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Press Release - IrBEA response to ESRI Report
More diverse Government policy and technology approach needed for domestic heating - IrBEA
For immediate release
Date: 10 March 2026
The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) responds to the publication of a new ESRI report today examining progress on residential heat decarbonisation in Ireland.
The report highlights that Ireland is currently significantly off track in achieving its residential heating targets, with deep retrofits reaching just 11.5% of the 2030 target and heat pump installations only 3.5% of the target by the end of 2024.
Responding to the ESRI findings, IrBEA CEO Seán Finan said: "The ESRI work underlines the need for a broader range of renewable heating technology solutions to be supported by Government policy.
Finan continued “Decarbonising home heating is one of the biggest challenges in Ireland’s climate transition. While electrification will play an important role, the ESRI report clearly demonstrates that current delivery rates are far below what is required. Ireland needs a wider mix of renewable heating technologies if we are to meet our climate targets.”
IrBEA is calling on Government to introduce several targeted measures to ensure renewable biomass heating is supported alongside other renewable technologies at a domestic level. These measures include:
Given the current global environment, we should also consider the significant energy security benefit on relying on our own homegrown renewable biomass fuels to replace imported fossil fuels.
Gavigan continued “The Government should ensure that energy policy, taxation and assessment tools treat renewable biomass fairly alongside other renewable technologies. A balanced policy approach will allow homeowners to choose the most appropriate renewable heating option for their circumstances.”
Finan concluded "IrBEA members emphasis that renewable wood fuels represent an indigenous and sustainable energy source, supporting Ireland’s forestry sector, rural employment and energy security while helping reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. We call on Government to ensure that renewable biomass heating forms part of a technology-neutral approach to decarbonising residential heat, alongside electrification and other renewable solutions.
ENDS
Seán Finan IrBEA CEO Midlands 103 radio interview after this press release
For immediate release
Date: 10 March 2026
The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) responds to the publication of a new ESRI report today examining progress on residential heat decarbonisation in Ireland.
The report highlights that Ireland is currently significantly off track in achieving its residential heating targets, with deep retrofits reaching just 11.5% of the 2030 target and heat pump installations only 3.5% of the target by the end of 2024.
Responding to the ESRI findings, IrBEA CEO Seán Finan said: "The ESRI work underlines the need for a broader range of renewable heating technology solutions to be supported by Government policy.
Finan continued “Decarbonising home heating is one of the biggest challenges in Ireland’s climate transition. While electrification will play an important role, the ESRI report clearly demonstrates that current delivery rates are far below what is required. Ireland needs a wider mix of renewable heating technologies if we are to meet our climate targets.”
IrBEA is calling on Government to introduce several targeted measures to ensure renewable biomass heating is supported alongside other renewable technologies at a domestic level. These measures include:
- VAT alignment for renewable heating appliances. IrBEA calls on the Government to matching the VAT rate for biomass boilers and stoves with the 0% VAT rate currently applied to solar technologies, ensuring homeowners have fair access to all renewable heating options.
- Inclusion of biomass heating in grant programmes. IrBEA calls on the Government to extend existing residential grant schemes to include modern high-efficiency biomass boilers and stoves, providing homeowners with an additional pathway to replace fossil fuel heating.
- Fair treatment for biomass and bioenergy fuelled appliances within energy assessment software. IrBEA calls on SEAI to ensure that the DEAP and NEAP energy assessment tools used by energy assessors properly recognise the carbon reduction benefits of renewable biomass heating systems, thus allowing architects and engineers to specify wood fuelled appliances in modern Irish homes.
Given the current global environment, we should also consider the significant energy security benefit on relying on our own homegrown renewable biomass fuels to replace imported fossil fuels.
Gavigan continued “The Government should ensure that energy policy, taxation and assessment tools treat renewable biomass fairly alongside other renewable technologies. A balanced policy approach will allow homeowners to choose the most appropriate renewable heating option for their circumstances.”
Finan concluded "IrBEA members emphasis that renewable wood fuels represent an indigenous and sustainable energy source, supporting Ireland’s forestry sector, rural employment and energy security while helping reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. We call on Government to ensure that renewable biomass heating forms part of a technology-neutral approach to decarbonising residential heat, alongside electrification and other renewable solutions.
