27/06/2005
Enniskillen facility to safeguard 200 jobs
A new wood fuel pellet production facility based in Enniskillen looks set to safeguard 200 jobs as well as create a further 20 positions in the foreseeable future.
Balcas Ltd recently started production on one of Europe’s fastest growing renewable energy sources called ‘brites’ – the bio fuel pellet.
By converting the by-products generated by the company’s timber processing activities, namely sawdust and wood chippings, into wood fuel pellets the company has been able to create a greener energy source with significant exporting potential.
Ernest Kidney, managing director of Balcas Ltd said: “This facility will introduce a new technology and fuel source to Northern Ireland, providing secure manufacturing employment opportunities in the local area and added security for the forestry sector.
“I also firmly believe that bio fuel pellets have the potential to deliver the energy needs of every home in Northern Ireland.”
The project is the first of its kind in the UK in terms of scale and it is estimated that the company will generate enough energy to meet all of the company’s electricity needs and potentially meet the energy requirements of over 10,000 Northern Ireland homes. The new wood fuel pellet production facility will be capable of producing approximately 50,000 tonnes of fuel pellets annually.
(MB/SP)
Balcas Ltd recently started production on one of Europe’s fastest growing renewable energy sources called ‘brites’ – the bio fuel pellet.
By converting the by-products generated by the company’s timber processing activities, namely sawdust and wood chippings, into wood fuel pellets the company has been able to create a greener energy source with significant exporting potential.
Ernest Kidney, managing director of Balcas Ltd said: “This facility will introduce a new technology and fuel source to Northern Ireland, providing secure manufacturing employment opportunities in the local area and added security for the forestry sector.
“I also firmly believe that bio fuel pellets have the potential to deliver the energy needs of every home in Northern Ireland.”
The project is the first of its kind in the UK in terms of scale and it is estimated that the company will generate enough energy to meet all of the company’s electricity needs and potentially meet the energy requirements of over 10,000 Northern Ireland homes. The new wood fuel pellet production facility will be capable of producing approximately 50,000 tonnes of fuel pellets annually.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 February 2022
Environment Minister Supports 'Time for Timber' Initiative
Environment Minister Edwin Poots has announced his support for the 'Time for Timber' global wood manifesto, launched by Confor last year to coincide with COP26 in Glasgow.
Environment Minister Supports 'Time for Timber' Initiative
Environment Minister Edwin Poots has announced his support for the 'Time for Timber' global wood manifesto, launched by Confor last year to coincide with COP26 in Glasgow.
30 August 2005
NIE launch wood pellet heating scheme
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has this week launched a new renewable energy initiative offering businesses across the province grant support to install wood pellet heating units.
NIE launch wood pellet heating scheme
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has this week launched a new renewable energy initiative offering businesses across the province grant support to install wood pellet heating units.
20 September 2011
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
23 August 2004
NI to be site of new environmentally friendly facility
Northern Ireland is to be the site of the UK’s largest production facility for a new environmentally friendly fuel, it was revealed today.
NI to be site of new environmentally friendly facility
Northern Ireland is to be the site of the UK’s largest production facility for a new environmentally friendly fuel, it was revealed today.
01 August 2011
Wood Pellet Firm Wins EU Certification
Wood pellets, manufactured by a leading Northern Ireland manufacturer, Balcas in Co Fermanagh, are the first in Ireland to receive certification under ENplus, the new standard for premium quality wood pellets across Europe.
Wood Pellet Firm Wins EU Certification
Wood pellets, manufactured by a leading Northern Ireland manufacturer, Balcas in Co Fermanagh, are the first in Ireland to receive certification under ENplus, the new standard for premium quality wood pellets across Europe.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.