Irish Bioenergy Association launches Solid Biomass Capacity Statement report

In Ireland, the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) has launched its Solid Biomass Capacity Statement (SBCS) report. The objective of this report is to demonstrate the potential of the sector to deliver decarbonized heating solutions using solid (woody) biomass to a wide variety of heat users across the residential, commercial and industrial sectors.

Speaking at the launch, Seán Finan, IrBEA CEO said: “Ireland has a huge opportunity to embrace the potential to expand and use solid biomass as a clean, renewable heat solution across all use levels. According to Eurostat figures, Ireland has the lowest level of deployment of renewable heat in the European Union (EU) at 5.2%. This is well below target and sets out the scale of the challenge facing Ireland in order to decarbonize the heating sector and comply with renewable energy and greenhouse gas emission reduction targets”

Finan continued: “This document provides the evidence to commercial and industrial heat users regarding the capacity of the sector to deliver cost-effective decarbonized heating solutions using solid biomass. The current and future availability of solid biomass in Ireland and the supply network that exists to mobilize the resource across Ireland is showcased. Ireland has significant capacity in solid biomass systems design, installation and maintenance, technology availability and industry expertise, knowledge and skills. Sustainability and air quality in the use of solid biomass are addressed as well as the financial models and supports which exist and the potential contractual arrangements available for the sale and supply of renewable heat using solid biomass.”