The COFORD Council has recently released a new paper titled ‘Forest Based Biomass and Modern Bioenergy, Moving to Net Zero.’ This council, appointed by the Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, serves to advise the ministry on matters concerning the development of Ireland’s forest sector. Comprising stakeholders across the forestry industry, the COFORD Council’s latest publication is seen as a crucial addition to previous statements on forests and climate change mitigation.
According to the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM), the paper emphasizes the significant role that modern bioenergy plays in addressing climate change and ensuring energy security. It also puts forth a series of recommendations aimed at shaping future policies to bolster the use of forest-based biomass. Dr. Eugene Hendrick, Chair of the COFORD Council and lead author of the paper, highlighted the collaborative effort behind this report, underscoring the importance of forest-based biomass in decarbonizing Ireland’s heat sector.
Modern bioenergy, as outlined in the paper, refers to efficient biomass combustion with low particulate emissions, biorefining, and other technologies that lead to tangible reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to fossil fuels. The COFORD paper underscores the trade-offs between harvesting and maintaining forest carbon stocks in achieving a net climate benefit. It emphasizes the need for sustainable practices to ensure the long-term viability of forest ecosystems and the three pillars encompassing environmental, economic, and social dimensions of biomass use.
COFORD’s policy frameworks are anchored in the overarching goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C by achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Afforestation, highlighted as a key climate mitigation measure, is complemented by forest management and harvested wood products in addressing climate change. The paper underscores the role of modern bioenergy in this context and stresses the importance of effective measures and implementation to realize its potential contribution.
Despite Ireland falling short of afforestation targets in recent years, COFORD authors point to the Teagasc Marginal Abatement Cost Curve(MACC) 2023 analysis, which underscores afforestation as a crucial strategy for increasing the forest sink in the medium to long term. Bioenergy accounted for a significant portion of Ireland’s renewable energy consumption in 2022, with forest-based biomass playing a key role in the renewable heat supply.
The COFORD paper advocates for the expansion of bioenergy contributions, including forest-based biomass, to align with climate goals, energy security, and regional development objectives. It stresses the importance of sourcing bioenergy sustainably and efficiently to avoid adverse impacts on air quality. The need for a national bioenergy strategy and an extension of support schemes for renewable heat are among the recommendations put forth in the paper.
Furthermore, the paper calls for the inclusion of a separate target for solid biomass in the district heating action of the Climate Action Plan, alongside the target for biomethane. Compliance monitoring of solid fuels, including wood fuels, is highlighted as a critical aspect that local authorities should rigorously enforce. The promotion of early thinning interventions by Teagasc and DAFM is recommended to enhance stand quality and accelerate returns for forest owners.
In conclusion, the COFORD paper underscores the vital role of forest-based biomass and modern bioenergy in Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon future. It sets out a roadmap for policymakers, industry bodies, and stakeholders to work collaboratively towards achieving climate goals while ensuring sustainable and efficient bioenergy use.
