Bord na Móna Faces Criticism Over Imported Woodchip for Power Generation
Bord na Móna, Ireland’s largest peat producer, is facing criticism for importing woodchip from Brazil to fuel its power station in Edenderry, Co Offaly. An Taisce, an environmental group, has condemned the practice, arguing that it is illogical and environmentally damaging.
Last week, a cargo ship carrying over 40,000 tonnes of woodchip from Santana, Brazil, docked in Foynes, Co Limerick. The 7,000km journey highlights the significant distance travelled by this biomass fuel.
Bord na Móna defends its reliance on imported woodchip, stating that it is necessary to supplement locally sourced biomass for its power generation. They claim to prioritize sustainable practices and work with an international non-profit organization to ensure responsible sourcing at international locations. This organization conducts sustainability audits, adhering to SBP, FSC, and EUTR regulations.
“Greenwash” Concerns Raised
However, An Taisce’s Head of Advocacy, Ian Lumley, argues that importing woodchip from South America, a continent facing environmental challenges, contradicts the principles of sustainability. He criticizes the carbon footprint calculation, which attributes emissions to South America rather than Ireland, describing it as a “loophole” and “greenwash.”
“Real green energy needs to be indigenous and sustainable,” Lumley asserts, advocating for a focus on domestic biomass sourcing, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.
Greenpeace, a global environmental network, shares concerns about the reliability of sustainability audits for biomass, highlighting inconsistencies and weaknesses in existing certification schemes.
The organization warns of the possibility of uncertified material being mixed with certified biomass, potentially contributing to deforestation.
Questions Remain Unanswered
Despite Bord na Móna’s assurances, An Taisce and Greenpeace raise serious questions about the environmental impact and sustainability of importing woodchip from South America. Bord na Móna has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the total number of shipments sourced from South America or future plans for such imports.
What are your thoughts on Bord na Móna’s use of imported woodchip? Share your views in the comments below.
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