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Mayo Power Limited is pleased to announce its first Energy Crop Pilot Scheme

Working with local landowner and part-time farmer Derek Hannick and Waterford-based Seed Technology Limited, the company is proposing to plant willow on approximately 20 hectares of land within 10 miles of the proposed power station site. The purpose of the pilot will be to introduce willow as a new crop into the area – and to demonstrate how it is sown, how it grows and how it will fit into the local farming system and the environment. The objective will be to initiate planting immediately in order to benefit from this growing season. Willow first matures four years after planting and each three years subsequently. It is hoped that the first crop will coincide with the commissioning of the Mayo Power plant but, if necessary, the crop can be stored. Raymond O'Neill from Seed Technology Ltd says “Energy Crops offer one of the greatest potential sources of renewable energy for electricity and combined heat and power generation. If energy crops are included in the general mix of agricultural crops in a considered and informed way there could be significant environmental and ecological benefits alongside the development of a fully sustainable energy source. Better willow varieties with increased yield and improved crop management, has made willow very competitive as an energy source.’’ Derek Hannick says: “Converting part of my land use to bio energy crops is proving more profitable and less labor intensive than the poor returns currently being experienced in beef production. I am producing a crop that is good for the environment and doing my part to help Ireland reduce its carbon footprint” Martin Pickard a director of Mayo Power confirmed that they were excited at the prospect of this first scheme and that they had two or three other schemes already in the pipeline. “We see locally grown energy crops as a key component of our fuel supply mix – and now that we are targeting biomass/wood to be more than 50% of our feedstock – we are keen to encourage as many local schemes as possible”. Mayo Power Limited is currently progressing commercial arrangements pending a final decision from An Bord Pleanala which is due late July. 6th June 2008 Ends Issued on behalf of Mayo Power Limited by Tim Ryan Communications: Suite 25, Morrison Chambers, 32 Nassau St., Dublin 2 Tel + 353 (0)87 2471423 Note to editors: Derek Hannick can be contacted at 086 8227210 and Raymond O’Neill of Seed Technology Ltd at 051 832814

Site last updated: 2008-06-06 © 2006-2008 MayoPower.co.uk