Forestry to Fuel Bioenergy Market

Over 10% of the land area of Ireland is planted with trees representing the most realistic source of fuel for the growing bioenergy market.

Speaking at Bioenergy 07, Teagasc Head of Forestry, Nuala Ni Fhlatharta said “There are 620,000 hectares of forestry in Ireland and the new emerging wood energy market is providing an important outlet for thinnings from these forests. While replacing imported fossils fuels, the increased use of wood chip, wood pellet, and log burners and boilers, is providing an opportunity to add value to locally produced raw material from farm forests. It also ensures that farm forests will be thinned. This is a win - win situation at local level and will help ensure that farmers can maximise their income from sawlog and other end uses.”

Bioenergy 07, took place in Oak Park, Carlow, today, Thursday, 29 August and was organised jointly by COFORD, Sustainable Energy Ireland and Teagasc. A full range of wood processing equipment was demonstrated today for the large attendance, while the latest and most efficient stoves for domestic and commercial use were highlighted.

Nuala Ni Fhlatharta said, “The development of the bioenergy market also provides another important incentive for farmers to plant new forests. There are already attractive afforestation schemes such as the FEPS scheme in place to encourage environmentally friendly forestry and provide an annual income of over €750 per hectare, but the development of these new markets for wood energy makes the forestry option even more attractive. It also allows farmers to produce their own fuel for the future, helping to buffer them against any further increases in oil prices.