Key highlights:

• High-level meeting in Imst, Austria, hosted by Pfeiffer Group and CEO Michael Pfeiffer
• Organization by proPellets Austria and AIEL, associations representing the wood pellet sector in their respective countries
• Manolis Karampinis (Bioenergy Europe / European Pellet Council) shared insights on major EU policy files affecting the premium pellet sector and global/European pellet market trends
• Discussions on the ENplus® certification scheme and cross-border collaboration

Strengthening collaboration in European bioenergy

Last week, proPellets Austria with the collaboration of AIEL organized a bilateral exchange for their members involved in the Austrian and Italian wood pellet sectors. This strategic exchange took place in Imst, Austria, kindly hosted by Pfeiffer Group and its CEO, Michael Pfeiffer. The event served as a platform to discuss shared challenges and opportunities facing Europe’s fast-evolving wood pellet and cross-border cooperation between the two countries.

Bioenergy Europe on EU policy frameworks shaping the pellet sector

Representing Bioenergy Europe and the European Pellet Council, Manolis Karampinis, Business Development and Membership Director, provided an overview of the EU policy landscape affecting the premium pellet sector, focusing on four main policy files: the latest developments in the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), the revision of the Ecodesign Regulation and its potential impact on pellet stoves and boiler markets, the proposal for a Green Claims Directive, and the expectations from the EU Bioeconomy Strategy. To learn more about Bioenergy Europe’s positions and ongoing work on these key policy files, visit our Policy Positions page.

ENplus®: ensuring quality, traceability, and sustainability

A major part of the discussion focused on the ENplus® certification scheme, managed by Bioenergy Europe globally and by proPellets Austria and AIEL in their respective countries. Over its 15-years of existence, ENplus® has grown to become the global benchmark for wood pellet quality.

Mr. Karampinis highlighted how ENplus® has achieved widespread recognition for its role in promoting transparency, preventing fraud, and guaranteeing product consistency across markets. As the pellet industry becomes more competitive, ENplus® continues to evolve, introducing new tools and auditing mechanisms to ensure certified companies meet the highest standards. He also stressed the importance of maintaining credibility in an increasingly crowded market, where competing certification schemes and shifting policy expectations require constant adaptation and innovation.

Trends shaping the wood pellet market

The discussions among the workshop participants explored current and future wood pellet market trends in Austria and Italy, focusing on common issues: consumer trust, transparency in pricing and communications. Mr. Karampinis contributed to the discussion by offering insights from Bioenergy Europe’s 2025 Pellet Statistical Report on the global and European market trends and expectations for market evolution, both in the short and in the longer term.

Shared goals for a sustainable future

The workshop in Imst reaffirmed the close partnership between AIEL, proPellets Austria, and Bioenergy Europe. By working together in the framework of the European Pellet Council, the three associations continue to strengthen the competitiveness and credibility of the European pellet market, while promoting sustainable energy practices and carbon reduction across the continent.

As the EU advances towards its 2040 climate targets, collaboration between national bioenergy sectors, such as the Austrian and Italian pellet communities, will remain essential in ensuring that renewable heat, biomass energy, and circular bioeconomy solutions reach their full potential. AIEL and proPellets Austria will continue cooperation along these lines, planning a follow up workshop in 2026 to continue the dialogue and deepen the collaboration.

With the biomass sector adapting to shifting policies and growing sustainability expectations, Bioenergy Europe’s Working Group Biomass Supply met last week to discuss current feedstock realities, future resource modeling, and new opportunities in agricultural biomass. Bringing together experts from across Europe’s bioenergy value chain to share perspectives on wood availability, policy frameworks, and innovative solutions that can ensure long-term security of sustainable biomass supply in Europe.

Key highlights:

• Māra Maurīte (BONO Timber) elected as the new Chair of the Working Group Biomass Supply
• Update on the wood supply situation in the Baltics and current market dynamics
• Roundtable discussion on the impact of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and LULUCF policy framework on the future supply of woody raw material in the EU  
• Prof. Dr. Udo Mantau (INFRO e.K) presented long-term wood use modeling for Germany through 2050
• Florian Ilias (Terravesta) showcased the potential of miscanthus and other low-input energy crops for sustainable biomass supply in Europe

A new Chair for a crucial time

The session opened with the election of Māra Maurīte, Head of Exports at BONO Timber, as the new Chair of the Working Group Biomass Supply. In her introductory remarks, Maurīte emphasized the importance of reliable data, sustainable forestry practices, and open collaboration between stakeholders.

Drawing from her experience in the Baltic wood sector, Maurīte also provided an update on the regional sustainable biomass supply situation. Participants discussed solid feedstock availability, harvesting constraints and biomass logistics. Certification remains a key pillar of credibility throughout the region.

Policy frameworks shaping tomorrow’s supply

A roundtable discussion followed, focusing on EU policies affecting sustainable biomass supply in Europe, including the evolving EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) framework. Participants discussed the European Commission’s proposed one-year delay in EUDR implementation and what it could mean for operators and traders. Moreover, the conversation highlighted the need for clearer rules and manageable timelines, particularly for smaller operators seeking to comply with geolocation and due diligence requirements.

