the event,Tom Shanahan,Teagasc Regional Manager expressed his satisfaction at the great level of interest in forest management and thinning, reflected by the large attendance on the day.Tom Houlihan,Teagasc Forestry Development Officer,expressed hope that the day would focus minds on the real opportunities that exist within the private forestry sector at a time when both the demand and price for thinning products continue to be strong.There are an estimated 5,000 hectares of forests due to be thinned in 2011 and achieving this would not only enhance the long-term quality and value of plantations, but could potentially put almost €2.5 million directly into farmers pockets, helping to stimulate much needed employment and local enterprise.

Visit www.teagasc.ie/forestry for further details.

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS HEAT ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES FOR FARM FORESTRY HIGHLIGHTED AT BIOENERGY ‘11

ocal farmers can be the heat suppliers of the future by pooling their resources together, and to achieve this Teagasc is supporting several timber producer groups who are already operating nationwide.

That was the message from Frances McHugh,Teagasc forestry adviser, speaking at Bioenergy ‘11 in Johnstown Castle on Thursday 16th June.

The Bioenergy 2011 event is jointly organised by Teagasc, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and COFORD, and combines an indoor conference in the morning with field trips in the afternoon.

The conference delegates visit an ash forest in Johnstown Castle where thinning techniques, wood chipping and firewood processing are being demonstrated.At the morning conference, Dr Mary Kelly, Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) welcomed delegates to the EPA headquarters in Johnstown Castle where delegates were invited to watch a delivery of locally supplied wood chip to the biomass boiler which heats the building.

Forestry consultant Henry Phillips highlighted the increase in demand for timber, partly due to EU renewable targets, against

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the shortfall in timber supply that is likely to arise by 2020.The importance of mobilising the private sector to thin their forests was a strong theme among the speakers.Teagasc Director, Professor Gerry Boyle,Teagasc said at the conference:“We believe that the rapid expansion of the wood energy sector in Ireland will be beneficial to more than 15,000 farmers who developed a farm forest enterprise. Bioenergy 2011 showcases the potential of wood energy as an alternative and important outlet for thinnings.”

Speaking at the conference,Teagasc forestry researcher, Dr Joanne Fitzgerald explained how GIS techniques can be used to develop a cluster-based approach to identify where the private forest resources exist in relation to the location of heat users.

The COFORD funded “Supplychip” project will also assess the level of access currently present in private forests in the study area. Dr. Fitzgerald said:“The presence or absence of road access is one of the most critical factors that determine whether a forest is likely to be thinned or not.”

Visit www.teagasc.ie/forestry for further details.

Grass and weeds can be controlled either mechanically (trampling, TEAGASC FOREST MANAGEMENT TIPS cutting or mulching) or by chemical methods.Trampling and Formative shaping Formative shaping is the process of removing forks in order to produce long straight lengths of timber for sale to high value markets. It is easier and cheaper to shape when branches are young. It is not necessary to remove light side branches: only remove branches that may cause a defect.

When removing a fork or branch, do not damage the branch collar.

A correct cut is made just outside the branch collar without leaving a peg. Shaping may need to be repeated until the main stem is up to 6 metres in length.The optimal timing for shaping is June to July or mid-winter. Do not shape during spring or autumn.

Vegetation control Trees will grow better on fertile sites but so will grass and weeds.

Now is the crucial time to address the issue of vegetation control in young forests.Young broadleaved trees in particular will benefit from effective vegetation control.

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cutting are fire brigade actions and only prevent the trees from being smothered. Cutting actually increases the trees’ need for moisture and nutrients and cannot be recommended.

Grass and weeds can be controlled efficiently using herbicides.

It is important to read the instructions carefully before use.

Contact your local forestry development officer for more detailed management tips or download technical information leaflets from www.teagasc.ie/forestry.

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NEWS Pöstal Biomass Trade Centre in Austria

Wood Fuel Quality Assurance The Wood Fuel Quality Assurance Scheme (WFQAS) was set up in 2009-10 to enhance and certify the supply of quality wood fuels in Ireland.

Administered by the NSAI and IrBEA, and supported by DAFF and SEAI the scheme has three certified suppliers to date, Rural Generation who supply certified wood chip, Forest Fuels Ltd who supply certified wood logs (Hot Logs) and D-Pellet who supply certified wood pellets.

There are currently 7 companies undergoing certification and many more in the pre application stage. Every successful applicant is given their own personalised version of the WFQA quality stamp which they can place on bags, trucks, website, leaflets etc...etc...“We aim to promote the quality stamp to all wood fuel users – with customers gaining awareness and confidence in stamped produce we can ensure the wood fuels will be seen as a reputable and reliable fuel source.”

The WFQAS is backed up by NSAI who audit suppliers and Waterford Institute of Technology who test the wood fuels for quality. The scheme is designed to be flexible to customer demands,for example and

industrial user of wood chip may want a product with over 45% moisture, however a smaller domestic boiler may require less than 20% moisture.

Biomass Trade Centres 2 On May 1st, IrBEA started a new and very exciting project called Biomass Trade Centres 2.The project is run in conjunction with 11 other European Partners spread across 9 EU countries and is funded

by Intelligent Energy Europe.The project aims to promote the development of biomass supply chains – and to assist in setting up Biomass Trade Centres (BTC’s).The BTC’s are basically a trading hub, often Co-Op owned which buy raw timber products (thinnings, coppice, etc...) and then process them into salable wood chip or logs.

The BTC then sells the fuel onto the user.

The projects predecessor (Biomass Trade Centres) was very successful with 11 BTCs built (and 5 more under construction) across Austria, Slovenia and Italy.

IrBEA and its European partners will be drawing up a library of reference material for the industry, including manuals on setting up trade centres, quality assurance manuals (which fits in very well with the WFQAS), technical manuals on fuel production drying and storage, technical manuals on growing and sourcing raw material (everything from Forest residues to coppiced willow).

IrBEA have already started meeting interested parties, from potential fuel suppliers to large energy users who can underpin an entire BTC.They will also be holding number of workshops and training events as well as a partially funded visit for 10 interested participants to Austrian trade centres late in 2012.

IrBEA has promoted bioenergy in Ireland since 1999, its main areas of interest are Anaerobic Digestion, Biomass (e.g. wood) fuels and BioFuels (BioDiesel and Ethanol) www.irbea.org Every successful applicant is giver their own personalized version of the WFQA stamp (See Below)

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NEWS

TEAGASC’S SUPPLYCHIP PROJECT

ince the introduction of forestry grants in 1989, over 230,000 hectares of privately owned forests have been planted in Ireland.

Much of this forest area is at, or approaching an age where thinning needs to be considered. However, only a small proportion of these forest stands have been thinned to date.

With the introduction of EU directive, 2009/28/EC, 16% of Ireland’s total energy consumption is required to come from renewable resources by 2020. Also, by 2015, there is a target to cofire 30% biomass with peat at each of the three midlands peat-fuelled power stations. Forest thinnings are one obvious contributory source towards meeting these targets.

“SUPPLYCHIP” is a COFORD funded project which aims to examine and address these issues.The key aim of SUPPLYCHIP is to address

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the potential of high geographic concentrations of forestry as renewable raw material for the wood energy sector.The study focuses on the area around Ballaghaderreen in Co. Roscommon.

This area was identified as an area of high forest density in the “CLUSTER” project.

This research will generate a wood energy forecast based on timber assortments and rank forestry plantations based on the ease and cost of harvesting. Roading infrastructure requirements are of particular interest, with both internal and external roading being considered.The research will develop a template for the assessment of wood energy potential within areas of high forest density and put in place a system to enable the coordination of a supply chain for a major end user.

For further information on this project, visit www.teagasc.ie/forestry/research/projects/supplychip.asp.

TREE SHEARS V CHAIN SAW

ith so many sites using 360 excavators to rehandle timber once felled by chainsaw, it seems like a natural progression to get the excavator to do the whole job with a robust Tree Shear attachment.

The numerous advantages over chain saw felling include the reduced noise, one man being able to do the work of at least 6 men and of course the much safer control of the tree. The ability to place the felled trees where you really want them speeds up the job especially where you have to clear an uneven or immature tree crop or indeed where there are services, roads and waterways nearby.

Dymax Tree Shears lead the way with their well proven and robust design, offering models to suit all excavators from 5t to 25t and for medium to large skidsteers as well.

Practicality Brown Ltd are the European Agent for Dymax and have a sales and service agent based in Ireland.

For further information please check out the following website: www.treeshears.co.uk

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FOREST INDUSTRY – SUSTAINABLE WOOD SUPPLY

FOREST INDUSTRY

SUSTAINABLE WOODSUPPLY Henry Philips provides an overview of the Forestry Industry.

scheme (FEPS).The main potential economic benefits were seen to In 1996, the Government published Growing for the Future, an arise primarily from the production of timber.The strategic plan concluded that, in order to reach a scale of timber production large ambitious strategy for the development of the forestry sector in enough to support a range of processing industries, the national Ireland to 2035 which was formulated in the context of increasing forest estate would need to increase to 1.2 million ha (17% of total awareness of the environmental and social values of forestry, a land area) by 2030. Other goals included (a) market development, decreasing ownership role of the State throughout Europe and particularly for small diameter roundwood, (b) appropriate management developing regional and global regulatory frameworks for forestry. of the existing forest resource and (c) improved supply chain efficiencies Against this background and recognising Ireland’s low percentage forest cover and ongoing reforms within the agricultural sector, the in the private forestry sector.

