JHM Crops Ltd.

Bioenergy Scheme for planting Miscanthus and Willow

There are establishment grants available to farmers to plant Miscanthus and Willow for Bioenergy purposes. Miscanthus is a biomass crop which can be converted into renewable fuel to generate heat and electricity.

The "Bioenergy Scheme" supports the planting of Miscanthus by providing establishment grants to farmers for up to 50% of establishment costs, subject to a maximum grant of €1,300 per hectare.

Areas planted with Miscanthus can qualify for adjusted payments under the REPS and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, subject to certain conditions on the areas planted.

Details of the Scheme and application forms can be obtained from Biofuels Policy Unit, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Kea-Lew Business Park, Mountrath Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. Telephone 057-8692231 or contact J.H.M. Crops Ltd., Kilfinny, Adare, Co. Limerick 061 395336.



Miscanthus Pilot Demonstration Programme Grant for boilers burning Miscanthus

The Miscanthus Pilot Demonstration Programme for boilers using Miscanthus is run by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. The Demonstration Programme allows for up to 50% grant assistance on the capital cost of a burner meaning the payback period can be as low as two years. The maximum grant assistance available for any one project is 75,000 Euro.

This allows a grant to be given to renewable heating systems fuelled by Miscanthus in the industrial, commercial, public and community sectors in Ireland. In essence grants can now be paid to farmers, businesses, schools, hospitals and county councils who want to put in a burner that will burn Miscanthus on a commercial scale and benefit from lower heating costs.

SEAI are taking applications immediately so any interested parties would be best advised to contact JHM Crops for further information (contact us)