Energy and Rural Business Show preview: showcasing growing opportunities for on-farm renewables

Ireland has committed to producing at least 16% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020 and the next Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) is said to be fully aligned with the need to prioritise climate action. Farmers looking to benefit from green initiatives are being urged to attend Energy and Rural Business Show, taking place at Hub at Cillin Hill, Kilkenny on 23 and 24 October 2019.

This year the show is boosting its offering by including both Energy Now Expo and Rural Business Expo, so farmers can hear from experts on diversification and the growing opportunities and grants available for on-farm renewables.

Representing the Department for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) at Energy and Rural and Business Show Ireland is Michael O’Donoghue, who will deliver a talk on the solar PV grants available under the TAMS on-farm investment scheme and energy efficiency.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, T.D. stated that “energy efficiency and deployment of renewable technologies at farm level are important steps that farmers can make as a positive contribution to decarbonising our economy and society. And at the same time can save money while meeting their own and local energy needs. My Department is supporting this through grant aid for efficient technologies such as air source heat pumps and solar PV.”

Headline speakers and topics at the show include:

1. Ray Langton, programme manager, Renewable Heat Scheme, SEAI
   -The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH)
2. Barry Caslin, energy & rural development specialist, Teagasc
   -An overview of the renewable energy opportunities available to agriculture
3. Jason Hannon, renewable gas business development, Gas Network Ireland
   -A look at the future of the biomethane market
4. Marie Donnelly, chair, Renewable Energy Ireland
   -The Climate Action Plan – how can these targets be achieved?
5. Declan Rice, CEO, Kilkenny Leader Partnership
   -How LEADER grant funding can help you develop your business
6. Keith Harlin, geothermal geologist, Geothermal Association of Ireland
   -Is ground source heating for you?
7. Alison Corbally, director of breeding and programmes, Horse Sport Ireland
   -How to breed performance horses
8. Pat McCormack, president, ICMSA
   -Carbon Tax – what you need to know
9. David Walsh-Kemmis, Ballykilcavan Brewing Company
   -How to create a commercial brewery
10. Joseph Spollen, biomass supply manager, Bord Na Mona
    -Supplying biomass fuel – the customer perspective

The Big Debate

For the first time, the show is launching ‘The Big Debate’ on the continued growth of the renewable energy and low carbon sectors in Ireland, which will see industry experts discuss key topics and questions submitted by farmers on the run up to the event. Agribusiness specialist from the Irish Farming Journal, Lorcan Allen, will moderate the debate, and confirmed speakers on the panel include Cllr Malcolm Noonan, spokesperson for Regional Development & Rural Affairs from the Green Party, Tom Short, renewables project team chairman, IFA, Paddy Phelan, 3CEA manager, and PJ McCarthy, RGFI chairman.

To submit your burning question for The Big Debate, visit: http://www.energyandruralbusiness.co.uk/conference-ireland/the-big-debate

Energy Now Expo

If you’re looking to find out more about the opportunities available to farmers in renewable energy, Energy Now Expo showcases the latest technologies and services from expert speakers and exhibitors from across the renewables sector, including AD and biogas, biomass, energy crops, energy management, heat pumps, hydro, solar and energy storage.

Rural Business Expo

 Farmers and landowners looking to future proof their businesses through diversification, whether it be making better use of current assets or launching a completely new business venture, Rural Business Expo features ‘How-To Workshops’ from speakers who have diversified their businesses and can offer guidance, as well as exhibitors with refreshingly practical and robust diversification propositions.

The event is run in association with the Irish Farming Association (IFA) and Teagasc and is supported by the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA), the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA), The Alpaca Association of Ireland, Macra Na Feirme, the Renewable Gas Forum of Ireland (RGFI), the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Three Counties Energy Agency (3CEA), The Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) and The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA).

Energy and Rural Business Show is free to attend, and places can be booked today: http://www.energyandruralbusiness.co.uk/welcome-ireland