After years of inaction, things finally began to gain momentum in the renewable energy sector towards the end of the last decade . The introduction of the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) and the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) were two major milestones in the last decade. However, if the proposed programme for government becomes a reality, along with the key goals from the European Green Deal, then the future is bright for renewables.

The coming decade is likely to provide more opportunities for farms to improve energy efficiency and develop alterative farm enterprises. These may include incentives for renewable electricity generation and farm-based biomethane.

The key driver to this will continue to be our emissions reductions obligations. For example, on average a dairy cow uses 350kWh of electricity a year. On-farm dairy electricity related CO2 emissions may be 162,000t by the end of 2020, unless mitigation strategies are implemented.

On page 42 of this week’s renewable energy focus, Teagasc’s Barry Caslin discusses some of the options available for heating hot water on dairy farms. Barry runs through some of the key measures farmers can adopt to become more energy efficient.

There has been renewed focus from commercial operators considering wood fuels as a source of heating due to the SSRH. On page 43, CEO of the Irish Bioenergy Association Seán Finan explains the role of the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) scheme in the certification of biomass fuel.

While the accelerated development of on-farm renewable energy is a potential game changer for the agri sector, ambiguity exists regarding some of the tax treatment and implications of renewables systems. On page 44, ifac’s Declan McEvoy outlines some of the main areas which need clarification and the key points to be aware of when exploring renewable projects.

Finally, on page 44 we look at a new community energy training programme which aims to help communities maximise the chances of success when developing a community-led project.