Refined wood fuels the ‘ideal alternative’

IRELAND, with a favourable growing climate, has the potential to develop an indigenous fuel supply from forestry and wood industry waste for domestic and industrial markets.

Sustainable Energy Ireland chief executive David Taylor said that by 2020, refined wood fuels could be meeting 3-5% of heating needs and contributing about €70 million a year to the rural economy.

He was announcing details of the forthcoming Wood Energy 2005 conference and study tour, which will take place at Druid’s Glen, Co Wicklow, on May 19-20, with SEI and the National Council for Forest Research and Development as organisers.