The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland recently announced the launch of the Miscanthus Pilot Demonstration Programme which aims to support the establishment of a number of exemplar boiler sites.

Miscanthus, a perennial, rhizomatous grass, is an energy crop that could make a significant contribution to biomass supply in Ireland. To date approximately 2,000 hectares have been planted and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food’s recently launched a Bioenergy Scheme for Willow and Miscanthus as part of the Irish Rural Development Programme.

The use of miscanthus as a fuel to date is very limited in Ireland, due to a number of issues including limited experience with its use as a boiler fuel. This Miscanthus Pilot Demonstration Programme is intended to support the establishment of a number of exemplar boiler sites, between 5 and 15 depending on the mix of size ranges and costs submitted. These exemplar sites will serve to provide important information on the supply chain logistics and suitability of miscanthus as a boiler fuel in an Irish context, as well as providing a solid basis for creating market confidence.

“The Miscanthus Pilot Demonstration Programme will create a much-needed market for the miscanthus crop,” said the IFA’s alternative land use chairman, JJ Kavanagh.

“Despite the interest in growing miscanthus, the market has been very slow to develop, ” Mr Kavanagh said.

A budget of €500,000 has been allocated to this initiative and a support level of up to 50% of eligible cost, with a maximum support level for any one project or site of €75,000, will apply. Support under the pilot demonstration programme will be on a first come fully compliant application basis. While there is no size restriction it is anticipated that projects supported under this programme will primarily be between 100 and 500 kWth.

Boilers supported under the Miscanthus Pilot Demonstration Programme must be commissioned by the 30th November 2010.

For more information about the programme or to download an application form please visit the Miscanthus Pilot Demonstration Programme section of the SEAI web site.