ENDS
Seán Finan IrBEA CEO Midlands 103 radio interview after this press release
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In response to the continued growth and increasing technical depth of Ireland’s bioenergy sector, The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) is introducing a new two-event format for the National Bioenergy Conference in 2026.
Rather than a single broad event, the conference will now be delivered as two standalone, sector-focused conferences. The first conference taking place on Thursday May 7th will focus on solid biomass and biochar with the second conference taking place on Thursday October 8th will focus on biomethane and biofuel. Each event is dedicated to a key pillar of the bioenergy industry. This approach allows for more targeted technical content, clearer policy discussion and stronger engagement between industry, policymakers and project developers.
National Bioenergy Conference – Solid Biomass
A dedicated forcus for the biomass sector
IrBEA’s 25th National Bioenergy Conference – Solid Biomass is taking place on Thursday the 7th of May 2026, it will provide a focused platform for the solid biomass, biochar and wood fuels sector at a time of increasing policy, market and investment activity.
This event is designed specifically for stakeholders involved in:
IrBEA seeks sponsors for the National Bioenergy Conference – Solid Biomass
For sponsors, the dedicated biomass event offers:
Contact UsIf you would like to discuss sponsorship with IrBEA, please contact Teresa O’Brien at [email protected] or Sean Finan at [email protected]
IrBEA would also like to invite expressions of interest from potential conference exhibitors
There are exhibiting / trade stand opportunities at this conference for companies and organisations. Please get in touch with Teresa O’Brien [email protected] to discuss the opportunities available.
Rather than a single broad event, the conference will now be delivered as two standalone, sector-focused conferences. The first conference taking place on Thursday May 7th will focus on solid biomass and biochar with the second conference taking place on Thursday October 8th will focus on biomethane and biofuel. Each event is dedicated to a key pillar of the bioenergy industry. This approach allows for more targeted technical content, clearer policy discussion and stronger engagement between industry, policymakers and project developers.
National Bioenergy Conference – Solid Biomass
A dedicated forcus for the biomass sector
IrBEA’s 25th National Bioenergy Conference – Solid Biomass is taking place on Thursday the 7th of May 2026, it will provide a focused platform for the solid biomass, biochar and wood fuels sector at a time of increasing policy, market and investment activity.
This event is designed specifically for stakeholders involved in:
- Biomass supply chains
- Biochar production and application
- Heat and power generation from biomass and users
- Equipment, technology and service providers to the sector
- Policy, regulatory and sustainability areas
IrBEA seeks sponsors for the National Bioenergy Conference – Solid Biomass
For sponsors, the dedicated biomass event offers:
- Direct access to a focused and relevant audience
- Opportunity to speak
- Opportunity to exhibit
- Greater visibility and impact than a combined, multi-technology event
- Strong alignment with current policy discussions around renewable heat for all users, including the domestic market
- Enhanced networking opportunities with customers, partners, stakeholders and regulators.
Contact UsIf you would like to discuss sponsorship with IrBEA, please contact Teresa O’Brien at [email protected] or Sean Finan at [email protected]
IrBEA would also like to invite expressions of interest from potential conference exhibitors
There are exhibiting / trade stand opportunities at this conference for companies and organisations. Please get in touch with Teresa O’Brien [email protected] to discuss the opportunities available.
November 2025
This factsheet provides an overview of wood fuel standards and regulations in Ireland for both retailers and consumers. It explains the Solid Fuel Regulations (2022) and outlines the legal requirements for selling and using firewood, pellets and briquettes on the island of Ireland. The document highlights the importance of choosing certified wood fuels to ensure compliance, efficiency and cleaner air. It also introduces the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) scheme as a trusted mark of quality and sustainability. By promoting certified wood fuels, this factsheet supports responsible heating, lower emissions and climate action.
