The 2023 National Bioenergy Conference will focus on the theme ‘Bioenergy's essential role in emissions reduction and the energy transition’. The conference will be an opportunity for all stakeholders to discuss how bioenergy can be embraced as part of the energy transition to renewable energy technologies. The conference agenda will cover renewable heat, transport and electricity.
In order to meet the Government’s ambitious targets for renewable energy and decarbonisation, Ireland must rapidly transition to renewable energy. Ireland must support sustainable, efficient and competitive renewable technologies that can also help deliver on security of supply. Bioenergy is well placed to satisfy these requirements. Ireland has readily available feedstocks that can be mobilised to drive the bioenergy sector. Solid biomass plays a substantial role in the domestic, commercial and industrial setting, replacing coal, oil and gas. Renewable gas in the form of biogas/biomethane can be produced by using anaerobic digestion (AD) technology from a range of biomass resources, readily available in Ireland. Liquid biofuels are making a strong contribution in terms of transport emissions reduction.
We will also look to emerging markets such as biochar, bioenergy carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and carbon dioxide removals (CDR). The conference will discuss how Ireland can further embrace bioenergy within the energy mix and discuss the positive impact the technology can make in emissions reduction and the energy transition.
This conference is particularly relevant in the current time of high fossil energy prices, security of energy supply challenges. There is an urgent need for sustainable decarbonisation and climate action. The Irish bioenergy sector is unique in that it can provide an indigenous energy solution to all the current challenges. Bioenergy can produce continuous, storable, and dispatchable renewable energy delivered through local supply chains, offering employment opportunities and economic activity.
The Irish bioenergy sector will require investment, supports, incentives and the right policy measures in place to ensure the continued sustainability, growth, and development of the sector.
Speakers at this conference will explore the following areas:
Carbon accounting and sustainable models in Irish businesses Energy costs and the role of bioenergy in reducing supply chain risks Bioenergy as part of a suite of emissions reduction measures The current role of bioenergy in businesses, homes, and farms The challenge and opportunity for bioenergy to decarbonise heat, transport, electricity, and agriculture Key challenges and opportunities for bioenergy in Ireland's low carbon transition Accelerating the ambition in Bioenergy