Minister Hackett launches new book “Wood as a Fuel”
- Published on: 27 May 2021
- Last updated on: 11 April 2025
The Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, with responsibility for forestry, Senator Pippa Hackett, today launched a new publication called “Wood as a Fuel”.
Wood as a Fuel by Pieter D. Kofman and Eugene Hendrick is a wide ranging, comprehensive publication covering all aspects of woodfuels, based on the latest information and evidence. Its five volumes describe the main woodfuels which are firewood, woodchip and wood pellets. Detailed information on raw material sources, seasoning, drying and production processes, transportation and quality issues are described for each of the fuels. Many examples of ways to improve product quality and efficiency are provided, designed to enable readers to produce and use high quality woodfuels.
Welcoming the publication, which was part funded by her Department, the Minister stated,
“Wood is of significant cultural importance in Irish history, and thousands of homes have relied on wood as a fuel to heat their homes for generations. The books explain the importance of seasoning wood properly before burning, and this is something which is particularly important now as our country develops its clean air strategy, and when sustainably sourced and used, forest biomass has an important role in displacing fossil fuel.”
The Minister added,
“These books provide detailed information on raw material sources, production processes, transportation and quality issues are described for each of the fuels. Many examples of ways to improve product quality and efficiency are provided, designed to enable readers to produce and use high quality woodfuels.”
The books outline the history of woodfuels, describe what wood is, and why it makes such a useful and versatile fuel. Standards, the backbone of the woodfuel trade, are also outlined. The final concluding volume outlines the latest practice and evidence about wood combustion and modern uses of woodfuel, and how their sustainable use contributes to tackling climate change. All told, the books will open a new window into woodfuels, providing an essential reference for all those engaged along the woodfuel chain.
Speaking at the time of the launch, Pieter D. Kofman said.
“In Wood as a Fuel we have aimed to present woodfuels and their use in a clear and easily understood way, so growers and contractors supplying forest biomass for processing, and those manufacturing bioenergy products, can do so in an efficient, cost effective and sustainable way. As authors we have also placed an emphasis on the use of ISO solid biofuels standards, as these now offer an internationally agreed way to trade and transact most of the woodfuel types on the market.”
His co-author, Eugene Hendrick said,
“Bioenergy, and woodfuels in particular, when specified according to ISO standards and sustainably sourced provide a recognised way to tackle the climate emergency through displacement of fossil fuels. Efficient and clean ways to combust forest biomass are key, to maximise the economic return and deal with air quality. He concluded by thanking the sponsors of Wood as a Fuel, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Coillte and the Society of Irish of Irish Foresters for their support.”
Note to editors :
• Wood as a Fuel comprises five volumes which describe the main woodfuels: firewood, woodchip and wood pellets. They comprehensively outline raw material sources, seasoning, drying and production processes, transportation and quality issues. Many examples of ways to improve product quality and efficiency are provided, designed to enable readers to produce and use high quality woodfuels
• Wood as a Fuel is available from Arrow Print at the link below
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