Wood fuel is a renewable and expanding energy source that can replace fossil fuels. It has several benefits, such as being locally sourced and cost effective, reducing carbon emissions, and helping combat climate change. Ireland has good conditions for wood growth and potential wood fuel supply. Wood pellets can be used in homes and commercial buildings through pellet stoves or boilers, and have automatic ignition and low ash levels. Wood fuels are better than fossil fuels as they are more environmentally friendly and cheaper over the long term.

1. Wood Fuel

2. Introduction Renewable energy – Electricity? Wind Farms? Fossil fuel will “never run out” Era of Cheap oil and gas is over Use of Wood fuel expanding

3. Combustion Characteristics of Wood Easily ignited and burnt below 50% moisture Does not burn readily in large pieces due to layers of semi fused ash forming on the surface Produces a long, non-smoky, flame when burned in excess air

4. Irelands Wood fuel supply Best growing climate in Europe 2% Land cover 1902 – 9% Land cover 2002 Possible solution to current unpredictable oil prices First Wood Pellet Sawmill opened in 2006 Enough wood fuel to fully heat 10,000 homes

5. Wood Pellet Stoves/Boilers Expensive Grants in place Many Benefits

6. Benefits of using Wood Pellets Reduce carbon emissions to the atmosphere Help combat climate change Must be sourced locally to be cost effective, ensuring money spent on fuel stays local Can be used in commercial applications as well as at home Just as efficient as conventional fossil fuels Very clean and easy to handle No additives or artificial binding agents Can be ignited automatically using a TV like remote control Pellets can be delivered in bulk in quantities of 3 tonnes or more Ash levels are extremely low

7. Fuel Price Comparisons

8. C02 Emissions

9. Conclusion Wood Fuels - Better Fuel per unit output - Environmentally friendly - Kyoto Protocol Fossil Fuels - Contribute to pollution - More Costly

10. Conclusion A perfect replacement for our fossil fuel consumption is that of wood fuel as it is both cheaper and more environmentally friendly than the fossil fuels we use in today’s era.