UK EU Representative visits AFBI Renewable Energy projects

Ambassador Morgan met Chris Johnston, AFBI’s Renewable Energy (RE) research project leader and held an open discussion on what Northern Ireland can achieve in terms of sustainable energy provision, with environmental protection, in line with the growth of the agri sector. Aspects of the discussion naturally focussed on the effects of environmental and energy EU policy directives.

Following the meeting, the Ambassador toured AFBI’s Environment and Renewable Energy Centre (EREC), which was opened in 2008 to undertake research on the potential of renewable energy options available to agriculture, the agri-food sector and the rural community in Northern Ireland.

Currently the AFBI research programme coordinates many aspects of renewable energy and environmental research, demonstration, knowledge transfer and proof of concept schemes and installations.  AFBI receives many visits from groups comprising Farmers, Research, Industry, SMEs, and Government & Education.

AFBI plays an active role in the stimulation of renewable energy markets, thus facilitating aspects of the development of on-farm and agri-food related renewable energy enterprises.

The fields of research comprise biomass production including energy crops, fuel quality and diagnostics, combustion, emissions from combustion as well as sustainable waste recycling linked with environmental protection and the production of biomass fuel. The AFBI centre also undertakes research on anaerobic digestion of animal manures and supplements to produce biogas for electricity and heat.

Notes to editors: 

AFBI carries out high quality technology research and development, statutory, analytical, and diagnostic testing functions for DARD and other Government departments, public bodies and commercial companies.

 AFBI's Vision is “Scientific excellence in Northern Ireland … serving the world”.

All media enquiries to AFBI Press Office 

Share this page