Progress towards the achievement of 17% forest cover has proved main objective was defined as: challenging.At the end of 2010, some 169,000 ha had been planted To develop forestry to a scale and in a manner which maximises its with afforestation averaging only 52% of target and a cumulative contribution to national economic and social well being on a sustainable shortfall of 155,000 ha (Figure 1).This underachievement, coupled basis and which is compatible with the protection of the environment. with the almost 50% private share of forest cover, presents two Despite recognition of the importance of environmental sustainability, major challenges to the future growth and sustainable development the potential environmental benefits of forestry were not given a of the entire forest sector including sawmills, panel mills and the particularly high priority in the strategy although this position has emerging wood energy sectors: changed particularly within the past number of years with the

INTRODUCTION

introduction of a suite of environmental guidelines, increased requirement for broadleaves and the Forest Environment Protection

1 How to leverage roundwood supply from private forests; and 2 How to avoid ensure long term sustainable supply of roundwood.

Up until now, the State has focused its support for forestry almost exclusively on the afforestation programme and ignored any direct link between the level of support being given and the future management of plantations.The rationale behind afforestation included our competitive advantage in timber production with above average growth rates providing a sustainable supply of raw material for industry thereby creating employment in rural areas. If these supplies fail to materialise or come to market in an unplanned and by implication an unsustainable manner, then the State’s investment will not have delivered on its full potential and the growing and processing sectors will suffer.

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FOREST INDUSTRY – SUSTAINABLE WOOD SUPPLY

FUTURE ROUNDWOOD SUPPLY FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR One of the major areas where there is little or no knowledge is what type of management regime forest owners plan to implement.

In many European countries there is a long standing legal requirement for comprehensive ten year forest management plans (FMPs) encompassing (a) review of the previous plan, (b) field survey and inventory data, (c) management prescriptions and (d) estimates of growing stock and annual allowable cut.There is no such requirement in Ireland instead we have a system whereby payment of the 11th and subsequent premiums is conditional on the submission of an over-simplistic tickbox type plan.These plans when submitted to the Forest Service are not entered into any information system, are not enforceable and lack any national standard for their compilation making their use to estimate future supplies or infrastructure requirements (roading and harvesting) utterly useless.

The private sector geospatial forecast (Phillips et al 2009) and the recently completed All Ireland roundwood production forecast (Phillips, 2011) highlight industry concerns regarding information on private forests including their accessibility, timber quality (especially broadleaves) and future management principally if and how often they will be thinned.Volumes available within the republic of Ireland (ROI) will almost double increasing from 3.35 million m3 in 2011 to 6.41 million m3 in 2028 (Figure 2).Almost all of this increase is due to come from the private sector. Despite this increase in volume, the COFORD Wood Supply and Demand Group reports show a significant shortfall between projected timber supply and wood fibre demand especially for wood energy by the year 2020.

The forest processing industry and emerging wood energy sector require reliable forecast information to underpin any future investment decisions. Currently there are a number of major projects in the planning stage but due in part to the uncertainty regarding the security of private sector supply, may never materialise.

Although good progress has been made in forecasting, the lack of information on owners’ intentions represents a major shortcoming that can and should be rectified as a priority.The solution is simple.

Firstly the Forest Service should consult widely within the sector to agree on a new format for forest management plans for all privately owned forests. Secondly these plans should be integrated within IFORIS and be compatible with current forecasting techniques.This would improve the basis and reliability of private sector forecast volumes and provide much needed confidence to the industry to invest.

The area due for thinning is estimated to more than double reaching 50,000ha by 2028. Once again, the majority of this increase will come from the private sector.The harvesting capacity fo undertake first and second thinnings is limited and unlikely to expand given the current lack of finance and absence of economies of scale in the private forest estate.While innovations around producer groups and forestry co-operatives being promoted by Teagasc and COFORD can result in larger volumes being offered for sale which are attractive to processors and contractors, this approach is unlikely to suit everyone and will need to be complemented by the introduction of smaller scale type machinery more suited to privately owned plantations.

This is unlikely to happen on the required scale without an initial support scheme funded by the Forest Service.

Any increase in roundwood production over existing levels can only come from privately owned forests as Coillte’s production forecast for the next two decades is relatively flat. A number of actions need to be undertaken to underpin the level of forecast future private supplies. Firstly the Government needs to provide a long term commitment to the funding of forest roads which would ensure the roading of at least 6,000 ha of private forests per annum for the next 10 to 15 years. If plantations do not receive a first thinning, then they will not produce any volume until the time of clearfell which could be another twenty to thirty years and the supply of small sized roundwood suitable for wood energy will be LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY OF put at risk. Obviously it makes sense to ensure that any funding for ROUNDWOOD roads is put to the best use in terms of wood volume accessed per euro of funding to be provided.Alongside this, it makes sense from a Bacon (2004) in his review of the forest sector drew particular attention to the shape of the long term timber supply curve which national perspective that Coillte should make available its roading showed a steady increase peaking in 2036 followed by a significant infrastructure to adjoining private forests.Whether this is done on fall in production for the following twenty years reflecting past and fee basis or in the national interest is a matter for forest policy.

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assumed future afforestation levels. This profile has important consequences in relation to the development of the sector. Bacon noted that it was clear that there would need to be a huge upscaling of processing capacity from current levels, if the volumes of output beyond the next decade are to be processed.This would require considerable investment. However, this rate of investment was unlikely to be forthcoming unless the trough in the period approximating to 2040-2060 was reduced so that the level reached in the 2030’s is maintained and that this becomes the long run average level of output. Nothing has happened in the interim to redress the situation.The implications for owners whose plantations will mature during the time of peak production have not been elaborated and could result in significant decreases in timber prices as volume supply outstrips demand unless action is taken now.

performance although the new Government has announced a target of 14,700 ha. Growing for the Future assumed an average yield class for Sitka spruce of 18.This could be increased through a combination of (a) improved planting stock and (b) excluding a number of site types from the afforestation scheme resulting in up to 15% more volume. Currently there is no link between supports for afforestation and the scope and timing of future harvest volumes. For new afforestation, future premiums could be made dependant on specific commitments to (a) thinning of crops or (b) continuous type forest cover, thereby releasing volume on a phased basis as opposed to only at time of clearfell.

CONCLUSION The State has supported afforestation since its foundation, initially through the purchase and planting of marginal agricultural land and more recently through support for private planting. It now has a responsibility to help create an enabling environment within which private sector supply can be realised and the long term supply pattern supports investment and the expansion of the forestry sector.

REFERENCES Phillips, H (2011).All Ireland Roundwood Production Forecast 2011-2028.

COFORD, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Dublin.

Phillips, H., Redmond, J., MacSiúrtáin, M. and Nemesova,A. 2009. Roundwood Production from Private Sector Forests 2009-2028.A Geospatial Forecast.

COFORD, Dublin Phillips, H. (2007). Forecast of private sector volumes – wood energy.

Unpublished report commissioned by COFORD, Dublin.

More recently, work undertaken on behalf of COFORD to estimate future energy supplies shows similar findings in that irrespective of the afforestation level, the projected total volume supply curve shows a steady increase up to 2030, followed by a smaller rate of increase to 2035 followed by a period of steady decline which is then followed by a period of slowly increasing volume (Phillips, 2007).The peak in volume in 2035 shows only minor differences between the different afforestation scenarios. However, the duration and depth of the subsequent trough in production shows major differences between the afforestation levels. Increasing the afforestation level reduces the trough in volume production and its duration.

Reducing the afforestation level has the opposite effect.

While it is too late to influence the peak in volume in 2035, there is still time to minimise the resulting trough in production. An afforestation level of greater than 15,000 ha is unrealistic given past

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TEAGASC FORESTRY

FINDING A WAY FORWARD TOGETHER FOREST OWNER PRODUCER GROUPS IN COOPERATION WITH TEAGASC We have a problem; raw material is available, we have demand for that raw material…so where is the problem? It’s a logistical one, simply getting something from A to B and ensuring that everyone involved from A to B finds that it’s worth their while, writes Frances McHugh (Teagasc Forestry).

Producer group members attend Chainsaw course

here are 330,000 hectares of private forests in the country involving almost 16,000 growers. Many of these forests were planted in the early ‘90s and ‘should’ be due a thinning but we’re back to that problem:Growers have little tradition and experience in managing,utilising and marketing their timber crops.This situation is further complicated by the large number of small plantations (< 8 ha), often fragmented, with difficult road access, at a distance to markets and consist of mixed quality crops.The evolvement of now 23 forest owner groups will provide what will form part of the solution to this problem.

To achieve economies of scale and realise an economic return to growers the organisation of individual growers into local forest or timber producer groups is seen to be critical.These groups, supported

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Forest owners in Kilkenny learn about producing quality broadleaves

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by Teagasc and Local Development companies are striving to achieve a greater understanding of the potential of an individual forest and how to achieve this potential through cooperation with other growers Many of these groups have formed over the last year and are still finding their feet. Others are well established and are getting down to the business of selling timber together.

