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

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 Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) Scheme organised a series of wood fuel drying demonstrations and workshops over the last two months. These events were kindly hosted by WFQA members, Sherlogs, Brennans Hardware and Cotter Bros Firewood who are all certified firewood suppliers.

Wood fuel drying is a pivotal stage in the production of quality wood fuels. New air quality regulations require firewood to meet specific standards, meeting the moisture content requirements have proven a challenge for some suppliers. Various drying methods can be used to season firewood, including polytunnel drying, kiln drying and air drying. The techniques used vary depending on wood type, desired moisture content, production scale, and resource availability. This series of workshops explored each option to allow suppliers determine the best method for them.
These free events were open to IrBEA & WFQA members, potential new members, firewood suppliers, forest owners and interested stakeholders. The WFQA will complete full reports of each day and the techniques used in published factsheets later this summer, however we have completed a brief of each day below.
Workshop 1: Sherlogs – Poly Tunnel drying
Sherlogs are a firewood supplier in Navan Co. Meath, operated by John and Evelyn Sherlock they have been supplying certified firewood for over a decade. Sherlogs have perfected methods of air drying round-logs outside to a partially seasoned state, then processing this into firewood and carrying out the remaining drying in specially designed poly tunnels. Poly tunnels offer a low cost option for drying and storing firewood and have become quite popular with WFQA members.
Workshop 2: Kiln drying with Gordon Knaggs and Brennans Hardware
This day started in the Keadeen Hotel with lectures from Gordon Knaggs and Noel Gavigan on kiln drying. Gordon is a recognised expert in kiln design and operation within the sawmill sector, he discussed in detail the processes going on in a kiln, the key features of drying timber evenly, and kiln design to assist even drying.
​Afterwards the workshop proceeded to Brennans Hardware, who recently installed a Firemaster Kiln, on hand was Noel Blair of Firemaster who gave a thorough demonstration of the kiln design and operation.


Workshop 3: Cotter Bros Firewood – Air drying
Cotter Bros Firewood have perfected methods to air dry firewood to under 20% through careful stacking and monitoring of roundwood, followed by open shed storage to allow for final drying down to the required moisture content. Cotters are certified suppliers for over a decade and their methods have ensured cost effective and reliable production of firewood under 20%. They outlined how their consumers have become accustomed to, and now expect firewood to be under 20%, this has greatly assisted Cotter Bros to hold a protected customer base who appreciate the value of good quality fuel.

At the conclusion of the last event Noel Gavigan, WFQA auditor said: “Through these workshops and site visits, participants will gain practical insights on wood fuel drying, interact with industry experts and exchange knowledge. These workshops are designed to assist wood fuel suppliers to meet their moisture content requirements as specified under the Solid Fuel. We are extremely thankful to our host members who were very generous with information, and in demonstrating their techniques to all attendees, their dedication to improving the skillset of the entire industry is commendable.

The solid biomass and wood fuels sector is a crucial handler of forestry thinnings and residues. As Ireland seeks to decarbonise energy uses and move away from fossil fuels to renewable energy, solid biomass has the potential to be a significant driver of this change.
Seán Finan concluded: “The raw material used to produce wood fuels including firewood, pellets and chip and briquettes are sourced from sustainable forest thinnings and residues from Irish forests. The use of dry wood fuels which are renewable, locally grown and produced are a sustainable form of solid fuel which can aid consumers to move away from fossil fuels. Dry wood fuels are critical to reducing air quality issues and maximising energy output.”

Workshop Series:
Workshop 1: Thursday 16th May 2024 - Polytunnel Drying - Sherlogs, Co. Meath
Industrial scale polytunnels are an excellent tool to accelerate air drying while also providing fuel storage. Properly designed tunnels offer a controlled environment with elevated temperatures conducive to fast wood drying. Particularly advantageous for smaller-scale operations or regions with unpredictable or adverse weather conditions, polytunnel drying provides an effective alternative to traditional outdoor drying methods.
Registration link here COMPLETED

Workshop 2: Thursday 30th May 2024  - Kiln Drying - Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, Co. Kildare
Kilns are used to rapidly dry wood fuels with artificial heat and airflow. While kilns do have an associated capital and operational cost, they can effectively reduce the drying time from several months to a few days. Fuel drying can be relatively low tech. At this workshop, we will be hosting a kiln expert who will explain the fundamentals of proper kiln drying. Kiln drying offers faster and more uniform drying compared to air drying, making it a valuable tool for large and small-scale wood fuel production facilities seeking to have more control over fuel production.
Registration link here

Workshop 3: Saturday 15th June 2024 - Air Drying - Cotters Bros Firewood, Co. Limerick
This approach involves the correct stacking of wood in open-air environments with ample airflow and sunlight exposure. Air drying, when done correctly is an effective low cost method of producing wood fuels. However, it does require care, time, attention and space. Air drying is often a precursor to further drying processes such as kilns and polytunnels, particularly suited for smaller-scale operations. This site operator has perfected various air drying techniques which allow them to consistently produce firewood at under 20% moisture content.
 Registration link here
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UK Industry Tour 4: 1st week of June (tbc) - Tour of Kiln Drying sites
We will be hosting a 2-day study tour to the UK to meet with firewood producers utilising various kiln designs to produce firewood to 20% moisture content. This excursion will afford participants invaluable insights into kiln operations, further details will be provided shortly. The trip will be held in the first week of June with dates and full details to be confirmed.
Expression of interest here