The Irish Farmers Journal reported on the BW Energy report that claims converting Moneypoint to biomass would be the panacea for Ireland’s “green power”. The first thing that needs to be realised is that there is no battle of wind versus biomass, except in the propaganda of anti-wind groups and anti-pylon groups. This report tells the public we don’t need wind and we just need biomass.

In reality, all the experts in biomass are calling for support in a different sector – renewable heat – by means of a renewable heat incentive (RHI). This sector is the one farmers can benefit from as it would be more based on local supply chains. The only supply chain for large biomass is in the USA, as seen in the model used for the Drax power station in the UK.

The BW energy price estimate of €88/MWh BW for Moneypoint needs to be reviewed. The Drax model they rely on in the study for ease of conversion has secured a subsidy of €135/MWh. An Irish reduction of €47/MWh is very unlikely.

BW’s estimate of only €350m to convert Moneypoint needs close scrutiny. The cost of Drax is estimated to come to £700m for 1,980MW capacity, three units at 660 MW each. Moneypoint is currently 915MW (three units) capacity and one of the critical factors is the ability to obtain and leverage finance on the build, which is based on securing lucrative subsidies. Currently, a much smaller plant is being built in Mayo and the cost is estimated to be €180m for 42.5MW capacity.

It is also misinformation to say that Ireland has an “all wind” strategy in electricity. The portfolio is broad and by 2020 it is estimated there will be over 200MW of generation from biomass, 40MW from solar, 40MW from waste – all in the electricity sector along with the existing hydro generation.

Rory McKevitt has published a detailed article rebutting BW Energy’s arguments.

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