Biofuels Have Potential if Economics are Right

Teagasc researcher Dr. Bernard Rice, speaking at a Biofuels conference in Carlow today (Wednesday, 20 April) said that farmers' are willing and able to produce biofuel crops provided it makes economic sense. 

Providing excise relief for transport Biofuels would improve the economic viability of the enterprise.  However, according to the Teagasc Researcher, the proposed excise relief for 8 million litres of transport Biofuels will only achieve about ten percent of the European Commission's two percent substitution target.

Mr. Rice told the conference that "unlimited relief was required for an
initial period to allow the industry to develop." Referring to the potential of the industry Mr. Rice said that the best immediate Biofuels prospects are rape-seed oil for use in modified engines; Biofuels from a mix of feedstocks including waste vegetable oil and tallow, and wood residues either as chips or pallets. "Short rotation willows also have potential with the sites being used for the disposal of effluents from the food industry or municipal treatment plants" said Mr. Rice in conclusion.

Ends

Issued by Larry O'Loughlin

A/Head Public Relations Department, Teagasc

Tel: 059 9183408; 087 2562434;Email: loloughlin@hq.teagasc.ie