PROGRESS IN CO CLARE The Clare Wood Energy Project (CCWEP) which began in Dec 2005 is one of the first such groups to emerge. Considering that from the beginning they were going through unchartered waters they have achieved a lot to date.Their fundamental aim has remained the same and is common with many other groups: Forest owners working together to thin their plantations with a financial reward.

For many reasons this has not been straightforward. As outlined above the often small fragmented nature of private forestry in Co Clare made group coordination difficult. Also, although nationally demand for thinning material is increasing, local demand in Co Clare was quite low.The CCWEP took a 2 pronged approach: 1) mobilise the supply by clustering forests together through the producer groups and 2) cultivate the demand through the promotion of wood energy.

To date 2.5 Mwt of wood chip power has been installed in Clare.

Produce from local forests are feeding into these boilers, both from individual forests and forest clusters.Two harvesting clusters have been thinned with other clusters putting the necessary steps such as felling licences, forest inventory and roads in place.The project also has an active website which facilitates the advertising of tenders for group harvesting, inspection paths, road and felling licence applications and group timber sales.

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COOPERATING IN THE SOUTH EAST Kilkenny forestry growers have also embraced the growers group idea. Demand for the produce from first thinnings is high in the southeast with major pulp mills, wood energy companies and stake producers within easy reach. However Kilkenny would not be known for its forestry tradition and so knowledge of forest management and timber marketing is low.

The Kilkenny Forestry Producer group has formed with facilitation from Teagasc and support from the local LEADER company.The initial aim is 2 fold. Firstly to broaden Forest Owners knowledge of

SPEED DATING FOR TIMBER PURCHASERS AND FOREST OWNERS! While work with CRESCO continues, the Kilkenny group are aware of the many other markets for their produce. In order to improve the contacts with these local timber purchasers a marketing day was organised recently.This day, held in cooperation with Teagasc, LEADER and Tipperary Energy Agency gave an opportunity for timber purchasers in the South east region to advertise their services, explain what produce they look for and what their demand is. Forest owners from Kilkenny,Tipperary,Waterford and Wexford

It is an exciting time in the private forestry industry.There are many opportunities for local development and rural employment as this new timber market emerges.There are also many challenges to be overcome. If these forest groups are anything to go by; these challenges will be overcome in time as there is such enthusiasm for this story to turn to success for all involved) the management of their forest of both broadleaves and conifers.

Secondly, to increase their knowledge of the existing and emerging markets for the produce from first thinning.

The Kilkenny group has worked with one such local market in Callan, Co Kilkenny.

CRESCO (Callan Renewable Energy Supply Company) supplies wood chip to 3 boilers in Callan and others in the surrounding area.

They have purchased a chipper and trailer and also built a weigh bridge with the help of the local LEADER Company.Their plan is to expand a district heating system around Callan and supply it with woodchip from forests and other energy crops in the surrounding area of Callan.They are working with the Kilkenny Forestry producer group in order to ensure wood chip is bought as locally as possible so that all involved will benefit.

attended and after a few brief presentations on marketing timber, attendees had the opportunity to meet the many companies present.

The day was very successful with many suggesting in could be replicated around the country.

It will take time for a certain level of confidence to be built up around the selling of timber by private forest owners; however events like the marketing day will go some of the way in achieving this.

PLANNING A PATH FORWARD Further information on Forestry Producer groups is available from the Teagasc Forestry Development Officers; see www.teagasc.ie/forestry. Proceedings from the Forestry Marketing day in Kilkenny are also available from the Teagasc website in the events section.

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CASE STUDY – SWS FORESTRY

SWS FORESTRY

PIONEERING THE WAY FORWARD SWS Forestry Services evolved from the Western Co-operative Society which started out as an agricultural services company set up in 1957. The company progressed over time and in 1986 SWS Forestry Services was formed which is now the front runner in the Forestry and Biomass sector in Ireland.

WS Forestry has strong links with the agricultural community having emerged from the Agricultural Services Company.

Farmers planting their land see the advantage and comfort of dealing with a solid organisation with a strong track record, a company that will be there from ‘seed to sawdust’.

SWS Forestry is a good news story and is a prime example of an Irish Company thriving in the current climate.With it’s head office located in Clonakilty and foresters in regional offices around the country, SWS Forestry is at the heart of every rural community providing the opportunity for farmers to plant their land and create jobs in those local communities.Today, SWS Forestry is one of the leading private forestry companies operating in Ireland and a front runner in contributing to the increase in Ireland’s National Afforestation cover from 4% to a much enhanced 11%.The company has now successfully established over 36,000 ha of the private estate.

Successive Government administrations have seen the benefit of investing in the Forestry sector, even in difficult times and they have

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to be complimented on their commitment to the programme. Not only have the Government assisted financially in the establishment of plantations but they have also provided attractive tax incentives to ensure generous dividends to all stakeholders.

SWS Forestry has always believed in the potential of forestry as an indigenous resource, and how it can play a significant role in helping Ireland in the good times as well as the challenging times.This multifunctioning sector not only creates employment in rural areas but also mitigates green house gases, reduces dependence on imported fuels, enhances our amenity portfolio, and creates economic activity worth close to 1% GDP. While the Afforestation programme is vital to the continued success of the Forest sectors SWS Forestry believes that we are now heading into the next stage of the business life cycle.This next cycle will be thinning and harvesting of stands planted 15 – 20 years ago by the private sector pioneers.These people who planted their land are now about to reap the benefits and rewards of their investment.

SWS Forestry have now completed their 2nd thinning and are looking forward to their 1st clear fell of their initial plantings in the near future. With a private estate in excess of 315,000Ha it is imperative for companies like SWS Forestry to ensure that they continue to manage their portfolio through the thinning process.While this sector is in its infancy it is inevitable that this “Sleeping Giant” will awaken in the near future.

A recent report from COFORD Roundwood Demand Group predicts that roundwood demand in Ireland will increase from 4.295 Mm3 in 2011 to 6.038 M m3 by 2020. Much of this increase in demand is predicted to come from the need to fuel a growing Biomass energy sector. Currently in Ireland we are already behind target when it comes to meeting the demand for roundwood.Again Coford data suggests that the roundwood harvest in Ireland in 2010 was approximately 2.7M m3 of which 0.45M m3 came for the private

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CASE STUDY – SWS FORESTRY sector. (Citation: Phillips, H. 2011.All Ireland Roundwood Production Forecast 2011-2028. COFORD, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Dublin.)

SWS Forestry sees the development of the harvesting and thinning sector as a whole new challenge.The challenge will not only be the technical aspects of thinning and harvesting but also ensuring that forest owners have viable, sustainable, and commercial markets for their product, which SWS Forestry are committed to achieving and maintaining. Presently, this market is been serviced by the fencing, pallet and pulp sectors.

SWS Forestry believes that the embryonic Biomass sector will be a key player in the thinning and harvested timber market in the years ahead. However to achieve this Ireland needs to see the Biomass heat and energy sector developed through greater investment, improved technologies and a greater cultural acceptance of Biomass.This will result in a real alternative to Irelands present over reliance on imported fossil fuels.

The Government have made their commitment to renewable energy by setting down targets for the coming years.With 40% of our electricity consumption to come from renewables by 2020 and a target of 12% of our heat to be sourced from renewables by 2020 the market for Biomass is due to increase.With more farmers becoming interested in planting forests, and many forests reaching a profile where thinning is due in the coming years, there will be a good source of timber for use in the Biomass sector.The use of forestry thinnings in the Biomass sector will see this market greatly opening LAND ACQUISITION up over the coming months and years. Growing timber as a renewable All of our experienced foresters are ideally placed to identify suitable energy crop can be a viable source of income. SWS Forestry have investment land countrywide. been leaders of the Biomass industry, having partnered many energy projects from CHP power plants, hotels and leisure centres, nursing AFFORESTATION homes and smaller domestic type projects with both chip and pellet The grants for landowners, farmers and investors to become engaged options. in forestry are substantial.The grant covers all establishment costs SWS Forestry is researching this concept of using forest residue and an annual premium is paid for up to twenty years to compensate to produce heat and power.While the concept is relatively new in for loss of agricultural income.The Company offers a full development Ireland it is a well tried and tested in Europe. Ireland have some of package, which includes assessment, consultation with the landowner, the best tree growing conditions in Europe, with our annual growth grant application, establishment and maintenance of the plantation rate almost 3 times that of Finland where the energy use from Biomass until year 4 or until it is satisfactorily established. is 18% compared to our 1.3%.

SWS Forestry provides a wide range of services connected with all POST 4 YEAR MANAGEMENT forms of woodland and forestry management. Our experienced team As with any agricultural crop, forests need ongoing management in of forestry professionals provide the following services: order to achieve maximum financial return. SWS Forestry offers a long-term management contract for clients that wish to have their forests inspected regularly. For an annual fee the client has peace of mind knowing their investment is being managed to the highest of standards. In addition, we also offer specific management operations such as high pruning,shaping broadleaves,fertilisation,road construction, GIS mapping and other services.

HARVESTING SERVICES Many of the private forests planted in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s are now ready for first thinning. SWS Forestry offers a full range of harvesting services from inventory, road construction, harvesting, harvesting operations and sale of timber.We are actively involved in harvesting and marketing of timber to maximise return for investors.

