Electricity from straw

[dhaslam]

New biomass power station proposed  for Co Offaly.  It is to be located in an old  peat burning  plant.   

http://www.independent.ie/farming/news-features/contracts-up-for-120000t-of-straw-2977601.html

There is also a  smaller CHP plant proposed in the same area using pyrolysis with waste material as the source.   It could be a model for future waste  disposal but is already  having some opposition.

http://www.offaly.ie/eplan/FileRefDetails.aspx?file_number=10307&LASiteID=0

These are  in addition to the gas powered plant proposed for another  old  peat plant that is  to act as backup for a large wind farm.

All these developments arise from the  experience gained in operating the peat plants  over more than half  a century.   

[stannn]

Is this happening because of legislation limiting the area of peat which may be cut?
Stan