Andersson discussed his home country's successful bioenergy sector, saying that biomass rose from being a by-product of forestry and its residues to surpass oil as the biggest source of energy in Sweden in 2009. One third of Sweden's energy is now produced from biomass materials.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, he gave an example of how the industry works in Sweden.

"We now have factories that are able to reduce their carbon emissions by 90% by using biomass fuels. The biogenic carbon dioxide produced can be used in the food industry," he said.

Andersson said he was "rather upset" that the EU has capped the use of agri products for biofuels.

There is a lot of abonded farm land in Europe that could be used for biofuel production

"Starch, sugar, oils - this is putting a stop on investments for bioenergy. There is a lot of abonded farm land in Europe that could be used for biofuel production, using wheat, rapeseed or corn, for example. EU policies are far too restrictive at the moment," he said.

Andersson dismissed worries around the sustainability of solid biomass.

"Farmers and foresters need to be shown that these are sustainable practices. Legislation that is simple to follow, with no bureaucracy, needs to be put in place for biomass production.

Andersson said the bioenergy industry contributes to both climate change reduction and the national economy, with farmers and foresters able to generate a second or third income for their products.

"The waste material that would normally be of no value may be an added income," he said.

Read more

Minister Hayes launches report that aims to plant 510,000ha by 2050

What the Paris climate deal means for Ireland and its agriculture

White paper: roadmap for country's energy needs