Click the image to on the left to see the full version of the factsheet
This factsheet provides an overview of wood fuel standards and regulations in Ireland for both retailers and consumers. It explains the Solid Fuel Regulations (2022) and outlines the legal requirements for selling and using firewood, pellets and briquettes on the island of Ireland. The document highlights the importance of choosing certified wood fuels to ensure compliance, efficiency and cleaner air. It also introduces the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) scheme as a trusted mark of quality and sustainability. By promoting certified wood fuels, this factsheet supports responsible heating, lower emissions and climate action.
Click the image to on the left to see the full version of the factsheet
SOLID BIOMASS CAPACITY STATEMENT october 2025
This Solid Biomass Capacity Statement authored by a multi-disciplinary team within IrBEA aims to give market confidence and certainty to energy users regarding the availability and capacity of the solid biomass sector to deliver renewable decarbonised heating solution in Ireland as they transition from fossil fuels to renewable fuels.
Bioenergy is the largest source of renewable energy globally
To constrain global surface temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius in line with the Paris Agreement, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change (IPCC), and more recently the International Energy Agency (IEA), have stated the need to greatly reduce fossil fuel carbon emissions in the move to carbon neutrality by mid-century. Among the measures identified is a ramping-up of modern bioenergy deployment, and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS).
IrBEA through its Wood Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) scheme has worked to develop a nationwide network of certified solid biomass suppliers over the last decade. This network of suppliers of all types of wood fuels including firewood, wood chip, wood pellets and wood briquettes are well equipped to satisfy the biomass resource needs of heat users.
Full report is available here
Bioenergy is the largest source of renewable energy globally
To constrain global surface temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius in line with the Paris Agreement, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change (IPCC), and more recently the International Energy Agency (IEA), have stated the need to greatly reduce fossil fuel carbon emissions in the move to carbon neutrality by mid-century. Among the measures identified is a ramping-up of modern bioenergy deployment, and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS).
IrBEA through its Wood Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) scheme has worked to develop a nationwide network of certified solid biomass suppliers over the last decade. This network of suppliers of all types of wood fuels including firewood, wood chip, wood pellets and wood briquettes are well equipped to satisfy the biomass resource needs of heat users.
Full report is available here
August 2025
The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) and the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) Scheme are delighted to report that the first two wood fuel drying workshops of the year, held in June and July, were a great success. These free events welcomed IrBEA and WFQA members, potential new members and a wide range of interested stakeholders from across the wood fuel sector.
Designed to deepen understanding of wood fuel drying techniques and support compliance with the Solid Fuel Regulations, the workshops combined with site visits. Attendees gained valuable practical knowledge, explored real-world drying methods and engaged in meaningful discussions with experienced industry professionals.
Each event showcased unique aspects of the wood fuel drying process, with participants encouraged to attend multiple workshops to benefit from the full learning experience. The demonstrations highlighted the crucial role of moisture content management in producing high-quality wood fuel, with drying methods tailored to wood type, scale and available resources.
IrBEA extends its sincere thanks to Murphy's Firewood, Kildare and OK Fuels, Waterford for generously hosting these events. Their support was instrumental in delivering such informative and engaging sessions. We look forward to continuing this successful series and further supporting the industry on its journey toward best practice and regulatory compliance.
The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) and the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) Scheme are delighted to report that the first two wood fuel drying workshops of the year, held in June and July, were a great success. These free events welcomed IrBEA and WFQA members, potential new members and a wide range of interested stakeholders from across the wood fuel sector.
Designed to deepen understanding of wood fuel drying techniques and support compliance with the Solid Fuel Regulations, the workshops combined with site visits. Attendees gained valuable practical knowledge, explored real-world drying methods and engaged in meaningful discussions with experienced industry professionals.
Each event showcased unique aspects of the wood fuel drying process, with participants encouraged to attend multiple workshops to benefit from the full learning experience. The demonstrations highlighted the crucial role of moisture content management in producing high-quality wood fuel, with drying methods tailored to wood type, scale and available resources.
IrBEA extends its sincere thanks to Murphy's Firewood, Kildare and OK Fuels, Waterford for generously hosting these events. Their support was instrumental in delivering such informative and engaging sessions. We look forward to continuing this successful series and further supporting the industry on its journey toward best practice and regulatory compliance.
