Wood Energy

41% of afforested land in the Republic of Ireland is in the Western region.

In addition, a high proportion of this forestry is of an age profile where it requires thinnings (forestry thinnings and residues are a major potential source of wood fuel).

Wood energy is the most significant source of renewable energy in the European Union, where it is a technically mature, widely deployed and commercially viable sector.

• Because wood heating uses existing natural resources, most of the employment is rural.
• In addition, high transport costs mean that the activities must be locally based, bringing benefits throughout the region.
• WDC research indicates the potential to create up to 900 jobs in the Western region.
• Wood Energy could provide €1.7 million to the West’s farming sector annually

The WDC has been particularly involved in developing wood energy and in assisting community development in renewable energy. As lead partner in the new Regional Approaches to Stimulating Local Renewable Energy Solutions (RASLRES) project, the WDC has secured €1 million EU funding for Ireland’s Western region.  The three year project will support farmers, rural enterprises and rural communities to expand the wood heat sector.

As the sector develops, other beneficiaries will include forestry contractors, haulage companies, plumbers, engineers and electrical contractors.

The WDC has mapped out regional targets and an action plan for growth/development of the wood energy sector in the report Wood Energy Strategy for the Western Region.