BIOMASS SWS Forestry is at the frontline of Biomass development in Ireland with the involvement in the installation of Ireland’s first Biomass Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant in Grainger Sawmill in 2003.

We hope to continue to develop local Biomass markets for first thinning and maximise return for investors. SWS Forestry has a management team of experienced professionals to establish, manage and market your forestry from “seed to sawdust”.

This Case Study was kindly submitted by Padraig Egan SWS Forestry

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WESTERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

BIOENERGY –THE WEST’S WAY TO ECONOMIC GROWTH

The ability to combine a sustainable investment with high value financial returns might in today’s environment seem tenuous. However, whilst most investment markets have experienced a recent downturn, one sector has continued to grow providing a combination of sustainability with strong, tax efficient returns.

RASLRES site visit to Rural Generation Ltd.

he Western Development Commission (WDC) actively supports the development of the bioenergy sector in the Western Region (counties of Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Galway and Clare).

Energy prices, security and quality play a central role in maintaining regional competitiveness. Correspondingly the switch to renewable energies represents a major economic opportunity for the region. The increased use of renewable energy resources will contribute to renewable energy targets, climate change policies, waste policies, and rural enterprise development.

Wood fuel as an energy source has considerable potential given that the region has 36% of the national forest estate and is heavily reliant on oil with limited access to the gas network.The wood energy market is anticipated to grow significantly over the next decade due to increasing oil prices and to achieve the required 2020 national target of 12% renewable heat.The WDC estimated that a regional target of 11% renewable heat by 2020 would be approximately 477megawatts (MW) requiring over 240,000 dried tonnes of wood fuel.

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What is highly significant in economic terms is that this renewable heat 11% target would: • Provide new additional employment of approximately 900 full time jobs.

• Generate an additional €15 million per annum to the regional economy.

• Decrease regional CO2 emissions by 619,000 tonnes per annum (an estimated benefit of €6.9 million per annum if carbon is valued at €15 per tonne) A notable characteristic of the wood energy sector is that it typically consists of ’local loops' of demand and supply in defined geographic areas; wood fuels are bulky and commercially viable supply is achieved through minimisation of transport distances.These 'local loops' tend to have a high level of indigenous small - to -medium enterprises (e.g. engineers, plumbing, forestry contractors) and thereby retain a high percentage of profits in the local and regional economies.

Bioenergy enterprises are firmly embedded and tied to the regional economy in which the natural resource (fuel) and market is located.

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Public Sector Workshop, 8th March. From L-R: Joe O'Neil, Galway City Manager; Peter Hynes, Mayo County Manager; Paddy Donvonan, RASLRES consultant; Ian Brannigan,WDC; Bernadette Phelan,WDC; Martina Moloney, Galway County Manager;Tom Coughlan, Clare County Manager; Gerry Finn, BMW Regional Assembly; Hubert Kearns, Sligo County Manager.

DELIVERING GROWTH – BUILDING LOCAL SUPPLY CHAINS The WDC is lead partner of the EU bioenergy project RASLRES (Regional Approaches to Stimulating Renewable Energy Solutions) funded under the Northern Periphery Programme (NPP) INTERREG VIB. Commencing in September 2009, this three year project has a budget of €2.8million and aims to increase the bioenergy markets in rural communities of the NPP area.

RASLRES will deliver a range of pilot actions in wood energy, energy crops and marine biomass, and shall inform on market development models. The project partners include Action Renewables (Northern Ireland), Environmental Research Institute (Scotland), and Norjso Municipality (Sweden).

To date RASLRES has identified new market potential of over 20MW (nearly 40 boilers) which could be supplied from local fuel resources.

The pilot project clients are from both the public and private sectors and include: Donegal County Council; Sligo County Council;Teagasc; Donegal Woodland Owners Co-op; HSE West; County Clare Wood Energy Project;Arramara Teo; Connacht Gold; and Energy Crops Ltd.

PUBLIC SECTOR – A KEY PLAYER The public sector is well positioned to support renewable energy markets through policy frameworks, energy projects and public procurement of renewable energies. In March, RASLRES in partnership with the Limerick Clare Energy Agency, met with County Managers and Directors of Services from the eight local authorities of the

“In the Western Region RASLRES focuses on the wood energy sector, and delivers practical services to market players and informs policy development. RASLRES adopts a full supply chain approach and works on the energy chain from supply (i.e. fuel producers/ processors) to demand (i.e. energy users)” In the Western Region RASLRES focuses on the wood energy sector, and delivers practical services to market players and informs policy development. RASLRES adopts a full supply chain approach and works on the energy chain from supply (i.e.fuel producers/ processors) to demand (i.e. energy users).

The supports to the sector include: • provision of a range of technical and business advisory services to selected pilot project clients • generation of market information and intelligence e.g. resource forecasting from private sector forestry, assessment of energy crop potential, technical and business case studies • accessing of international expertise and facilitation of networking with EU markets

region and other relevant agencies to discuss the role of the public sector in developing the renewable heat market.

Chaired by Tom Coughlan,Clare County Manager,the event was significant in terms of the representation from each county and demonstrates the recognition of the importance of renewable energies in the region.

In attendance were representatives from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Irish Bioenergy Association, Shannon Development, and the Clare Local Development Company. The workshop examined models for public sector leadership and procurement in the renewable heat sector and facilitated discussion with industry experts from the Swedish Biofuel Region project and the RASLRES team. The Swedish element of the workshop profiled the regional development benefits from a growing bioenergy sector and outlined how the Swedish public sector participated in, and created conditions for, development of renewable energies.

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WESTERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

Donegal Workshop Energy Crop Report: From left to right: Christine Hutton, Rural Generation Ltd; Michael Wilson, Heritage Futures Ltd; Bernadette Phelan, WDC; Chris Johnston, Rural Generation Ltd, Ian Brannigan, WDC

Speaking at the workshop Peter Hynes, County Manager, Mayo County Council commented; "The workshop has helped in assessing the role of the public sector generally, in developing a sustainable bioenergy market. It has identified some leadership challenges for local authorities and has outlined a way forward which could ultimately benefit the entire region. Mayo County Council is starting work in partnership with the WDC and other public bodies to support the development of a viable bioenergy supply chain and market in Co. Mayo".

During the workshop agreement public procurement was acknowledged as a means for the public sector to drive the uptake of renewable heat and provide public leadership to economic development.At a follow-on meeting on 5th May, the eight Local Authorities in the region agreed to participate in a RASLRES supported initiative to progress a model of Local Authority leadership in the bioenergy sector.

Wood Pellets

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ENERGY CROPS – A NEW MARKET OPPORTUNITY On 14th June the WDC hosted a Wood Energy Workshop in County Donegal and brought together almost seventy industry stakeholders to investigate how they might work together to build local loops of demand and supply in the wood heat market in the Western Region.

Of specific interest to farmers, foresters and fuel processors, the workshop provided an opportunity to discuss experiences in the region to date including: • The current wood energy scenario in the region, resources, markets and the potential for building local loops of wood energy provision • Energy crop potential, fuel from forestry and issues relating to fuel supply • Wood fuel markets and issues for users The above areas were supported by case studies from Rural Generation Ltd and the Donegal Woodland Owners Co-op and lessons learned from the RASLRES regional audit of wood energy in the region.

A key element of the workshop was the launch of a new report “Energy Crop Opportunities in the Western Region” (the full report is available for download at www.raslres.eu.The WDC delivered the report in partnership with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and Teagasc.

This market research report aims to inform and guide the development of the regional heat market in the Western Region of Ireland. It presents an analysis of the potential of energy crops in the region based on the application of the SEAI bioenergy Geographical Information System (BGIS), and discusses key factors impacting on the future development of the energy crop sector. Based on 2020 projections outlined in the report, market demand could potentially exceed the supply available from private forestry. The report outlines two

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WESTERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

potential options for the region to deal with this issue, import woody biomass or build an energy crop sector to supply the bioenergy markets.The development of an energy crop sector is the recommended market strategy for reasons of energy sustainability, energy security, regional economic competitiveness and enterprise.

A complex range of factors impact on the uptake of energy crops including: • increased demand and market price from biomass users in the heat, CHP and co-firing markets • limited access to finance to establish plantations • generally no financial returns on plantations in first 3 years • the current low base of required infrastructure for crop production and fuel processing • limited routes to markets and lack of expertise in business models to establish new supply chains • lack of clarity on bioenergy policy and market interventions, and • relatively low levels of relevant expertise and skills in the sector

business planning training. Demand side actions to install clusters of wood energy units in defined geographic areas across both the public and private sectors, development of local heat maps to identify market opportunities and aid long term planning Supply chain coordination through application of a strategic planning approach achieved by consultation and joint project planning by the various actors across the supply chain Research and demonstration to inform on new energy crop species, production issues for more marginal land,and progression of bioremediation options for plantations For further information please visit www.raslres.eu or www.wdc.ie or contact Bernadette Phelan, WDC Development Executive at bernadettephelan@wdc.ie

This report recommends an energy crop market development strategy based on the establishment of local loops of demand and supply. A co-ordinated approach is necessary across the demand and supply side actions to build a regional network of supply fuel chains.

