Stephen Robb

Donegal

Renewables Editor at Irish Farmers Journal

Renewables Editor with the Irish Farmers Journal. Donegal tillage farmer. All views my own. https://t.co/gpiQGSzVBU

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Articles

Biocore: turning sludge into power

1 week ago | farmersjournal.ie | Stephen Robb

With nearly 1,000,000t of sludge produced annually in Ireland from over 1,000 wastewater treatment plants, it is a significant resource. Wastewater sludge is made up mainly of organic matter that has been removed during sewage the treatment process. Irish Water estimates that the volume of sludge generated in Ireland is expected to increase by more than 80% by 2040. At present, over 98% of wastewater sludge is treated and reused in agriculture.
Limerick group at odds with biogas developer

1 week ago | farmersjournal.ie | Stephen Robb

A Limerick community has accused a biogas developer of being vague about when a public information day would be held for a proposed anaerobic digestion (AD) plant in the area. Developer CycleØ has submitted plans to build the plant in Cappinahane, Limerick, to produce renewable biomethane and contribute to Ireland’s 2030 Climate Action Plan and net-zero targets. However, in response, a number of local residents have formed a group to oppose the project.
Further delays confirmed to flagship biomethane scheme

1 week ago | farmersjournal.ie | Stephen Robb

The Government’s flagship policy expected to kickstart the biomethane industry in Ireland has faced another setback and is now unlikely to be in place by the revised date of 1 January 2026. The Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) is a new scheme aimed at driving the use of renewable fuels in the heat sector. First announced in 2019, the policy is expected to be the main support mechanism to develop Ireland’s anaerobic digestion sector, but has been plagued by delays.
Could wood powder be Ireland's new super fuel?

1 week ago | farmersjournal.ie | Stephen Robb

Biomass burners are nothing new. The use of wood – particularly wood chips and pellets – to generate heat and power has been around for decades. However, several perceptions persist about this renewable energy source.
A new wind and solar option for farms?

1 week ago | farmersjournal.ie | Stephen Robb

There have been many innovations in the energy sector over the past decade — some revolutionary, others more niche. That innovation shows no sign of slowing down. A new wind and solar unit, designed to sit on top of streetlights or poles, has recently been launched in Ireland, and it could well have a role to play on farms. We caught up with Vincent McConnell, Sales Manager at Waveform 360, at the recent SEAI Energy Show to learn more.
Carlows new slurry creamy – what’s in it for farmers?

1 week ago | farmersjournal.ie | Stephen Robb

When Greengate Biogas first announced plans to build a 700,000 tonne slurry and manure-based anaerobic digestion (AD) plant in Ireland, many in the agriculture and energy sectors raised an eyebrow. The proposal aimed to bring the Danish model of AD to Ireland, with large-scale plants based on waste and manure, something that has not yet been successfully done. However, the company held a public consultation event for its first planned project in Powerstown, Carlow, last week.
Mayo AD plant gets green light

1 week ago | farmersjournal.ie | Stephen Robb

A major new anaerobic digestion (AD) plant is set to be built in Ballinrobe, after Mayo County Council gave the green light for Nephin Renewable Gas’s first project. The AD plant, which will be developed in partnership with local pig farmer John Sheridan, will process 90,000t of feedstock annually.
Farmers to be paid for slurry as ‘biogas creamery’ unveiled

1 week ago | farmersjournal.ie | Stephen Robb

Farmers are set to be paid for their slurry and manures under a new collection service proposed for Carlow. Greengate Biogas unveiled plans last week for a new anaerobic digestion (AD) plant in Powerstown, Carlow, which will require 700,000t of slurry and manures from local farmers to produce biomethane gas. The company intends to build one of Europe’s largest AD plants, the first of seven planned in Ireland, on a 24ac site beside the Powerstown Civic Amenity Site, just south of Carlow town.
Ireland’s newest electricity interconnector opens

1 week ago | farmersjournal.ie | Stephen Robb

Ireland’s newest electricity interconnector has officially been opened. The Greenlink Interconnector, on which construction was completed last year, links the Great Island substation in Co Wexford to the National Grid’s Pembroke substation in Pembrokeshire, Wales via two high voltage cables. The interconnector has a capacity of 500 MW, enough to power 380,000 homes. It aims to significantly improve energy security on both islands, increase market competition and provide additional export capacity.
New biomethane plant planned for Arklow

1 week ago | farmersjournal.ie | Stephen Robb

Nephin Renewable Gas, the company bidding to become Ireland’s largest anaerobic digestion (AD) developer, has submitted plans for its latest project near Arklow, Co Wicklow. The company, which is partnering with local dairy farmer Seoirse McGrath, is seeking permission to build a 90,000t AD plant, which will produce biomethane gas, liquid CO2 and biofertiliser. The 10ac AD greenfield site is currently in grass and is located approximately 720m west of the boundary of Arklow town.