Data-driven foresight for the wood sector

Building on these policy discussions, Prof. Dr. Udo Mantau (INFRO e.K) shared findings from his extensive modeling work on wood use in Germany up to 2050, developed under the DIFENs project. His research tracks material and energy wood flows across multiple industries, helping policymakers and businesses anticipate changes in sustainable biomass demand, efficiency, and availability. According to Mantau, balancing energy and material uses of wood will become increasingly important as Europe moves toward its 2040 and 2050 climate targets.

Agricultural biomass: the promise of miscanthus

Closing the meeting, Florian Ilias, Managing Director at Terravesta, explored the agricultural biomass frontier, focusing on miscanthus as a key example of how perennial, low-input crops can contribute to Europe’s sustainable biomass feedstock base. Beyond traditional forestry residues, crops like miscanthus are emerging as a crucial complement to diversify biomass sources.

Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) is a perennial grass that can grow up to four meters tall each year. It requires no fertilizers, pesticides, or irrigation, and thrives on marginal or under-utilised land, making it an ideal solution for improving soil health and reducing competition with food production. The crop offers long-term productivity of over 20 years, high yields (14–20 tonnes of dry matter per hectare), and a net carbon sequestration rate of around 2.35 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare per year. Notably, miscanthus also enhances biodiversity and improves soil structure through its deep-rooted system.

Ilias highlighted several industrial uses for miscanthus, including:

• Renewable heat and power generation, as a clean, low-ash combustion feedstock;
• Animal bedding, thanks to its natural absorbency and durability;
• Peat replacement in horticulture, supporting circular and low-carbon production systems;
• Biochar and biogas feedstock, contributing to carbon-negative value chains;
• Advanced materials, such as fibre composites and non-woven fabrics.

By expanding the use of crops like miscanthus, Europe can diversify its biomass sources, reduce dependency on forest residues, and improve the resilience of its renewable energy supply.

Collaboration remains key

As discussions drew to a close, participants concluded with a shared recognition that diversification, data, and cooperation are central to the future of sustainable biomass in Europe. From certified forest feedstocks to innovative agricultural crops, Europe’s bioenergy sector must continue adapting to meet growing demand while delivering measurable environmental benefits. In the coming months, the Working Group will continue to serve as a forum for knowledge exchange and collective action.

Participation in the Working Group Biomass Supply is reserved for Bioenergy Europe members, who can contribute their expertise, exchange insights with peers, and help shape Europe’s renewable energy future.

Join Bioenergy Europe today to take part in our Working Groups and support the development of a sustainable, secure bioenergy sector: https://bioenergyeurope.org/join-us-now/

With the weather starting to get colder in many parts of Europe and corresponding movements in the pellet markets, but also in the backdrop of the European Commission’s announcement of its intention to see the postponement of the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by one more year, Bioenergy Europe’s Working Group Pellets gathered to discuss demand, supply, trade, sustainability, certification and to elect a new chair to lead the group forward.

The first part of the meeting focused on market updates for the industrial and residential pellet markets. Rachael Levinson, Associate Director at Hawkins Wright, detailed latest updates in global and European wood pellet demand and supply dynamics, as well as the impact of US tariffs in certain supply regions, for industrial wood pellets. Manolis Karampinis, Business Development & Membership Director at Bioenergy Europe and General Manager of the European Pellet Council, presented the latest statistics and updates on the premium pellet market and pellet heating appliances. Expectations for a colder winter this year can stimulate production and demand. However, stable support schemes are needed to keep up appliances sales in key markets, while some attention needs to be directed to the supply side as well.

The second part of the meeting shifted attention to latest trends in pellet certification. Thomas Siegmund, General Manager of the SURE Verification Scheme GmbH, introduced new SURE system add-ons designed to reinforce regionality, resource efficiency, and greenhouse gas mitigation for domestic heating. Finally, Elena Dumitru, Certification Director at Bioenergy Europe, explained lessons learned from the world-leading fuel quality certification ENplus® scheme, which celebrates its 15-years of operation and continues to stand strong in a landscape growing increasingly more complex and competitive.

A highlight of the day was the election of James M. Tuohy, European Business Development Manager at Drax, as the new Chair of WG Pellets. James will work with Bioenergy Europe’s Secretariat in identifying priorities and topics for the WG Pellets, including the assessment and optimization of the environmental performance of pellet supply chains, the evaluation of new markets for pellets in Europe, and supporting data collection and monitoring of pellet market trends.

Want to be part of these conversations? Bioenergy Europe members can join our Working Groups to exchange knowledge, shape strategies, and stay ahead of market trends. Join us now!

Brussels, 8 July 2025 – Bioenergy Europe has joined leading industry stakeholders in welcoming the outcomes of the recent EU-UK Summit and endorsing the move toward linking the European Union and United Kingdom Emissions Trading Systems (ETS).

