Ireland has a commitment under The National Action Renewable Plan to achieve 12% of heat use from renewable sources. There is a need for policy makers to create incentives if these targets are to be achieved. The use of biomass (wood) in local space heaters will greatly assist in reaching this target.
The area of air emissions from the combustion solid fuel and biomass need also to be addressed. It has been noted that there are concern within the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment (DCCAE) that promotion of biomass for heating will add to Ireland’s emission levels of particulate matter (PM), organic gaseous compounds (OGCs), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).