The EU28 produced almost 2019 million tonnes of wood pellets in 18, representing a growth of 5 percent compared to 2018. Across the EU, the main source of raw materials is wood processing residues, making pellets a “true example of resource efficiency and circularity” according to one new report from Bioenergy Europe.
For the second time since its launch in 2007, the 2020 statistical report by Bio-energy Europe (formerly known as AEBIOM) is divided into several publications, each chapter covering a different aspect of bioenergy. The fifth chapter of the 2020 statistical report focuses on wood pellets, highlighting the key contribution of wood pellets to the sustainable recovery of the EU and to the 2050 carbon neutrality target.
According to the report, the EU28 produced nearly 18 million tonnes of pellets in 2019, which corresponds to approximately 7,6 Mtoe and is 5 percent higher than in 2018. Across the EU, the main source of raw materials is wood processing residues, making pellets a “true example of resource efficiency and circularity”.
Furthermore, the report notes that pellet production provides an economic purpose on damaged and otherwise unalterable wood, making sanitary cuttings and other necessary forest management activities viable.
In various EU member states, such as the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, and Belgium, this is already a solution to encourage the removal of insect-damaged wood from forests.
Sustainable and cost-effective renewable fuel
The use of pellets, which is a sustainable, efficient, and secure solution for households, commercial, and small industrial processes, also constitutes a cost-effective means of defossilizing the European heating sector .
The report points out that pellets are often cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives such as fuel oil, natural gas or coal, making it a “perfect ally” to tackle energy poverty.
With 16,4 million tonnes consumed in the EU28 in 2019, pellet heating is gaining popularity in many Member States. Nevertheless, a large proportion of domestic heating appliances in the EU28 still run on fossil fuels.
As shown in the recent Energy Union report , fossil fuels still benefit from various forms of subsidies (more than 50 billion euros in 2018, a 6% increase compared to 2015). Such measures undermine the competitiveness of renewable solutions, thereby slowing down the transition to carbon neutrality.
The proposed EU target of reducing emissions by at least 2030 percent greenhouse gases (greenhouse gases) by 55 and zero net emissions by 2050 requires a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels in all sectors of the European economy.
Wood pellet production in Europe has shown consistent year-on-year growth (graphic courtesy Bioenergy Europe).
In this respect, both the heating sector and industry are lagging behind. Pellets are one of the readily available and economically affordable solutions for phasing out fossil fuels from the energy sector, industrial processes and residential heating.
Recommendations from policy makers
Overall, the Statistical Report on Pellets contains a number of key recommendations for policymakers that go further by emphasizing that a “stable policy framework is essential” in providing companies with a sufficient long-term perspective to further invest in pellet production and - use, helping further climate change mitigation efforts.
Unlocking support via the Renovation Wave , so that citizens can switch from fossil fuel heating appliances to modern and efficient pellet solutions, is essential.
Tailored measures to support the scale-up of bioenergy solutions in medium-scale heating markets such as schools, hospitals and residential buildings must also be “carefully designed and implemented,” the report said.
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