Photographs from the demonstration at Murphy's Firewood Sales, County Kildare
Photographs from the demonstration DAY at OK Fuels, Lismore, Co. Waterford
Biomass takes centre stage at IrBEA's Decarbonisation bioenergy conference in April 2025
The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) hosted a successful seminar last month at the Killashee Hotel in Naas, Co. Kildare.
Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders at a successful seminar focused on the vital role of biomass in decarbonising industrial heat. The event underscored the growing momentum for bioenergy solutions across Ireland’s industrial and commercial sectors, especially in light of the Irish Government’s newly launched roadmap for industrial heat decarbonisation.
📢 Catch up on the highlights
👉 View the full update and access to live recordings from this IrBEA seminar here:
🔗 Presentations
🙏 IrBEA extends its sincere thanks to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Worrell Timber Group, Balcas Energy, South East Energy Agency (through the Interreg UNIFHY Project) and the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) scheme for their generous support and sponsorship which helped make this event possible. We would also like to say a big thank you to the speakers who shared their expertise on the day.
Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders at a successful seminar focused on the vital role of biomass in decarbonising industrial heat. The event underscored the growing momentum for bioenergy solutions across Ireland’s industrial and commercial sectors, especially in light of the Irish Government’s newly launched roadmap for industrial heat decarbonisation.
📢 Catch up on the highlights
👉 View the full update and access to live recordings from this IrBEA seminar here:
🔗 Presentations
🙏 IrBEA extends its sincere thanks to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Worrell Timber Group, Balcas Energy, South East Energy Agency (through the Interreg UNIFHY Project) and the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) scheme for their generous support and sponsorship which helped make this event possible. We would also like to say a big thank you to the speakers who shared their expertise on the day.
free Access to the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) bioenergy Webinar SEries
The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) have been running a series of webinars since 2020 'The IrBEA Bioenergy Webinar Series'. They offers a range of informative, one-hour online sessions focused on solid biomass, biogas, biofuels and related renewable energy topics. These webinars bring together industry experts, researchers and practitioners to share practical insights, discuss current developments and explore opportunities within the biomass and biogas sector.
Each session is designed to be concise and accessible, providing valuable information in just one hour. Topics covered include biomass supply chains, fuel quality standards, technology developments, sustainability considerations and policy updates affecting the sector.
The series provides a convenient way for professionals, stakeholders and anyone interested in renewable energy to stay up to date with the latest trends and best practices in solid biomass and all areas related to bioenergy including biogas, biofuels, wood fuels, energy crops biochar and carbon capture.
You can access the series HERE.
Each session is designed to be concise and accessible, providing valuable information in just one hour. Topics covered include biomass supply chains, fuel quality standards, technology developments, sustainability considerations and policy updates affecting the sector.
The series provides a convenient way for professionals, stakeholders and anyone interested in renewable energy to stay up to date with the latest trends and best practices in solid biomass and all areas related to bioenergy including biogas, biofuels, wood fuels, energy crops biochar and carbon capture.
You can access the series HERE.
THE new irish Solid fuel regulations explained 12/6/2022
The Woodfuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) scheme has been in existence since 2009. Our main aim is to provide assurance to woodfuel users that the fuels they buy meet best international standards. For that reason, we welcome and fully support the introduction by government of the Solid Fuel Regulations for Ireland, which commenced on the 31 October 2022.
Under the regulations firewood for sale must have a moisture content below 25%. WFQA members were already certified to that level under our rules, which are based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard 17225, which has also been adopted at EU (CEN) and national (IS) levels. We use this standard as it has global acceptance for specification and trading woodfuels. It provides the level of assurance that customers need, to know that the firewood they are burning will give a good heat output, and will make for cleaner air.
WFQA members are also required to demonstrate that the wood raw materials they use come from sustainable sources. This requirement is fundamental to our processes, because we want to ensure that when WFQA certified woodfuels displace coal, oil and gas, they will reduce the level of greenhouse gases and thereby help to combat climate change.
