Research into the potential of crops for energy has been ongoing at the Crops Research Centre in Oak Park, Carlow since the 1970's. In recent times there has been growing interest among farmers in growing energy crops and among consumers in using greener alternatives to fossil fuels. Research at Oak Park is centred around growing of bioenergy crops together with harvesting and logistics. Trial work on alternative drying methods of willow in a low cost system has successfully been proven in drying trials. Energy crops such as willow, miscanthus, switch grass, reed canary grass and hemp are grown at the Oak Park research centre and trial work will continue on these crops on agronomical aspects such as weed control, bioremediation and crop nutrition. Work has already been completed on quality issues with Rape Methyl Ester (Biodiesel) and Pure Plant Oil (PPO). Other research work includes wood and crop residue denisfication through pelleting together with quality and combustion trials. The privately owned forests in Ireland provide an important source of wood chip for the emerging biomass heat market. The Teagasc Forestry Development Unit provide specialised advice for landowners considering planting, those with existing forests that require thinning and on the potential markets for timber at various stages.