Wood could meet heating needs

THE forthcoming Wood Energy 2005 Conference in Ireland will hear that the country has the potential to develop an alternative fuel supply from forestry and wood industry waste.

David Taylor chief executive of Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) said that wood fuels could be meeting around 5% of Ireland’s heating needs.

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.”

Wood Energy 2005 takes place at the Marriot’s Druid’s Glen Hotel and Country Club, Co Wicklow on May 19-20, 2005.