Birr 20:20 'is feeling positive' about South Offaly anaerobic digester project

WORK is continuing behind the scenes on creating an Anaerobic Digester in South Offaly.
Recently members of Birr 20:20 attended the Energy & Farm Diversification Show in Gurteen College and were feeling positive about their Anaerobic Digester project after the Show.
The Gurteen event focussed on the latest products and projects which are having a significant effect on the agri-industry in Ireland. The Show was billed as being “a must-see event for farmers and landowners who are forward-thinking and are looking to: diversify into the energy, leisure, hospitality, food or tourism industries; reduce energy consumption; and increase the production of renewable energy on their farms and land." The Show included exhibition halls with suppliers and experts in energy and diversification. The members of Birr 20:20 were very interested in the Energy Pavilion which contained information on Solar Energy, Biomass, and Anaerobic Digestion. Also attending was a member of SLR Consulting, the company which carried out a feasibility study for Birr 20:20 on an Anaerobic Digester in South Offaly.
Speaking to the Midland Tribune after the Gurteen Show, Cllr John Carroll said Birr 20:20 is feeling quite positive about their Anaerobic Digester. “We are being told there is strong governmental support for Anaerobic Digesters throughout Ireland,” he commented, “and therefore we feel things are heading in the right direction.” He said the group would like to see the Digester built on the site of the former briquette factory in Derrinlough, as it would be a very suitable site.
Seán Loughnane, Chairperson of Birr 20:20, told a recent Birr 20:20 meeting that the group, early in the summer, had a meeting with a couple of Department of Agricultural officials about the project. He said there are 90 anaerobic digesters in Ireland at the moment and the government's aim is to eventually construct 250 anaerobic digesters.
Seán also briefly talked about Project Clover. Project Clover is a collaboration of leading agri-food companies which have declared their commitment to large-scale, biomethane production on Irish farms.
Anaerobic Digestion is a series of biological processes in which micro-organisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen. One of the end products is biogas, which is combusted to generate electricity and heat, or can be processed into renewable natural gas and transportation fuels. The South Offaly Digester would receive biomass crops from local farmers.
Meanwhile, in Gurteen College, a new green energy course is starting this September for young agricultural students.