Wood energy could contribute €70m to economy - SEI
Ireland has the potential to develop an indigenous fuel supply from forestry and wood industry waste for domestic and industrial markets, a conference will hear.
By 2020 refined wood fuels produced in Ireland could be meeting 3 - 5% of our heating needs and contributing approximately €70m per year to the rural economy, according to David Taylor chief executive of Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), who was announcing details of the forthcoming ‘Wood Energy 2005’ Conference and Study Tour.
Wood Energy 2005 takes place at the Marriot’s Druid’s Glen Hotel and Country Club, Co Wicklow on May 19-20, 2005.
Mr Taylor said: “Given the continued threat of climate change, the volatility of oil prices, Ireland’s rising energy demands and the need to find additional secure and affordable sources of energy, refined wood fuels in the form of wood pellets are an attractive fuel for the Irish heat market.
"The development of a wood energy industry in Ireland could also play a significant role in rural regeneration, putting millions of euro back into rural economies. In the future it is a possibility that many towns in Ireland could have a wood power plant – managed and maintained with local labour and powered by locally grown wood, and locally produced wood pellets and chips."
