Brussels 31 October 2019 - Wood pellets are a very versatile fuel which offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution for producing heat and power. As the EU28 will increasingly need to decarbonise fuel to meet its long-term climate objectives, versatile fuels such as pellets, that are non-weather-dependent, can be used for various energy needs and in turn will further contribute to the energy transition of Europe.

With report studies and analysis surrounding the uptake of global pellet demand, statistics are continuing to show that the EU28 is producing nearly 17 million tonnes (nearly 10% growth in 2018 compared to 2017) of pellets; with production plants now being widespread all over Europe. This increase in production coinciding with the creation of new plants has led to local jobs and indeed value in the sector being created. As a vast majority of pellet production takes place in rural areas, with wood pellets being produced from wood processing residues, not only nurtures rural development but aids in the crucial and indeed vital prevention of forest fires and diseases in these areas.

The sustained growth of this market, 4% between 2018 and 2017, exemplifies why pellets are leading the way in this ever-evolving market. Pellet used for heat production is a highly modern and effective solution. With its very high efficiency in combination with its release of extremely low emissions, this is a fuel that brings great benefits; proving itself as an effective renewable energy to aid in the transition for a cleaner Europe.  

The sheer increase in the global pellet demand highlights its popularity as this bioenergy source continues to be used in both the industrial and domestic heating markets both in Europe and on a global scale. This enduring demand has enabled the EU28 to remain as the undefeated champions of the sector. Having said this, there is no doubt of the rising star on the global pellet scene, as Asia continues to go from strength to strength, rocketing in to a growing and somewhat dynamic marketplace. 

A point that must be made, is that unlike other renewable solutions, pellets are a sure way of securing energy as they are not weather-dependent; able to produce electricity whatever the conditions outside; acting as a substitute for energy storage. Not only does this reinforce the versatility and indeed reliability of the pellet but also offers a perfect counterpart to those energy sources which are reliant on wind or solar power by providing a constant means of sustainable energy.

Clearly, investing and implementing in this biomass alternative, both in the commercial and domestic markets, will act as a significant lever in alleviating climate change.  Decarbonising the European heating and cooling sector should be a priority and pellets have a great role to play in this. Implementing incentives and subsidies to replace old age fuels such as heating oil with wood pellets is a foot forward in meeting the EUs long-term climate objectives.

In order to better understand the pellet market, Bioenergy Europe today launches its 2019 Report on the Pellet Sector. Created in close collaboration with the European Pellet Council (EPC), the Pellet Report constitutes an essential section of Bioenergy Europe’s Statistical Report.  Year on year, the report gathers a unique set of data that unveils the dynamic state of the European bioenergy market. 2019 gives an insight into the global market place as well as detailled information on european market production, use, heating appliance sales, price and much more! 

• The Statistical Report 2019 is supported by

  www.valmet.com

• Contacts

  Martin Colla Market Intelligence Officer Bioenergy Europe colla@bioenergyeurope.org

  Claudio Caferri Communications Officer Bioenergy Europe caferri@bioenergyeurope.org

• Pellets: a versatile solution that will contribute to the decarbonisation of energy in Europe

  31-10-2019

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