The event organised by Teagasc, in partnership with Tipperary County Council and Tipperary Energy Agency, showcased renewable energy products currently on the market and ways farmers could use power more efficiently. Below we show some of the practical ideas that were on show.

Hydroelectricity plant

Dan Twomey from Waterpower based in Kanturk, Co Cork, displayed a hydro plant that he sells to farmers to generate electricity. The plant uses the power of the water to drive a generator via belts. The energy supplied from the generator can be sold to Waterpower, which has a licence to sell electricity on to the national grid.

Instantaneous hot water

Damien Sharkey from Calor Gas showed the Irish Farmers Journal the company’s instantaneous water heater. The heater takes water directly from the cold tap to 85°C continuously using gas. Damien said it is useful for livestock farmers who want hot water in the shed for hand washing, utensil cleaning and preparation of milk replacer. It costs about €900 and running costs are typically 82c for every 200 litres of hot water delivered.

LED lighting

Niall Molloy, the regional sales manager for McLoughlins RS, distributor for GE lighting, explained the benefits of using LED lighting instead of traditional lights.

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