Waste-to-Energy lab opens in Ireland

The Centre for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technologies (Crest) is a new laboratory designed to turn waste into energy. The lab is located at South West College in Enniskillen, Ireland.

The lab is designed to process and analyse various biomass residues. The facility will also study generating heat and power from agricultural waste.

Crest centre manager Tim Stokes said to The Irish News: “Technology in this sector is evolving at an incredible pace and it is important that Northern Ireland is in a position to stay ahead of the curve.

“Ultimately, facilities like this are about propelling clients towards greater efficiencies, compliance with government targets and competitiveness on the global stage.

“We know that other regions have much lower energy costs, but technologies like those available here are levelling the playing field. The lab will enable us to undertake a range of practical industry research projects relating to bioenergy on behalf of businesses and farmers in the region.”

Welcoming the opening of the new laboratory in her constituency, Finance Minister Arlene Foster said it ranks among the top “clean and green” training facilities in the UK.

“This research and development laboratory is the culmination of a unique collaboration of expertise and resources from the South West College and its project partners in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland,” she said to The Irish News.

“Its completion demonstrates what can be achieved when individuals and organisations work in partnership towards a shared vision that is mutually beneficial.

“Renewable energy products and sustainable technologies are at the forefront of new industries and the training and research and development support from this facility can help small and medium-sized enterprises compete in this multi-million pound industry.”

The centre has been funded through the Interreg IVA programme as well as by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in the north and Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation in the Republic.