Bioenergy event to spell out how Westmeath can cut energy costs

With bioenergy delivering up to 50% fuel cost saving when compared with fossil fuels and with Ireland currently spending over €6.5 billion on imported oil, coal and gas, all ears will be focused on what has to be said at a Bioenergy conference and workshop taking place in the Bloomfield House Hotel in Mullingar on 3rd February next.The event is happening in Mullingar, as Westmeath is currently working towards becoming a “bioregion” - ie, an area getting at least one third of its energy supply (excluding transportation), from regional and sustainable biomass sources, which would include crops, forestry, and organic waste.The project is being led locally by Westmeath Community Development Ltd (WCDL), and for the duration, Westmeath has been paired, for mentoring purposes, with a bioregion in Sweden.According to Patrick Daly, an energy consultant working with WCDL on the project, “The project should give those interested in developing the sector in the midlands access and knowledge to some of Europe's most successful ‘best practice' Biomass Regions, from which they can gain significant insight and experience.”TO READ MORE SEE THIS WEEK'S EDITION 29.01.11