News

Miscanthus, a government classified ‘energy crop’ is a perennial grass, which produces 3 metre tall canes every year. The crop will yield annually, without replanting for over 10 years, or up to 20 years if desired.  Miscanthus is one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly means of producing sustainable biomass for renewable energy markets. The crop produces biomass 3 times more efficiently than conventional agricultural crops such as wheat.

“Dynamic leading businesses like Drax are now recognising the clear benefits of using true Energy Crops like Miscanthus and developing local supply chains. This produces both a worthwhile and significant energy gain and forms a key component of Drax’s long term co-firing programme” says David Croxton, Managing Director of BICAL

BICAL are working closely with Drax to source the fuel as energy efficiently as possible and BICAL have set up a dedicated producer group, BiSel, to manage the fuel supply for Drax. This project will require a further 14,000Ha of land to be established with Miscanthus to meet the demand. This fuel supply will be established on arable land within a 50 mile supply radius of DRAX power station from spring 2008 onwards. This level of production will not limit the production of any food crops in the area, and is well suited to set aside land.

“The expansion and development of the fuel contract now offers significant opportunities for the BiSel producer group and other BICAL producer groups across the UK” says Dr Mike Carver, Chairman of BiSel.

Drax is also working with BICAL to develop efficient fuel distribution chains, including compacting Miscanthus into cubes for transport into the power station by rail. This level of supply will be achieved by the establishment of regional processing hubs, to process and deliver the fuel to the power station.

The burning of 300,000 tonnes of Miscanthus will lead to an annual reduction of 660,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere as each tonne of Miscanthus burnt will prevent over 2 tonnes of CO₂ being emitted, when compared to burning fossil fuels. The annual emissions from energy use in a typical household would be around 10 tonnes of CO₂, so this project equates to over 70,000 average household CO₂ emissions each year.

The establishment of the energy crop Miscanthus offers significant benefits for farmers and landowners as a low input crop offering high returns. The crop, once established needs no pesticide or fertiliser treatments, and offers biodiversity and additional carbon sequestration benefits.

Any farmers or landowners wishing to join this ongoing project, please contact BICAL on www.bical.net

Bical Press Release 27 march 2007

- Establishment grants for Willow and Miscanthus
- Top-up to Energy Crops Premium

Minister Coughlan said she is introducing a new Bioenergy Scheme providing establishment grants to farmers for up to 50% of the costs associated with establishing miscanthus and willow on set-aside land and on areas, which have been subject to an aid for the EU Premium of €45 per hectare. €8m is being allocated over the period 2007 to 2009 for the grant scheme to encourage the planting of willow and miscanthus for the production of biomass suitable for use as a renewable source of heat and energy. The Minister said the scheme is being piloted in 2007 and will allow up to 1,400 hectares of willow and miscanthus to be grant aided in the first year.

Minister Coughlan said under the Scheme, farmers can receive up to €1,450 per hectare towards establishment costs with the balance to be invested by the farmer. The Minister added, “the scheme will provide opportunities for farm diversification and encourage farmers to consider willow and miscanthus as an alternative land use option”. The Minister said that full details of the scheme are now available from her Department and the closing date for receipt of applications is 28 February 2007'...

Between 2007 and 2009 €8m is being allocated for the grant scheme to encourage the planting of willow and miscanthus for the production of biomass suitable for use as a renewable source of heat and energy.

Mary Coughlan, Minister for Agriculture and Food, said the new Bioenergy Scheme will supply grants to farmers for up to 50 per cent of the costs associated with establishing miscanthus and willow on set-aside land and on areas which have been aided by the EU Premium of €45 per hectare'...

ireland.com, Feb 2006

The NFU’s team in Brussels requested a meeting with the Commission after initial proposals ruled out future support payments for miscanthus plantings due to clashes with WTO rules. Any change would have resulted in the loss of future planting support payments for farmers who want to grow miscanthus which would have obvious knock-on effects for the UK’s developing bioenergy industry.

However, the NFU is pleased the Commission has decided not to change the existing set up in the new regulation. As part of the new English rural development programmes, due to start in January, the new regulation allows monies to be paid to multiannual crops, such as miscanthus. This will come from monies dedicated to improving the “competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector”. It is hoped the entire text of the implementing rules for the next rural development programmes will be agreed in October.

Peter Kendall, NFU president, who attended the meeting said: “This is a really sensible decision by the Commission to help farmers participate in the provision of renewable energy. The previous situation was ludicrous and the NFU has worked hard, along with other organisations, to get this changed.”

Paul Carver, technical director for Bical (Biomass Industrial Crops Ltd) in Devon, said: “Miscanthus is the most sought after energy crop, both by power stations and farmers. It is pleasing that the Commission have recognised this fact and have now placed it back at the forefront of both energy crop and biofuel demand.”...