Recently, the renowned environmental organization An Taisce has launched a stern critique of Bord na Móna regarding the company’s ongoing importation of woodchip for power generation. Despite claims of sustainability, this decision has sparked debate about the environmental impact, carbon footprint, and the effectiveness of international biomass sourcing.

A Major Woodchip Shipment from Brazil Reaches Ireland

Last week, a massive cargo ship arrived at the port of Foynes in County Limerick, carrying a substantial load of woodchip. According to shipping data, this vessel embarked on its journey from the port of Santana in Brazil, a distance of over 7,000km. Capable of transporting more than 40,000 tonnes of cargo, this specialized vessel was specifically designed for such shipments.

The imported woodchip was destined for Bord na Móna’s power station in Edenderry, County Offaly. To Bord na Móna, this practice is a crucial component of their strategy to provide reliable, renewable energy. They assert that a varied mix of biomass materials is essential to generate the right fuel mix, aiding in maintaining their power station’s operation.

Bord na Móna Justifies Its Woodchip Imports

Bord na Móna maintains that it predominantly sources sustainable residual material from local suppliers within Ireland. However, they occasionally need to supplement domestically acquired biomass with imports from international suppliers, due to limitations in volume and material suitability. To ensure sustainability, they collaborate with an international non-profit organization facilitating better land management and business practices in biomass-producing regions abroad. Sustainability audits at these international sites are carried out on their behalf.

An Taisce’s Concerns

Head of Advocacy with An Taisce, Ian Lumley, maintains that the practice of importing and burning woodchip from South America is logically flawed. According to him, Ireland is facing its own environmental challenges, and diverting attention from these issues to import biomass from a continent suffering its own significant environmental adversities is counterproductive. Lumley further argues that the carbon footprint of this shipment stems from South America, making it a “loophole” in the carbon calculation process.

Lumley believes that the energy sector should prioritize energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. If biomass usage is necessary, it should be sourced dominantly from domestic sources instead of relying on imports. Greenpeace, a global environmental network, also questioned the reliability of the sustainability audits at international biomass-producing locations.

Greenpeace Expresses Doubts Over Sustainability Audits

Grant Rosoman, a Forest campaigner for Greenpeace, stated that while various certification schemes are weak and inconsistent, there is concern about certified and uncertified materials being mixed, potentially contributing to deforestation.

Bord na Móna Defends Its Vetted Sourcing Practices

In response to such concerns, Bord na Móna emphasizes that the organization they partner with conducts sustainability audits adhering to the SBP (Sustainable Biomass Programme), FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), and EUTR (European Union Timber Regulation) standards. They provide a Phytosanitary certificate to meet Department of Agriculture import requirements.

The Future of Biomass Sourcing in Ireland

While this sustainability debate continues, the need for Ireland to address its energy demands and environmental obligations remains crucial. As critical stakeholders, both environmental organizations and power generation companies should work towards finding durable and eco-friendly solutions. It is essential that these efforts not only comply with regulations but also genuinely reduce the carbon footprint and promote environmental stewardship.

Call to Action

We invite our readers to share their thoughts on this controversial topic. Does Ireland’s energy policy need to evolve, and should it focus more on indigenous biomass sourcing? Please leave your comments below. Additionally, to stay updated with more insights and analysis on environmental issues, join our newsletter and follow us on social media.