Fields Of Gold Innovation Week 2009

Fields of Gold Innovation Week 14-20th October 2009

What are the Fields of Gold?

A Crop of Oilseed Rape - grown to produce Biofuel on a 15 acre field. Biofuel is a fuel produced from a biological source in this instance the oilseed rape seeds. The biofuel produced is called Biodiesel Biodiesel is used to power engines. Biodiesel may be used in pure form in newer engines where stated by the manufacturer, and is frequently combined with fossil-fuel diesel in ratios varying from 2% to 20% biodiesel. Oilseed rape is the oil mainly produced in Europe due to the high yields produced per acre compared to other sources.

Where are the Fields of Gold?

To pursue the Council’s objectives regarding Quality of Life, Sustainable Energy and Agenda 21 and taking into account the current Climate Change agenda, it was decided to undertake a pilot Oil Seed Rape growing and harvesting project on a portion of the The oflands the know project is to educate the public future aim housing as ‘Grange’ adjacent to Corkagh Park –about see map below.

Oilseed Rape and renewable energy crops in general. To provide a demonstration crop to illustrate the quantity of land required to fuel a vehicle for a year. The mileage achieved using the resulting biodiesel will also be measured and the results subsequently made public.

To pursue the Council’s objectives regarding Quality of Life, Sustainable Energy and Agenda 21 and taking into account the current Climate Change agenda, it was decided Cont… to undertake a pilot Oil Seed Rape growing and harvesting project on a portion of the Before the lands cropknow wasas sown contractor that future housing ‘Grange’the adjacent to Corkaghestimated Park – see map below.

8-9 tons of biofuel oil (8,000-9,000L) may be produced from the 15 acre plot. The average small family car with a 1.4L engine uses approximately 800 litres per annum (based on mileage of approx. 20,000 km per annum). Potentially the project could fuel 10 family cars for 1 year. Theoretically 1.5 acres (0.6ha) of Oilseed Rape is

The Oilseed Plant Scientific Classification: Kingdom:

Plantae

Order:

Brassicales

Family:

Brassicaceae

Genus:

Brassica

Species:

B. Napus

The Oilseed plant is related to the cabbage plant…

Rapeseed (Brassica napus)

Previous Land Use • The tracks in the field were from scrambler bikes and quads use. • An anti-social behaviour pattern had developed. • The growing of Oilseed Rape proved to be a pro-social solution.

Image courtesy of the Bing Maps website

Crop in Flower Summer 2009

Harvesting September 2009

The Resulting Crop The Oilseed Rape crop To pursue the Council’s objectives regarding Quality of Life, Sustainable Energy and at Grange,Corkagh, Agenda 21 and taking into account the current Climate Change agenda, it was decided harvested 18 tonnes of to undertake a pilot Oil Seed Rape growing and harvesting project on a portion of the seed. future housing lands know as ‘Grange’ adjacent to Corkagh Park – see map below. When refined this will produce 6 tonnes (6,540 litres) of oil. This equates to 50,000 – 55,000 vehicle miles or up to 88,000km approximately for a van or pick-up truck Theoretically this will fuel 3 council vehicles for 1 year. Lourda Whyte, Esker Depot, SDCC driver of an Oilseed Biofuel powered vehicle and Ken Clayton, Mechanical Services, SDCC

We Wish to Thank •The staff of SDCC’s Housing and Development Departments allocating To pursue theforCouncil’s objectives regarding Quality of Life, Sustainable Energy and the Agenda lands for21the project. and taking into account the current Climate Change agenda, it was decided •Staff of the Parks to undertake a pilot Oil Seed Rape growing and harvesting project on a portion of the future housing lands Department for their co-know as ‘Grange’ adjacent to Corkagh Park – see map below. operation and enthusiasm for the project. •Mechanical Services section for their knowledge and monitoring of the vehicles involved. •Michael McBennett and family for the preparation, seeding, maintenance, harvesting and processing of the crop. •The public for their Matt Rudden, Corkagh District Supervisor, and Michael McBennett, appreciation of the crop and local producer and contractor for the Oilseed Rape project project.