When buying firewood, it's important to look for wood that has a moisture content of less than 20%. This is considered to be the ideal moisture content for firewood, as it will burn more efficiently and produce less smoke and creosote.
To ensure that you're getting dry firewood, it's best to buy firewood that has been seasoned for at least six months. Seasoned firewood has had time to dry out, which will make it burn more efficiently and produce less smoke and creosote.
In Ireland, firewood should be stored in a dry place, protected from rain. Buying firewood that is stored in a shed or under a tarp is a good indication that it is dry. Avoid buying firewood that is stored outside or in a damp area, as this can indicate that the firewood has a high moisture content.
In conclusion, moisture content is a crucial factor to consider when buying firewood in Ireland. Look for firewood with a moisture content of less than 20%, and ensure that it has been seasoned for at least six months before buying.
To ensure that you're getting dry firewood, it's best to buy firewood that has been seasoned for at least six months. Seasoned firewood has had time to dry out, which will make it burn more efficiently and produce less smoke and creosote.
In Ireland, firewood should be stored in a dry place, protected from rain. Buying firewood that is stored in a shed or under a tarp is a good indication that it is dry. Avoid buying firewood that is stored outside or in a damp area, as this can indicate that the firewood has a high moisture content.
In conclusion, moisture content is a crucial factor to consider when buying firewood in Ireland. Look for firewood with a moisture content of less than 20%, and ensure that it has been seasoned for at least six months before buying.
An updated proposal from IrBEA to regulate the moisture content of firewood for sale in Ireland
The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) has previously submitted an outline proposal to the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment for the regulation by the Department of the moisture content of firewood for sale for domestic combustion. This document updates the previous proposal and suggests a pathway and timeline for regulation of the moisture content of firewood for sale.
The objectives of the proposal to regulate the moisture content of firewood for sale are:
The objectives of the proposal to regulate the moisture content of firewood for sale are:
- To contribute to improving air quality in Ireland in the context of the developing Clean air
Strategy, the recent EPA report Air Quality in Ireland 20181, and the CAFE Directive, and - To enable the continued use of sustainable firewood fuel in domestic heating as a replacement
for fossil fuel and thereby contribute to climate change mitigation.
SEAI Release Report 2019 Renewable Energy in Ireland
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) released its 2019 Renewable Energy In Ireland report which can be view here, discussing Ireland’s progress with its 2020 renewables targets. According to the report, only 10.6% of energy consumed in Ireland was sourced from renewables in 2017. This makes Ireland 22nd of the EU-28 for its overall renewable energy share and 26th for the progress towards its 2020 energy targets. SEAI states in its report that is clear that Ireland will not be able to meet its targets and potentially placing them in a position to receive fines from the EU in the near future
Bioenergy Europe Switch for Air Campaign
WFQA are associate members of Bioenergy Europe is one of Europe largest renewable energy players, they are taking the lead in improving air quality, they support the objective of increasing the share of renewable energy across Europe while reducing air emissions. Buildings are central to air quality and bioheat provides most of the renewable heating to households. Modern woody biomass installations have substantially reduced emissions in comparison with old appliances. By encouraging the switch, we are committed to decarbonise our economy and reduce pollutants whose high concentrations can be harmful for humans (particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and benzo(a)pyrene). Bioenergy Europe call for the immediate deployment of political and economic frameworks that favour a swift replacement of traditional fossil heating solutions and open fires with available bioheat modern appliances. View the Switch for Air Campaign here, it includes an European Air Quality Index Map, where you read air quality reading around Europe.