Under the regulations firewood for sale must have a moisture content below 25%. WFQA members were already certified to that level under our rules, which are based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard 17225, which has also been adopted at EU (CEN) and national (IS) levels. We use this standard as it has global acceptance for specification and trading woodfuels. It provides the level of assurance that customers need, to know that the firewood they are burning will give a good heat output, and will make for cleaner air.
WFQA members are also required to demonstrate that the wood raw materials they use come from sustainable sources. This requirement is fundamental to our processes, because we want to ensure that when WFQA certified woodfuels displace coal, oil and gas, they will reduce the level of greenhouse gases and thereby help to combat climate change.
IrBEA Report on Specified Biomass Harvesting - Good Practice Guidance for Energy Assortment Harvesting at Clearfell - 2 August 2024
The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) has identified the valuable, renewable biomass fuel resource provided by Specified Biomass Harvesting (SBH), which is an abundant source of renewable fuel for use in larger scale heat and power generation. This report provides a guide for foresters and stakeholders on how to harvest SBH without adversely affecting the forest or local ecosystems and environment.
Ireland's forestry resource has the potential to provide large volumes of by-product material for energy use through harvesting specified biomass during normal thinning and harvesting operations. This by-product material, which is in addition to the harvesting of timber and pulp products, is usually described as the side branches and tops of trees - material also known as brash, which will otherwise be left in the forest site. By harvesting this material through specified means, it is possible to generate large volumes of useful biomass for energy while enhancing sustainable forest management practices. It is critically important that this harvesting is carried out in a manner that protects the future productivity of the forest, the local ecosystems, and water courses. This guide, which was developed by the Irish Bioenergy Association with contributions from its members and associated organizations and stakeholders, will greatly assist foresters and other stakeholders in determining what material can be harvested while ensuring optimal forest production and protection of the local environment.
Read the full report here.
Ireland's forestry resource has the potential to provide large volumes of by-product material for energy use through harvesting specified biomass during normal thinning and harvesting operations. This by-product material, which is in addition to the harvesting of timber and pulp products, is usually described as the side branches and tops of trees - material also known as brash, which will otherwise be left in the forest site. By harvesting this material through specified means, it is possible to generate large volumes of useful biomass for energy while enhancing sustainable forest management practices. It is critically important that this harvesting is carried out in a manner that protects the future productivity of the forest, the local ecosystems, and water courses. This guide, which was developed by the Irish Bioenergy Association with contributions from its members and associated organizations and stakeholders, will greatly assist foresters and other stakeholders in determining what material can be harvested while ensuring optimal forest production and protection of the local environment.
Read the full report here.
Wood Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) Scheme Animation
The Wood Fuel Quality Assurance Scheme (WFQA) is managed and administered by Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) and is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
IrBEA was founded in 1999. Its role is to promote the bioenergy industry and to develop this important sector on the island of Ireland. The diverse membership includes farmers and foresters, fuel suppliers, energy development companies, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, engineers, financiers and tax advisers, legal firms, consultants, planners, research organisations, local authorities, education, and advisory bodies – anyone with an interest in the bioenergy industry. IrBEA is recognised by Government and agencies as the voice of the bioenergy industry. The association’s main objectives are to influence policy makers to promote the development of bioenergy, and to promote the interests of members. Improving public awareness, networking, and information sharing, and liaising with similar interest groups are other key areas of work in promoting bioenergy as an environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable energy. Further information on the association is available at www.irbea.org
IrBEA was founded in 1999. Its role is to promote the bioenergy industry and to develop this important sector on the island of Ireland. The diverse membership includes farmers and foresters, fuel suppliers, energy development companies, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, engineers, financiers and tax advisers, legal firms, consultants, planners, research organisations, local authorities, education, and advisory bodies – anyone with an interest in the bioenergy industry. IrBEA is recognised by Government and agencies as the voice of the bioenergy industry. The association’s main objectives are to influence policy makers to promote the development of bioenergy, and to promote the interests of members. Improving public awareness, networking, and information sharing, and liaising with similar interest groups are other key areas of work in promoting bioenergy as an environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable energy. Further information on the association is available at www.irbea.org
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