The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, announced in September 2021 that new regulations regarding solid fuels for domestic heating will apply across the State. These regulations are now expected to come into effect on 31st October 2022.
The changes being introduced through the new regulations will affect all, whether they are a householder, a retailer, or involved in the solid fuel industry as a producer or importer.
Some of the changes that will apply when the regulations come into effect are:
- Coal products and manufactured solid fuels must have a smoke emission rate of less than 10 grams per hour – this is the same as currently in force in low smoke zones
- Manufactured part biomass products must have a smoke emission rate of less than five grams per hour
- Coal products and manufactured solid fuels, including manufactured part biomass products, must have a sulphur content of less than 2% by weight on a dry ash-free basis, and subject to a market assessment, from 1st September 2025 this will be reduced to 1%
- Fuel products which are 100% biomass products including, wood products and wood logs, supplied in units of two cubic metres or less, must have a moisture content of less than 25% (from 1st September 2025, this will be reduced to less than 20%)
- Wood logs supplied in units of two cubic metres or more shall be accompanied by a notice outlining the need to store and season wet wood until it is sufficiently dried
- It will not be possible to sell turf via retail, online or other media, in public houses or other public places.
There are also some changes to the certification and registration process, retailer obligations and other areas. More details on these can be found at www.gov.ie/cleanair.
Global Energy Crisis continues to bite
The global energy crisis continues to have a profound effect on the price of all fossil fuel-based energy forms. Because of this the supply of raw materials has become severely challenged.
Arigna Fuels have worked hard to secure sufficient volumes for their customer base for the coming winter season. It is difficult to establish what the knock-on effect on consumer demand will be on account of the increased prices, however Arigna Fuels have seen strong demand throughout the summer period and there is evidence of consumers re-entering the solid fuel market. They expect to see an increase in the usage of turf and wood of all qualities. However, they also expect to see consumers move from oil and gas usage to solid fuel due to continuing high prices and potential shortages.
Minister Ryan has announced that the new solid fuel regulations will be in place from 1st November 2022. This includes the rollout of the Nationwide Smoky Coal Ban along with significant other changes on the sale of wood and turf. Arigna Fuels are gearing up for the upcoming coal ban and anticipate significant demand for their original market leading smokeless brands Cosyglo and Ecobrite. In addition they continue to see increased demand for their renewable biomass product Harvest Flame alongside their range of kiln dried firewood.
To discuss your solid fuel needs for the coming season, please contact Arigna Fuels on 071-9646002 and info@arignafuels.ie.
Hayes Fuels complete Low Smoke Fuel Plant
Hayes Fuels have just commissioned their new smokeless fuel plant in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, which has been fully operational from September 22nd. The plant has capacity to produce 100,000 tonnes of low smoke fuel per annum.
Alastair Hayes, Managing Director of Hayes Fuels commented “This is a major milestone for our company.
Having become one of the major solid fuel companies in Ireland and UK over past 30 years this was a natural progression for our company to produce our own low smoke fuel. Hayes import large vessels of raw materials direct from source into the port of Belfast and with our economics of scale, and a strong brand, this leaves us in a great position to be very competitive in the marketplace.
We envisage strong demand for our low smoke products”. Hayes Fuels main product line is Glolite Smokeless Ovoids, which produces a high heat output and leaves a low ash content. The product is packed in both 20kg and 40kg packs and is delivered throughout Ireland. The product meets the criteria for the new proposed solid fuel regulations in Ireland and is suitable for both stoves and open fires. Hayes also produce a range of other solid fuels to cater for every budget.
For further information contact www.hayesfuels.com.
Winter is for Warmth
Calor portable gas heaters – cost-effective choice for staying warm.
Winter is a time for warmth. This winter there is also an increased focus on energy efficiency and energy savings. At Calor, they have been preparing for Irish winters for over 80 years, and they’ve gotten used to helping Irish people to keep warm.
As a trusted partner for retailers of all types and sizes including hardware stores, builders merchants and fuel merchants, Calor is always ready to support you in meeting your customers’ needs. To ensure this, Calor has a portable gas heater solution that can help your customers efficiently heat their homes and save on fuel costs.
Using a Calor portable gas heater has many benefits. Portable gas heaters give instant heat, where and when you need it, making them the ideal cost-effective choice for staying warm.
Powered by neatly concealed Calor gas cylinders, portable gas heaters reduce the need to heat the whole house, making efficient use of your customers home heating.
With more people working from home this winter, a portable gas heater is a great addition to a home office space for family members at home all day. While saving on heating rooms throughout the house that are not in use.
Customers don’t need to compromise on style either. Calor’s range of portable heaters are designed to suit all tastes and budgets. Customers can choose the style that complements their home. From the country stove style of the Provence, to the sharp clean lines of the Manhattan, there is an option for everyone.
To view the wide range of Calor portable heaters and become a Calor retailer, visit their website at https://shop.calorgas.ie/home-essentials/portable-gas-heaters.html.
