European Pellet Council meets in Latvia for a key meeting for the pellet sector
From July 1–3, 2025, the European Pellet Council (EPC), hosted by the Latvian Biomass Association (LATbio), brought together representatives of national pellet and biomass associations in Valmiera, Latvia, for its annual Seminar. The event serves as a key platform for knowledge exchange, coordinating strategy, and strengthening collaboration across the premium wood pellet and biomass heating sectors.
The Seminar began on Tuesday, July 1, with a series of technical site visits. Participants toured a district heating plant in Valmiera, exploring Latvia’s renewable heating solutions and understanding how modern biomass infrastructures support clean energy goals. The group then visited the AVOTI wood pellet plant, a leading facility known for its production efficiency and commitment to sustainable biomass sourcing. The visit offered a close-up look at pellet manufacturing processes, supply chain logistics, and operational best practices.
Policy updates and market analysis take center stage
On the second and third day, the focus shifted to policy and market developments critical to the future of the European pellet industry. Jean-Marc Jossart, Bioenergy Europe Secretary-General, presented key updates on EU legislation, including the Ecodesign Regulation and recent outcomes from the Consultation Forum on solid fuels local space heaters. These regulatory developments can have significant implications for pellet stove and boiler manufacturers, as well as for market compliance across the EU.
Participants engaged in an in-depth exchange on market updates for the pellet sector in their respective markets and presented a SWOT analysis, assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats at both national and European levels. Bioenergy Europe’s latest Pellet Report served as a key tool for the analysis. Other sessions included presentations and discussions on the ongoing activities and latest updates from the ENplus® certification scheme, which continues to drive quality and consumer trust in certified wood pellets across Europe and beyond, and exchanges on best practices for communications and public relations campaigns related to pellet heating.
European Pellet Council was a key meeting for the pellet sector, it reinforced the central role of collaboration, innovation, and policy engagement in advancing the wood pellet industry. As the sector continues to evolve under changing regulatory and market conditions, events like the EPC Seminar are essential for aligning strategies, promoting high standards, and accelerating the transition to renewable heating across Europe.
