Private forestry resources need to be quantified
Private forestry in Ireland could make a significant contribution to the wood energy market but its resources need to be quantified, a bioenergy conference in Kilkenny was told.
Coming up to first thinning, one of the biggest challenges facing private growers is economy of scale. Teagasc says its cluster approach will not only provide this but will also identify the available resources to supply the market.
Forestry researcher Brian Clifford told Bioenergy '09 that the research, funded by COFORD, would provide a framework to quantify the wood resource at a local level, thereby helping wood energy users to plan their woodchip supply.
"Our research has located high level concentrations of private forestry in 16 distinct geographic regions," Mr Clifford said.
"Results show that 43pc of all private planting has taken place in just 14.5pc of the national land area, indicating strong geographic trends to the west, northwest and southwest of the country.
"These identified areas have the greatest potential to service the wood energy markets."
Teagasc forestry development officers are now involved in setting up several forestry producer groups throughout the country. These farmer-led groups are targeting local markets, thus maximising the benefits from the wood energy market leading to a better margin for the farmers.
John O'Brien, general manager of Ecowood Energy Systems, said there was still a huge problem with consumer perceptions of wood energy.
"Wood fuel needs to be recognised as a positive with the potential to generate employment and reduce fuel expenditure and there is a need for strong leadership both politically and within the sector," Mr O'Brien said.
He added that a guaranteed supply was the key to developing and driving the industry. He said consumers needed to know they had a continuous supply of quality material.
Helen O'Sullivan, an economist with ACC Rabobank, said urgent action, in the form of incentives or grants, was needed if bold Government bioenergy targets are to be met.
- Majella O'Sullivan
