Clare Wood Chip has become a member of the nationally accredited Wood Fuel Quality Assurance Scheme. The achievement is recognition of the company’s pioneering work in promoting increased use of wood fuel and engaging with local farmers to source a quality supply of timber. The quality accreditation is also an acknowledgment of the work of the County Clare Wood Energy Project (CCWEP) to develop and support a competitive and sustainable wood energy market in Clare.
The Wood Fuel Quality Assurance Scheme is certified by the National Standards Association of Ireland (NSAI) on behalf the WFQA, which comprises The Irish Bioenergy Association, as well industry and consumer representatives.
According to Clare Senator Tony Mulcahy, the potential contribution of wood energy to the Clare economy is significant. “In Clare alone, over hundreds of jobs could be generated by the sector over the next 10 years,” he says. “For example, research shows that the total contribution of wood energy to the Clare economy by 2020 is estimated at Eur9.8 million per annum, if we meet the 95MW government target for biomass heat production.”
County Clare has already taken a number of initiatives in the area of biomass heat production. Timber harvesting, chipping, storage and fuel delivery infrastructure is in place to service the local energy market. Quality control mechanisms are also in place to ensure that this new energy source meets the required standards on a consistent basis.