Specifications
Wood briquettes
Produced from compressed sawdust (similar to wood pellets) they are usually round in shape (similar to
a wood log but with a higher energy content and more uniform in shape). Briquettes can measure 25-
100mm in diameter and between 10-200mm in length. Due to their large size, they are not suitable for fully
automatic feed in small boilers.
Suppliers of wood fuels
Given the increasing number of domestic and commercial wood red boilers in Ireland there is now a
growing network of fuel suppliers. Updated lists are available on the SEAI website – the list mainly includes
wood pellet and chip suppliers; however some briquette and log suppliers are also listed. The list is not an
endorsement of suppliers and there may be other suppliers in your local area.
Wood fuel costs
Costs vary by fuel type and from supplier to supplier. The quantity of fuel ordered also has an impact on cost.
For example, wood pellets supplied in bags are almost twice as expensive per kg compared to bulk deliveries.
It is recommended where possible that you identify local suppliers and obtain quotes for supply. For bulk or
larger deliveries it may be possible to stock up in the summer when prices are often lower.
See SEAI fuel cost comparison sheets: http://www.seai.ie/Publications/Statistics_Publications/Fuel_Cost_
Comparison/ which provides indicative costs per kg.
How are wood fuels stored and supplied?
Stored in recommended conditions wood fuels do not degrade over time. The main criteria are to ensure the
fuels are kept under cover and shielded from all rain, including moisture penetrating the storage area. For
logs and chips, storage under cover will generally reduce moisture content and preserve the energy content
(caloric value) of the wood.
For pellets, it is recommended that they are stored in a place where the moisture content can be kept to
a maximum of less than 10%. For wood logs which are to be used in high eciency wood log gasication
boilers, it is recommended that the moisture content of the logs is below 20%, which means that the logs
must be dried for approximately one year.
For standard wood log boilers, wood with a moisture content of up to 30% is usually acceptable. The wetter
the fuel, the less ecient the burning process and the greater the risk of tar build up occurring.
Typical wood fuel storage solutions include:
Wood pellets - concrete store, pre-fabricated storage tanks (metal or plastic), fabric stores supported by
metal frames, bagged pellets (can be stored practically anywhere)
Wood chips - concrete stores next to boiler room, storage tanks (metal or plastic, above / below ground)
Wood logs /briquettes - stacked (preferably under cover for at least one year before use)