Energy in Agriculture 2016 will take place in Co Tipperary on Tuesday.

Gurteen Agricultural College will host the open day covering all aspects of energy use and generation on the farm.

Organised by Teagasc, in partnership with Tipperary County Council, Tipperary Energy Agency, Gurteen Agriculture College, will be one of the largest energy events to take place in Ireland.

Energy conservation

Speaking at the launch of the event on the dairy farm of Pat Curley, Ballinasloe, Co Roscommon, Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Denis Naughten said: “Ireland is required to provide 16% of our energy needs (electricity, heating and transport) from renewables by 2020 under European energy policies. There is a further EU target to cut emissions by at least 20% compared to 2005 levels.

"On farm energy costs are an invisible form of expense. Dairy farms have a heavy reliance on electricity, mostly for collecting and cooling milk, heating water and lighting. Energy efficiency is now more important than ever for farmers. This joint event will help to raise awareness of energy conservation opportunities for farmers and motivate them to reduce waste. A cut in energy costs ultimately results in the same bottom line benefit as an increase in sales.”

Energy bills

Barry Caslin, Teagasc Energy Specialist said: “In farming, energy costs may only represent a small percentage of turnover. But reducing them can directly increase profits and competitiveness. At a national level we need to improve our energy security by reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels.

"Energy efficiency is the first step to reduce your energy bills. Carry out an energy audit on your unit to identify any savings that can be made by doing things differently. Once these savings have been made then the renewable energy options can be considered.”

The event, which is being run as part of the Teagasc ‘Get Farm Financially Fit Campaign’, builds on the reputation of Tipperary County Council and the Tipperary Energy Agency, in leading energy policy and the promotion of sustainable energy developments in the country.