A coherent and supportive policy framework at the national, regional and local levels is required to provide market confidence and underpin the recommended actions to support bioenergy market growth. Local development players (such as Local Authorities, rural development companies,Teagasc, public sector heat users) together with the private stakeholders from forestry, biomass installers and users, have the capacity to unlock the potential of the energy crop sector though a co-ordinated, partnership approach to biomass project development.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS INCLUDE: Supply side actions to support the set-up of producer groups, audit and investment programme to build the necessary production and processing infrastructure, provision of production, technical and

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE (GREEN BELT)

FORESTRY A SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENT

The ability to combine a sustainable investment with high value financial returns might in today’s environment seem tenuous. However, whilst most investment markets have experienced a recent downturn, one sector has continued to grow providing a combination of sustainability with strong, tax efficient returns.

FORESTRY

INVESTING IN FORESTRY

Uniquely, forestry offers all the attractions of favourable returns, future carbon benefits, environmental advantages and a certain feel-good factor. Since 1982, Green Belt Ltd www.greenbelt.ie has facilitated investment in forestry, enabling thousands of farmers and a diverse array of investors to benefit.

Today, Green Belt Ltd is Ireland’s largest private forestry company, and the national market leader in new forest establishment.

With almost 225,000 acres planted in Ireland Green Belt continue to plant in excess of 3,000 hectares of new forest annually.

In Ireland, forestry investment offers several advantages. Land prices are around €3,300 per acre and 100% of establishment costs are covered by grant aid.There is an annual tax-free forest premium paid each year at an average rate of €175 per acre for up to twenty years so the immediate return on capital invested is

COMPLETE MANAGEMENT SERVICE Green Belt’s core business is the complete management of all aspects of forestry including the provision of forestry development services to farmers and investors.

As part of our service to the investor market we source, purchase and develop land suitable for forestry investment.

Green Belt Ltd also provides management services at all stages of forest growth, incorporating road construction, thinning, harvesting, valuation and marketing. With a national network of professionally qualified foresters we are strategically placed to source, acquire and advise on all forestry matters.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE (GREEN BELT) almost 5% net excluding any revenue from the timber. Returns rise to almost 10% by the end of a rotation when timber revenues are included. Revenues from timber sales are tax-free and there is a favourable tax regime in place for inheritance.

General timber prices have continued to rise steadily over the past 60 years staying an average of 1.5% above inflation. When professionally managed and marketed, timber offers strong returns with low risk. We are lucky in that Ireland has excellent growing conditions with production potential up to four times the continental average. In addition, biological growth is unaffected by economic factors and as timber matures it adds greater value.Timber also does not need to be harvested in a small window like other crops and can be ‘stored on the stump’ to be sold when prices are most favourable.

Overall forestry should be considered as an intrinsic component of any investment port-folio.

PLANTING YOUR OWN LAND In today’s climate all farmers and land owners should consider forestry as a competitive land use option. With 100% grant aid available to establish the plantation, favourable tax free premiums (average of €175/ac tax free for 20 years) combined with the ability to maintain the full Single Farm Payment on each acre planted, forestry may never have been a more attractive option.

OVERSEAS Overseas Green Belt Ltd currently manages 1,630 acres of teak If you find that forestry is an investment or land use option in Panama and has facilitated the investment of €5.3m into tropical hardwoods.The company is now selling shares in an unlisted plc suitable for you or your clients and would like to discuss any where funds are raised to establish and manage teak plantations aspect of this opportunity further simply contact John O’ Reilly, in Panama.This 18 year investment predicts a return of 12%.This Green Belt Ltd on 049-8548000. product has historically sold well into the Self Administered Pensions Note: Reference to tax exempt in relation to Premium payments market. and timber revenues from Forestry relates to income tax The investment model is based on combining the production of (subject to annual thresholds) these payments are however a high value tropical hardwood with low input costs plus intensive currently calculable for PRSI contributions and income levies. management to yield strong returns.

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FORESTRY GRANTS AND PREMIA

FORESTRY SERVICES LTD.

he love of land is nothing new in Ireland but the benefits of farm forestry is now clearly apparent to the landowners of the country. This is the message from Paddy Bruton of Forestry Services ltd., who maintains that a minimum of 20% of most farmers land is more suitable to forestry than any other traditional farming system.These benefits include, a Tax-Free annual premium payable by the Government of up to €208/acre per year payable for 20 years, retention of full single farm payments, retention of full ownership of the land with a valuable timber crop which also provides shelter,

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whilst establishment grants cover the entire costs of establishing and maintaining the crop which ensures it costs nothing for a landowner to establish the plantation.The company now provides a free farm planning service to all clients to aid maximizing farm level direct payments. Paddy points out that the new Agri Environmental Options Scheme is no longer entirely area based and forestry can be planned in conjunction with this scheme Landowners exiting the Early Retirement Scheme or farmers who rent out some land under con acre should examine the forestry option as it provides a complication free taxfree income.

Forestry Services ltd. established in 1985 is based in Clonoulty, Co. Tipperary and operates nationwide, has scaled up recently in line with the Governments commitment to a 14,700-hectare annual afforestation programme.The company has earned a reputation as leaders in hardwood establishment and management, and is now actively thinning young hardwood crops.Thinning of conifer crops is becoming an increasingly important part of the companies business and both these activities have resulted in owners becoming more interested with their forestry and increasingly satisfied with their decision to plant initially.

The growth of forests is not affected by recessions, credit crises or EU/IMF funding and this has led to a renewed interest in investment in forestry. Forestry Services ltd. source both land suitable for forestry and semi mature plantations for clients who want a secure, asset backed investment. Given the existing deficit in roundwood timber supply and a projected 1.2 million M3 deficit by 2020 for the Island of Ireland, combined with national and EU policy of increased use of renewable fuel in the heat and power sectors, forestry represents a logical and safe investment even in these uncertain times.

There was never a better time to plant land or to intensively manage existing plantations.The team at Forestry Services ltd. is available for free advice and consultation on request.

For further information contact 0504 42800 or view the following website: www.forestryservices.ie

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Paddy Bruton B. Agr. Sc (Forestry)

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FORESTRY GRANTS AND PREMIA

FORWOOD – THE COMPLETE FORESTRY PACKAGE Forwood Forestry Ltd. is an integrated forestry company, which provides a complete forestry package from forest establishment and management to the revenue generation stage when road construction, harvesting and sale of logs are required.

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stablished in 2005, Forwood provides a unique, transparent service in the management and thinning of crops for private forest owners.

TRANSPARENCY There is no annual management fee as the company organizes the management of the crop for a commission of the net profit from timber sales from thinning through to clearfell.This system facilitates the clustering of large and small plantations which reduces the harvesting and extraction costs for owners who remain in full control of their plantations at all times.Timber removal is controlled through the forest docket system, which ensures full transparency for the owner.

Peter Alley of Forwood points out that the objectives of the owner and the company are aligned as regards the correct management of the crop.The main aim is to maximize returns from the final harvest as efficiently and quickly as possible, through well-planned thinnings, which guarantee a regular income for the owner.The management service operated by Forwood is the only one of its kind in Ireland, but is derived from standard practice in other major timber producing regions. Of significant benefit to owners is the price premium, which will be achieved through the group selling of logs.

MARKETS Jim Hurley of Forwood maintains that sawmills and the emerging wood fuel sectors prefer to purchase large quantities from a single source rather than small quantities from individual growers. Forwood Forestry Ltd. is not the purchaser of the timber, which is a crucial point for the owners.The company provides finance to complete harvesting and delivery of the raw material ensuring the owner has to provide no working capital. It also enables the company to plan harvesting and management over the long term, which combats the difficulties in managing fragmented Tadhg Dooley M. Agr. Sc (Forestry) forest holdings.

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Through its team of locally based foresters and proven established outlets for all timber products, combined with a harvesting and haulage infrastructure, Forwood provides all the ingredients and expertise for successful and profitable forest establishment and management for private growers including farmers.

The team at Forwood Forestry ltd. is available for free advice and consultation on request. For further information contact 0504 42800/0402 36226 or view www.forestthinning.ie

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ENERGY – ANAEROBIC DIGESTION

IS THERE A FUTURE FOR FARM DIGESTERS IN IRELAND?

By Tim Clarke.

The first major use of digesters in Europe was in the water industry for treating sewage sludge. For hygienic reasons and to It is widely appreciated that anaerobic digestion (AD) has great reduce pollution and odour, sewage sludge needs to be treated potential to provide a variety of environmental benefits and solutions before being recycled to land for use in agriculture – and as a to waste problems on a local and national level. Here are a few of result many hundreds of digesters are in operation in UK alone the attributes; treating sewage sludge; some for as long as 100 years (for instance Production of renewable energy, reduction of atmospheric and Mogden Sewage Works in South London). Society in this case made a water pollution, treatment of waste, recycling of nutrients and reduced value judgement as follows; sewage works produce sludge, which need for chemical fertilisers, production of useful by-products, creation needs to be disposed.

Sewage sludge is also a potentially valuable of employment, odour control, pathogen destruction, national energy nutrient resource for re-use in agriculture.

Digestion is one of the security and balance of payments, rural development, and more. cheapest and simplest means of treating sludge to reduce pathogens So why are so few digesters being built in Ireland? The main and stabilise the waste to acceptable safe levels.

