More farmers are now planting crops to provide energy, according to the agriculture authority Teagasc.
A major conference on bioenergy in Carlow this morning was told that there was increased planting of miscanthus, willow and oilseed rape in the past year.
Barry Caslin of Teagasc said that land planted with willow and miscanthus has gone up from 300 hectares last year to 1,100 hectares currently.
Oilseed rape has increased from 4,000 hectares to 6,000 hectares this year. He said biomass produced here has the potential to meet up to 10% of Ireland's fuel needs by 2020.
Professor Jimmy Burke told the Open Day, which was attended by thousands of farmers, that commercial and public sector building are responsible for almost one-fifth of Ireland's energy use - up 30% in the last few years.
Prof Burke said those involved in the design and management of these buildings should examine all energy-saving options at their disposal.
The Professor said the new Teagasc biosciences building in Carlow has one of the lowest carbon dioxide ratings in Europe for such a facility.
The Teagasc head of forestry, Nuala N Fhlatharta, said the development of the bioenergy market provides an important incentive for farmers to plant new forests.
