Making Access To Renewable Wood Energy A Reality For Homes And Businesses In The Western Region
On 16th November 2011, as part of the Western Development Commission (WDC) RASLRES Wood Energy Workshop in Tuam, with partners Teagasc and the County Clare Wood Energy Project launched their Wood Energy Guide “Using local timber to heat your home”. This brochure is an ‘all you need to know guide’ for end users in considering locally produced timber as a renewable energy resource for their homes and businesses. It provides practical information for home owners and small scale businesses on;
- boiler types and sourcing suitable appliances
- types of fuel available and
- practical tips for wood storage
It includes checklists for buying firewood and appliances intended for use when making investment decisions for small scale installations.
The brochure is the result of a partnership between RASLRES, Teagasc and the County Clare Wood Energy Project in their continued development of renewable wood energy in the western region. The Wood Energy Guide is available for download on our publications section.
Over 80 people attended today’s RASLRES workshop, from public sector heat users, installation companies and fuel suppliers to local development players, showing the developing demand for renewable wood energy in the west. The workshop created active engagement on how local action can drive the growth of wood energy supply chains in the region.
The workshop brought together experts in the wood energy field to provide information and learning to those who have an interest in being part of the wood energy community. It highlighted the lessons learned from the RASLRES project and the experiences of Teagasc, Department of Education and Donegal County Council in their development of wood energy solutions.
Speaking earlier today at the event Mary Hoade WDC board member stated, “We are delighted with the interest shown from across the region in today’s event and welcome the participation and involvement of local authorities, national agencies and those at local level who are interested in developing renewable energy solutions”.
Bernadette Phelan, Development Executive at the WDC commented, “Engagement from the sector in today’s event and through the case studies highlighted during the workshop, enables the industry to understand the issues and challenges which have the potential to impact sectoral growth”.
“The outputs from today’s event present an opportunity for the WDC to further develop meaningful supports, through the RASLRES project, to respond effectively to market need and continue growth in the sector for the Western Region. This helps us achieve the RASLRES aim of doubling the wood heat energy sector. We look forward to working closely with our industry partners to further our success to date in building sustainable models for renewable energy”, Ms Phelan concluded.
The presentations made at the event are now available for download here:
Cahercalla Hospital Woodchip Boiler – Gerard O’Halloran
Department of Education Presentation – John Dolan
Development of a Local Renewable Energy Market in County Donegal – Charles Sweeney
ESCO Breakout Presentation – Tom Bruton
Overview of Scottish Market and Planned Use of ESCOs – Steve Luker
Role of the Public Sector and Lessons from RASLRES – Bernadette Phelan
Teagasc Mellows Campus – Michael O’Kane
Small Scale Installations – Paddy Donovan