But the important answer is economic viability. But given these many benefits, why point to note here is that the economic viability of the individual aren’t the economics more favourable? plant is not relevant. It is simply something that has to be done out of necessity to protect the environment.The cost of digestion in this context is part of the operating cost of the water company and is reflected in the water charges to customers. Most of these digesters do not even utilise the biogas except for their own heat requirements and the excess gas is flared.This is partly due to the questionable energy balance from a feedstock that is mainly water. However the energy balance can be improved and many digesters on sewage works in UK (including some of the half dozen or so here in Ireland) are now producing electricity.

So in the case of sludge digesters, the environmental benefits are paid for by society because of necessity and environmental benefits. Most people use centralised sewage systems and contribute to production of sludge!

THE BENEFITS OF ANAEROBIC DIGESTION

THE GERMAN EXPERIENCE Some European countries have applied this principle to AD in a wider context. Germany and Austria in particular recognise the myriad benefits of AD on a national level and this is reflected in a simple system of subsidy that has enabled over 5000 digesters to

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ENERGY – ANAEROBIC DIGESTION be installed on farms over the last 15 years. This is the feed-in tariff paid to digesters and subsidised by all electricity consumers.The crucial point about this system is that the feed-in tariff has been scaled at a level that is “bankable”. In other words, the value of the subsidy provides a clear case of economic viability. We could argue in this case - why should society subsidise the individual farmer? The reason was made clear in a German Government evaluation of their support for renewable energy a few years ago.

This found that the benefit to the German economy in terms of employment creation, contribution to GDP, exports, renewable energy production and energy self-sufficiency etc, was approximately three times the cost of the subsidy. Over 800,000 people are currently directly employed in the sector.

THE IRISH EXPERIENCE

a high treatment value currently worth 70 Eu per tonne or more.

In Ireland the wider value of AD has simply not been recognised to The waste will produce a nominal average 140m3 of biogas per date and there are very few digesters in operation. Part of the problem tonne, which in turn will produce about 310 kWh of electricity is that the benefits of AD are spread across a number of government from CHP worth Eu 46.Adding gate fee and energy value, digesting a tonne of food waste has a gross income generating potential in departments – Agriculture, Energy and Natural Resources, Environment etc.At long last a feed-in tariff of 15c/kwh for AD has been agreed the region of Eu 116 (note that in this case the value of treatment substantially exceeds the value of the energy from biogas). In and will soon be in place. Will it be enough? It is substantially lower than the level for small to medium scale digesters in Germany. addition, an AD facility processing food waste is likely to be able In Northern Ireland a recently implemented feed-in tariff providing to make use of surplus heat and there may be value from the additional nutrients from the wastes when recycled to land. In an income of 22.5c/kWh is proving to be economically viable and a number of plants are already under construction, and many most situations involving high value wastes such as this, AD is economically very viable across a wide range of scales provided more are planned. In the UK, in addition to a generous feed-in tariff, a subsidy based on use of heat is soon to be implemented. the beaucratic barriers (which generally apply to all digesters!) can be overcome.These barriers include use/disposal of digestate, planning permission, ABP regulation (animal by-products), and COMPARISON OF COMMERCIAL grid connection approval.

AND FARM SYSTEMS In the case of feedstocks with low treatment value such as vegetable There is no doubt that the 15c/kWh tariff here will aid projects which are also able to generate income from gate fees, avoid waste wastes from markets, which can be delivered to the digester for disposal costs, and have other tangible financial benefits apart from example at zero cost to the plant; the main income stream is from energy production.As an example lets compare the treatment value, the electricity derived from the high biogas potential of the wastes in the region of 120m3/tonne. biogas production and electricity value of several feedstocks; Cattle slurry on the other hand will produce only 20-30m3 biogas food waste, cattle slurry, grass silage and vegetable wastes (with electricity sold at the proposed feed-in tariff of 15c/kWh).These per tonne of fresh slurry – say average 25m3.This amount of biogas are indicative gross values for broad comparison and do not take will produce about 8 Eu worth of electricity. into account the many operating costs of a digester including the Other tangible benefits include a small additional value of nutrient conversion of say 2Eu/t making a total value of 10 electrical energy demand of the plant itself.

Eu/tonne, plus any value from use of surplus heat. But cattle Due to landfill charges and legislation, organic wastes must be diverted from landfill. Source-separated food waste currently has slurry is generally only available in large quantities during winter months when animals are housed and slurry needs to be fresh for biogas production.

Grass is Ireland’s major biomass resource and this is increasingly being looked at as a potential feedstock for digesters. Biogas production from grass ranges from 120-160m3/tonne depending on a variety of factors such as storage and dry matter.At a nominal average 140m3 of biogas per tonne, the gross value of electricity production would be approximately 46 Eu/tonne. However – from this we need to deduct the cost of either producing the grass – generally in the range of 25-30 Eu/tonne, providing a gross margin of 16-21 Eu/tonne. Note in this case digestate is recycled to land resulting in substantially reduced fertiliser requirements, and this lowers the cost of grass production.

Excluding the location dependent value of surplus heat, these indicative values may be summarised as follows;Although digesters importing wastes will have additional capital and operating costs compared to a farm digester processing slurry and/or grass silage, the income difference is substantial.

But because the availability of food wastes and other commercially produced wastes is limited, the feedstocks available for widespread use of AD are limited to livestock wastes, and biomass feedstocks such as maize and grass.

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3: Utilise grass and slurry

THE WAY FORWARD FOR FARM DIGESTERS? The question is therefore given the relatively low margins from agricultural feedstocks, can a farm digester be economically viable without the use of imported wastes under current conditions?

It is outside of the scope of this article to do an in-depth economic evaluation, but the general level of interest currently indicates that, at the average capital and operating cost of a turn-key plant offered by most suppliers, and at the proposed feed-in tariff of 15c/kWh the answer is no. In other words if electricity is the only major income stream, most digester systems are not currently economically viable where feedstocks are livestock wastes and grass/maize only. It is clear that a higher feed-in tariff is required.

Why was this level set so low given the many years experience provided by Germany? Since an increase in the feed-in tariff is

Fresh slurry is generally only available for a relatively few months of the year. In this case feeding the digester with mainly slurry in winter and a much smaller quantity of grass silage in summer would enable the digester to produce biogas consistently all year or to match winter and summer energy demand. In this context, it would be a great benefit if the digester system proposed by Teagasc at Grange (in association with WasteWorks as AD consultant and designer) proceeds.This project has been approved by Co Meath Planning Dept in 2010 and has a grid connection.The system is designed to produce 150k.We of electricity continuously utilising mainly slurry from the Grange beef herd plus a small amount of grass in winter; alternating with mainly grass silage supplemented by available livestock wastes in summer.The precise quantities of the feedstocks required are to be evaluated in practice as part of the research and demonstration programme. All the surplus heat would be utilised in the new Biosciences building.

4: Partial self-build, direct purchase of equipment Turn-key digesters are expensive. Most of the early digesters in Germany were consultant designed with a large amount of selfbuild, and with direct purchase of equipment and input from local engineering companies. Many of these engineering companies subsequently became the digester suppliers of today. WasteWorks offers a simple well-proven design suitable for this approach.

5: Include AD in farm design If the digester can be incorporated into the design of the farm at an early stage, substantial savings may be made. Slurry must be used as fresh as possible, and for instance the use of scraper systems

In the case of feedstocks with low treatment value such as vegetable wastes from markets, which can be delivered to the digester for example at zero cost to the plant;the main income stream is from the electricity derived from the high biogas potential of the wastes in the region of 120m3/tonne unlikely to happen in the short term, can the economics be improved?

If it can this could result in more projects. Here are a few options.

directing slurry into the feed hopper of a below-ground digester saves machinery and equipment costs. Use of biogas can effectively and more cheaply be incorporated into farm energy needs.

1: Funding 6: Cash values for benefits of waste management, Perhaps the greatest single operating cost of a digester is the cost of finance. Co-operative funding of digesters of one kind or nutrient utilisation and carbon credits Of course the economics of any digester system will be improved another to reduce or eliminate the cost of finance would allow if a digester system can save money in other tangible ways that many digesters to be much more economically viable.This is of course difficult in the context of individual farms, but may apply improve the bottom line. to a digester servicing several farms particularly if all the benefits In the not so long term - farm digesters will undoubtedly become essential means of producing fuel for farming.The current peaking of a digester can be harnessed such as use of surplus heat. of global oil production and the limited lifetime of the new 2: Simplicity and use of biogas for heating and cooling Corrib natural gas field will leave Ireland short of fossil based transport fuels. Biogas has been used successfully on farms to Design for simplicity to minimise capital operating and maintenance costs of equipment. Where there are substantial heat demands on power tractors; for instance as long ago as the 1980’s in South a farm, then use of biogas for heating with a simpler digester system may Island New Zealand, a number of digesters were installed using a variety of grass and forage crops. Following a visit to several of be more economic than generating electricity. Many dairy farms these digesters, I constructed a biogas cleaning and compression have substantial energy costs for heating and cooling. Generation of system in the UK, and on a visit to Ireland in 1985 may have the electricity involves expensive equipment and high maintenance dubious distinction of being the first to drive a dual-fuel biogascosts.There may be many situations where simple low-cost digester systems utilising biogas for heating and cooling only are attractive. petrol powered car on Irish roads! How else will tractors be With heating oil at 65c/litre, a cubic meter (m3) of biogas is equivalent powered here when oil, CNG and LPG are very expensive and/or to oil worth approximately 36c – potentially higher than the value from in limited supply? Maybe we should start getting the experience electricity at around 33c/m3,but without the high capital & operating costs. now.

