Heating accounts for a significant share of Ireland’s energy use, yet renewable heat remains well below the government’s 2030 decarbonisation target—currently at less than half the required level.
Biomass will play a crucial role in accelerating renewable heat.
What is Biomass Heating?
Biomass heating uses natural renewable materials such as wood pellets or wood chips to heat buildings. In Ireland, this fuel must be certified as sustainable, ensuring quality, sustainable fuel that is the most cost-effective renewable heating.
Why Choose Biomass Heating for Irish Schools?
Ireland aims to be carbon-neutral by 2050. Schools can help meet this target.
Ireland has lots of forestry and farm waste that can fuel biomass systems.
Biomass is practical for rural schools where electric heating isn’t always suitable.
Many Irish schools are older buildings and would not be suitable for heat pumps.
Benefits of Biomass Heating in Schools
Biomass can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to oil.
It is the most cost-effective renewable heating option.
Biomass fuel prices don’t change as much as oil or gas.
Using local fuel creates jobs in rural communities.
How to Get Started
We will assess your school’s energy usage, space, and building layout, and provide a detailed quotation including projected annual savings, payback period, and an implementation timeline.
Use Energy Supply Contracts (ESCOs) to avoid upfront costs—you just pay for the heat you use, Woodco look after service, maintenance and fuel supply.
Apply for government grants through the SEAI Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH).
Woodco have full in-house technical design team and will design the system to suit your needs.
Choose the right fuel. Wood chips are more cost-effective but need more space than wood pellets.
Make sure you have enough fuel storage and delivery options.
Installation during summer break to cause minimal disruption.
Train facilities staff to maintain the system.
Biomass systems can be monitored remotely by Woodco.
Use data to help plan fuel deliveries, and service times.
Biomass Heating in Action: School Success Stories
These Irish schools have made the switch to biomass heating—achieving major carbon savings with local, sustainable fuel:
The carbon savings are equivalent to planting 1,433 trees each year.
Switching to biomass saves as much CO₂ as planting 1,023 trees annually.
Their new biomass system delivers savings equal to 783 trees planted per year.
The change to biomass fuel has the same carbon benefit as planting 1,313 trees every year.
Their biomass system reduces emissions by an amount equivalent to planting 4,070 trees annually.
In Conclusion
Biomass heating offers a practical, cost-effective, and sustainable path to decarbonising Ireland’s schools. By switching to locally sourced biomass fuel, schools can dramatically cut carbon emissions, stabilise heating costs, and support rural employment—all while contributing to Ireland’s climate targets.
