CREST (Centre for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technologies) at South West College, Enniskillen, is delighted to be working in collaboration with Biomass Energy Northern Ireland (BENI) to run a free biomass seminar, tour and demonstration for industry on Friday 21st October 2016 from 10.00am to 2.30pm in the CREST Pavilion.

This event for growers, biofuel suppliers, landowners, biomass end users and other interested parties, will focus on ‘Opportunities in Biomass’, including an overview of the economic outlook, energy crops, fuel quality, funding for innovation and future prospects for the industry. The event will also include a tour and demonstration of CREST’s Research and Development biomass processing facilities and testing laboratory.

CREST at South West College hosts state-of-the-art renewable energy and sustainable construction facilities which support research and development with small and medium-sized businesses in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and the UK and has collaborative linkages across Europe. Aaron Black, Research Lecturer, said, “CREST enables the college to work closely with the bioenergy industry through research and development helping find answers to technical issues and bringing innovative ideas and concepts to life.”

Biomass Energy Northern Ireland (BENI) is a self-funded organisation whose members are actively engaged in all aspects of the production, marketing and use of biomass energy in Northern Ireland with a strong emphasis on Biomass Renewable Heat. Chairman of BENI, John Martin, commented “There is still a target of 10% of Heat from renewable sources by 2020, despite closure of the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme. A clear strategy needs to be put in place by The Department for the Economy (DfE) as a matter of urgency, to ensure this target is met”.

Other speakers include, Michael Doran of Action Renewables and President of the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA), Barry Caslin - Bioenergy & Rural Development Specialist in Teagasc, Jim Clarke - Deputy Principal Sustainable Development in Invest Northern Ireland, Stewart Cameron - Glendale Tree Services and BENI member and Paul Cairns - CREST Biomass r&D Technician.

BioTech 2016 will take place in the CREST Pavilion, South West College Technology & Skills Centre, Killyhevlin Industrial Estate, Enniskillen, BT74 4EJ on Friday 21st October 2016 from 10.00am to 2.30pm.

To register for BioTech 2016 or for more information, please contact Gary Logue at [email protected] or telephone 028 6634 2251 by Monday 17^th October.

Pictured here is Ciaran McManus; Deputy Head of Industry & Training, with Paul Cairns; CREST r&D Technician and event organiser, and Shane McBrien; CREST r&D Lab Co-ordinator