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CASE STUDY – C & F GREEN ENERGY

C&F GREEN ENERGY C&F Green Energy is a world leading manufacturer of small and medium sized wind turbines with a mission to make wind energy affordable and accessible to everyone.

esigned and manufactured in Athenry, Co. Galway, C&F Green Energy’s mission is to become the global leader in wind turbines for the farm, home and business.The company aims to achieve through its use of the latest technologies, innovations and manufacturing expertise to build the ultimate machine to harness the energy of the wind. Offering unrivalled performance and power with clean aesthetics and reliability, C&F Green Energy wind turbines incorporate the same advanced technologies that are used in Mega Watt sized machines. C&F Green Energy offer Irish farmers a Guaranteed Irish machine, built for harsh conditions at very competitive prices and offer a full 10-year warranty on parts and labour. Reliability and customer service are of paramount importance, with full 24x7x365 monitoring over GSM of each and every turbine to their data centre in Athenry coming as standard.

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IS WIND ENERGY SUITABLE FOR YOU? If you are considering installing a wind turbine for your home, farm or business, one of our wind energy team would be more than happy to discuss your individual requirements in person or to arrange a free site survey. Just call us on +353-91-790868 or +353-87-3741865

SITE SURVEY To assess the suitability of your site for a wind turbine, wind speed is the most crucial element to be considered. High buildings and trees can shade the wind and create turbulence which can reduce efficiency and the life span of a turbine.Therefore, factors that are investigated as part of an initial site survey include: • Current electrical connection • Potential planning issues or requirements • Most suitable turbine to meet customers’ requirements • Distance from turbine to inverters.

• Distance from inverters to fuse board • Countryside which is free from major obstruction • Mast/blade requirements Current electricity costs, to determine payback on Investment Alternatively our engineers can erect an anemometer on your site to measure the wind for one month or more.The data from the anemometer will be recorded each month and will help give you an estimated output from the turbine per year,using this data as an average.

C&F AGRICULTURAL WIND TURBINES The modern farmer is often faced with very large electricity costs; due to the demand for high levels of energy to power his/her farm .

This makes wind turbine energy a very worthwhile choice for the agricultural market. C&F's range of agricultural wind turbines have been custom-designed with the farming market in mind. Our wind turbines provide farmers with an efficient; reliable energy source that ensures that their costs will not fluctuate over time and that their carbon footprint is reduced. Our advanced range of agricultural wind turbines will:

SAVE YOU MONEY: C&F’s agricultural wind turbines provide high levels of power to accommodate even the most advanced farming needs. Our green energy solutions rival conventional energy sources, such as electricity,

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CASE STUDY – C & F GREEN ENERGY oil and gas.Where excess electricity is produced; you will also be able to sell your excess electricity back to the National Grid.

PROVIDE AN EFFICIENT ENERGY SOURCE: C&F’s agricultural wind turbines are powered by a custom-designed generator, which enables the turbine to produce electricity at very low wind speeds. So, even in the mildest climate, you will achieve reliable, efficient electrical power.

PRODUCE RELIABLE RESULTS: C&F’s wind turbines are built to last and cope with the needs of the farming community. C&F’s wind turbines are robustly built and tested to exhausting standards. Throughout initial design and subsequent revisions, all of our models have undergone extensive testing to ensure that our turbines have a lifespan of 30 years.

REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT: C&F’s agricultural wind turbines are the cleanest, greenest way possible to power your farming home. Unlike other energy sources, wind energy does not produce harmful C02 emissions or greenhouse gases. It produces efficient, clean and powerful energy that is taken directly from nature.

ENSURE SAFETY AT ALL TIMES: C&F’s agricultural wind turbines are manufactured using advanced safety features, which ensure that our turbines are built to withstand Hydraulic Brake A hydraulic brake is employed as a failsafe backeven the most severe weather conditions. up to the blade pitch brake.This is an essential safety feature universally employed on large turbines and it acts in such a way that the brake WIND ENERGY TECHNICAL INFORMATION automatically engages should a fault be detected.The brake is also an Blade Pitch (Pitch Actuator) The blades are automatically controlled important asset when servicing the turbine. to optimise aerodynamic performance under different operating conditions.This ability improves efficiency compared to fixed-blade Skins The skins are made from acrylic capped ABS.This material is turbines.The pitch feature can also be used to act as a brake by strong and rugged. In addition, it is very resistant to colour fade as a feathering the blades out of the wind and, in hurricane force winds, result of UV exposure. this same feature can be used to assist survival.This technology in normally reserved for large wind turbines.

Mast All C&F turbines employ a monopole mast which can withstand hurricane force winds.The mast is erected using a hydraulic ram Build Quality The C&F turbine is designed and manufactured to which greatly simplifies installation and servicing. withstand the most severe operating conditions. Most components are made from high strength alloys and all critical items such as the Controller/GSM C&F have developed their own microprocessor to bearings, shafts, blades and chassis are designed to withstand winds control their range of turbines.The microprocessor is GSM enabled of 160 mph. In addition, galvanising, zinc priming and powder paint allowing the machine to be remotely monitored and controlled over coatings are employed to withstand the harsh environmental conditions the internet or even by mobile phone.Thus, all C&F turbines are that are commonly encountered. continually monitored from our technical HQ.This enables us to rapidly respond to any fault and in the event of an extreme weather Generator The generator is a novel design not commonly encountered forecast, we can remotely shut the turbine down. In addition, we can in wind turbine applications. It is an axial flux, permanent magnet, gather performance data for each individual turbine which can be air-cooled, multi-plate generator which was developed in-house by accessed by the customer via web browser.

C&F. Although costly to manufacture, this type of generator affords significant advantages. No core is used in the coil so that, over time, Inverter C&F employ a Power-One Aurora inverter.This inverter magnet leakage cannot adversely affect the turbine performance.The affords a significant advantage over many competitors in that the coils are individually encapsulated, which affords significant protection generator load can be continually varied to optimise performance at from the elements and from the ingress of debris.The axial configuration different wind conditions. allows a modular construction which enables the user to segregate the output for different independent electrical loads i.e. grid, heating C&F Green Energy is a wholly owned subsidiary of the globally renowned and cooling or even to separate meters.

C&F Group. Founded in 1989, C&F Group is a privately owned Irish company employing 1,500 people in over six sites worldwide. C&F Wind Direction Sensor (Yaw Actuator) A wind direction vane is Group's client list includes IBM, EMC,APC,Volkswagen Group, BMW, monitored by the turbine microprocessor which then activates the Ford,Thermo King,Toshiba, and Sanyo. C&F CEO John Flaherty won yaw motor to align the turbine into the wind.This feature, universally the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2008 and went on to employed on large turbines, improves performance and energy yield. represent Ireland in the world competition.

Blades Our blades are manufactured from aerospace type composite materials which are stronger than steel.All turbines in our range use glass fibre reinforced vinyl ester, incorporating a carbon fibre element.

Tel: 091 790 868 Email: info@cfgreenenergy.ie Web: www.cfgreenenergy.ie 47

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EUCALYPTUS FEATURE

EUCALYPTUS – HOME GROWN ENERGY SHORT ROTATION FORESTRY D-Plant Horticulture offers some practical advice on Eucalyptus.

Eucalyptus young plants

Eucalyptus 16 months from transplant

n recent years we have heard a lot about renewable energy and PLANTING PROCESS: biomass.The wood chip burners and pellet burners have been • Planting time:April-June. installed in domestic dwellings and industrial units nationwide.

• Plant density at 2M x 2M spacing is 2500 plants per hectare.

The log burning stove has become increasingly popular, putting the • Planting is mostly done by hand using a regular spade. inefficient open fire out of commission. Hotels, businesses, factories • Eucalyptus plants are modular grown which makes them very easy and homes have invested in this concept of bio energy.Their fuel to plant compared to other bare root forestry trees. will be cheaper than oil, renewable, eco friendly and carbon neutral. • A mechanical planter (something like a cabbage planter) can be But the question remains? Will there be a dependable source and used but this usually means a great deal of soil preparation. supply of fuel.With the introduction of Eucalyptus as short rotation • Ultimately our trials have shown that reasonably well prepared soil forestry (SRF) this could help bridge the gap. makes for easy planting and good root establishment.

Admittedly, the last two winters will have raised questions in a lot of minds about Eucalyptus given that there was a lot of damage to MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS: Eucalyptus around the country.We lost three quarters of the varieties • Weed control in the first two years is essential. in our trial plots at D-Plant Horticulture. But surprisingly the appetite • Eucalyptus doesn’t compete well with weeds as small plants in the for Eucalyptus has increased this year with the emphasis on the quarter early stages of growth can be severely stunted. that survived.We have identified at least five varieties that came through • Chemical weed control with Glysophate (Roundup) works well -15c to -17c.We have also learned that site suitability, location and but it is important that the chemical doesn’t come in contact with variety selection are key factors in a successful crop. the Eucalyptus foliage or stems.This can be achieved by the use of Eucalyptus has the ability to produce large volumes of timber in a Tree Guards. short space of time. With rotations of 8-12 years and a three crop • Pre-emergence chemical weed control will be trialed shortly and is return from one planting on most varieties there is little doubt that expected to give good results.

Eucalyptus has a large part to play in the wood fuel market.

• An application of 50g of a balanced tree fertilizer per tree (not to Timber growing in Ireland has been an important part of the development close to the stem) has shown to improve establishment and increase of our country since the foundation of the state, but to date there is vigour. little or no commercial forestry planted for the purpose of wood fuel, • At 2M x 2M spacing if plants are kept weed free for the first two with wood fuel being only a by product of conventional forestry years the canopy will usually have closed and no further action will practices. Eucalyptus is ideally suited to purpose grown firewood be required. production as well as several other markets.

• There is no pruning or training requirement for Eucalyptus.

• The trees grow as straight single stem plants with little or no lower CULTURAL INFORMATION branches.

Soil type: • Generally Eucalyptus is unpalatable to mammals such as hares, • Eucalyptus requires soil with reasonable fertility. deer and rabbits so fencing is usually unnecessary.

• It will grow well on heavy soils but will not tolerate wet soils.

• Soil pH 5.5 – 7

I

HARVESTING:

Soil Preparation: • Lightly tilled soil along the planting row will give good root establishment to newly planted trees.

• Ripping can be used if desired where you have reasonable soil condition, e.g. if planting into cereal stubble.

• Mounding is another useful method on wetter sites to allow good root establishment owing to the extra drainage from the elevated planting position.

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• Harvesting can be done the traditional method using chainsaws.

• The use of mechanical harvesting machines is optional and is usually determined by the availability of the machine, the location of the plantation, the size of the plantation etc. Because this machinery is expensive to hire the practicality of using it comes down to the economics.

• Eucalyptus is a clean straight stemmed tree with few lower branches and not much lop and top.

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EUCALYPTUS FEATURE

ACTION AFTER FIRST HARVEST:

Ability to coppice after felling

• The ability of Eucalyptus to coppice (with the exception of E. nitens) gives the opportunity to obtain a second and third crop without the need to re-plant.

• Once the first crop has been harvested the stumps will coppice producing multiple stems which must be thinned.

• Depending on your end market you can leave from one to three stems per stump.

• Some weed control may be necessary but because the coppice will have the support of a large root system and establish quickly this weed control will be unlikely.

VARIETIES AVAILABLE: • E. nitens – vigorous but does not copice reliably (-12c to -13c) • E. denticulata – will coppice (-11c to -12.5c) • E glaucescens - will coppice (-15to -17) • E urnigera - will coppice (-15c to -17c) • E. brookeriana – will coppice (-11c to -12c) Suitable for wetter sites.

• E. johnstonii – will coppice (-12c to -14c) • E. subcrenulata - Will coppice (-14c to – 17c) • E. coccifera – will coppice (-14c to -16c) • E. camphora – will coppice (-12c to -13c) Suitable for wetter sites.

• E.parvula – will coppice (-14c to -16c) • E. rodwayi – will coppice (-13c to -15c) Suitable for wetter sites.

• E. cordata – will coppice. Usefull for costal shelter. (-10c to -12c)

EUCALYPTUS MARKETS

• The crop time scale is not critical if you don’t want to harvest it on a particular year, its yield will have increased the following year and will be no more difficult to harvest.

• Eucalyptus is suitable for both large scale and small scale planting.

• The timber air dries quickly, cracking and splitting as it dries.This opens up the timber and speeds up the drying time.

In the 1970’s and 1980’s large amounts of our native trees in the woodlands and hedgerows around the country side were cut down for wood fuel as a result of increased oil prices.Today we are seeing the same clearance of trees around the countryside. Firewood suppliers are finding it difficult to secure timber supplies.The demand for firewood is increasing annually and yet there is no planting of purpose grown firewood.

A crop of Eucalyptus could return firewood within 8-12 years with the possibility of thinning within 4-6 years in some crops. Fossil fuel prices are on an upward trend and would seem set to continue that way. Future supply of oil is in question and government targets to reduce carbon emissions all point the way to wood fuel. Eucalyptus ticks all the boxes.

Traditionally firewood has come from bi-products of conventional forestry, fallen or unwanted trees and trimmings from hedgerows.

With the lack of commercial wood fuel forestry in Ireland, there is a real opening for Eucalyptus to be grown as a wood fuel both on large scale plantations and small domestic self-sufficiency plantations. In Spain and Portugal small plantation of Eucalyptus to supply wood fuel to the owners own home is common place.This concept could easily be adopted in Ireland.

Large industrial and commercial ventures have invested in biomass SUMMARY burners and combined heat and power units (CHP) in recent years.

In a nutshell we have one of the best biomass growing climates in The need to secure supplies of fuel into the future is a must for Europe and plenty of land suitable for growing it.We have an expanding these ventures. Contract growing of local supply of fuel is the only market for wood fuel, biomass and wood fibre.The peat burning power long term answer to this need. Eucalyptus grown by contract within stations must offset peat burning by 30% by the year 2015.This alone a 40-50 mile radius of the end user would make economical sense. amounts to one million tonnes of biomass per year.

Transport over a long distance with any bulky biomass fuel will burn Projections to 2020 would indicate that to meet government targets a up the value of the fuel on the road rather than in the burner. biomass supply of approximately four million green tonnes per annum Eucalyptus locally grown, dried, chipped and delivered will help would be required.At present it is unlikely that the forestry sector – sustain local business and employment.What makes Eucalyptus a given it’s current and predictable future capacity – would be able to versatile crop for anyone considering SRF is: supply more than half of the required volume.

• It can be planted with a spade and harvested with a chainsaw. No Eucalyptus has the ability to produce large volumes of biomass in a need for specialised equipment although it is available if the scale short space of time.This would give us the opportunity to reach these justifies it use. targets.We are less than nine years away from 2020 – just long enough • The wood is suitable for wood chip, wood pellet, firewood logs or to take the first harvest from a crop of Eucalyptus planted in 2012. fibre board.

D-Plant Horticulture in Wexford are specialist propagators of Eucalyptus.

They have put a lot in to their research and development of Eucalyptus as a biomass crop.The plant production takes approximately 10 months.

If Eucalyptus for SRC is a crop you would be interested in growing you should place your order for plants a year in advance.This ensures that you will have your plants on time and will give you time to have your site suitably prepared for planting.

For More information contact: Brendan Doyle. D-Plant Horticulture Borelia, Glenbrien, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Tel: 053 9236516 Mobile 087 2861221, Email: dplant@eircom.net, www.dplant.ie

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

WOODLAND SALES & INVESTMENT

We at John Clegg & Co would be happy to discuss any opportunities ohn Clegg & Co LLP has been in business for over 40 years for woodland investment or the purchase of bare land for planting handling woodland sales and acquisition for private clients, in Ireland and can also provide an agency for the sale of properties institutions, timber companies and the Forestry Commission throughout the UK.With offices in Scotland, England and Wales, we through our website www.johnclegg.co.uk. We are currently adding have become the largest brokers in woodland property transactions to our website a section for the sale of woodland properties within Europe and North America. in the UK and have been involved in sales within Northern Ireland The desire to own land is very important and we see an increasing and abroad.

We have dealt with many Irish investors who have benefitted from awareness of the need to secure timber supplies, whether this is the opportunities that exist in forest investment, particularly on the firewood or saw logs.With growing pressure on our countries for west coast of Scotland. Forests in Argyll are ideally located for the the supply of energy and production of timber, as islanders we have production of good quality, high yielding timber within the pest free to bank on the future. zone, suitable for export by sea to Ireland. Despite the currency Please contact the Edinburgh office on Tel: 0131 229 8800, exchange rates, forest investment in certain parts of the UK still email: edinburgh@johnclegg.co.uk presents good opportunities for Irish buyers, particularly where there is the potential for renewable energy projects to be combined with timber production.This is particularly relevant in Scotland where government targets and incentives have been increased in an attempt to reach a target of 80% renewable energy by 2020.The Irish government have also increased their targets in the hope of achieving 40% of their electricity production from renewable sources by 2020; supported by the Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff.

The opportunities for generating renewable energy projects within woodlands has significantly increased with the provision of government incentives.We are now seeing more sales of woodlands whereby the seller and buyer both benefit from the uplift in value or income generated by the consented project and its development within the property.This is usually a negotiated percentage of the uplift in value or income over a set period of time, providing the seller with greater comfort, if selling their property in the present market.

There has been good interest in Scottish property from Irish investors in recent years and now UK based investors are interested in the opportunities within Ireland for woodland investment.The market for commercial woodland is particularly strong, driven by the increase in timber prices and strong demand for wood products, despite the downturn in new housing.

Investment in tangible assets provides greater security than equities and traditionally the value of land under trees in the UK has been significantly lower than the value of agricultural land.With attractive exemptions from certain tax liabilities and government support for woodland expansion there are good opportunities for investment in planting marginal bare land, as demand for homegrown timber supply increases.

J

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