As a signatory of a joint industry letter, Bioenergy Europe supports this crucial step to enhance market stability, reduce trade frictions, and strengthen climate cooperation. Linking the ETSs will help avoid disruptions from the upcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAMs), boost market efficiency, and unlock cost-effective decarbonisation across the EU and UK.

This coordinated approach is vital for securing clean, affordable energy and advancing Europe’s climate goals. Bioenergy Europe urges the European Commission to begin formal negotiations promptly and explore temporary CBAM exemptions during the process.

Download the full letter to learn more about this joint call for action.

Brussels, 8 July 2025 – Bioenergy Europe , along with 16 other leading European associations, has co-signed a joint statement urging the European Commission to include the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) in its upcoming simplification proposals. The call comes in response to widespread concerns about the regulation’s practical implementation, legal uncertainties, and administrative burdens that risk undermining responsible supply chains.

While the extension of the EUDR’s implementation timeline was a welcome step in December 2024, it did not resolve fundamental issues. The signatories stress the need for a proportionate, risk-based, and legally sound framework that supports sustainability goals without overburdening operators.

Despite the European Commission’s attempts to clarify the regulation through guidance and FAQs, these measures remain non-binding and inconsistently interpreted across Member States. To ensure real simplification, the joint statement calls for legislative amendments to the EUDR itself—ideally as part of the 2025 “Omnibus” legislative packages under the Commission’s simplification agenda.

Bioenergy Europe remains committed to constructive dialogue to help shape a regulatory path that supports climate goals while safeguarding the viability of the bioenergy sector and allied industries.

Brussels, 2 July 2025 – Bioenergy Europe welcomes the European Commission’s legislative proposal amending the European Climate Law to enshrine the 2040 climate target, a 90% net greenhouse gas emissions reduction compared to 1990 levels. This is a vital step to keep the EU on a science-based pathway to climate neutrality by 2050 and upholding its commitments under the Paris Agreement. The bioenergy sector is ready to support the EU in delivering this ambition.

A clear fossil fuel exit strategy and the promotion of sustainable bioenergy are essential to achieving this goal. Equally important is the recognition of domestic permanent removals as a necessary and complementary pillar of EU climate action.

“A 90% net reduction is the right level of ambition and now the focus must shift to implementation. Permanent carbon removals, particularly those based on biomass, are ready to contribute. What we need is a stable, long-term framework that enables investment, guarantees environmental integrity, and secures Europe’s leadership in carbon management,” insist Ennio Prizzi, Senior Policy Officer at Bioenergy Europe.

Stove The European bioenergy sector is glad to see that the Commission acknowledges the role of permanent carbon removals in meeting the EU’s 2040 target. The integration of high-integrity removals, such as Biogenic emissions Capture with Carbon Storage (BioCCS)) and biochar, into EU climate architecture sends a strong signal to innovators and investors and lays the foundation for a viable carbon management industry.

In this context, Bioenergy Europe supports the Commission’s recognition of the need to introduce targeted incentives to support domestic permanent carbon removals. In particular, the upcoming 2026 review of the EU ETS Directive presents a timely opportunity to establish a robust business case for these solutions. 

By recognising the importance of permanent removals, the EU takes a decisive step toward achieving net-negative emissions in the second half of the century. This move reflects scientific consensus and aligns with the IPCC’s finding that up to 10 GtCO₂/year must be removed globally by mid-century.

“The deployment of carbon dioxide removal is unavoidable if net zero emissions are to be achieved,” affirms the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in their AR6 Synthesis Report.

We also praise the Commission’s intention to introduce greater cross-sectoral flexibility in the post-2030 climate framework. This approach can enhance cost-effectiveness, foster synergies between reduction and removal efforts, and allow sectors to contribute according to their specific capacities and opportunities.

However, to create long-term market certainty and avoid mitigation deterrence, the 2040 framework must go further and disaggregate targets into gross emissions reductions, permanent carbon removals, and LULUCF. Only by providing this clarity can the EU generate the stable demand signal required for scaling up removals at the pace needed.

Image by European Commission 2025

Brussels, 25 June 2025 – Bioenergy Europe released today its Pellets Statistical Report. The report covers the latest trends in global and European pellet production, consumption, trade, and the sales of pellet-based heating appliances. Global pellet production remained broadly stable in 2024 at 48,3 million tonnes, while global consumption exceeded 45 million tonnes for the first time. Despite some challenges, including a reduction in heat demand due to climate change, Europe remains the world’s largest wood pellet producing and consuming region by far.

Amid the broader trends, the report highlights the decisive factor of public support shaping the transition towards a defossilised heating system in Europe.

“The data shows that, where there is political will and clear financial support for installation of new appliances, renewable heat thrives” states Bioenergy Europe Market Intelligence Director, Jérémie Geelen, “Consumers need stability. Without consistent support schemes, even established markets can falter,” he added. 

Stove and boiler sales across Europe in 2024 reveal stark contrasts depending on policy environment. Austria provides a standout example: after a severe dip in 2023, the introduction of new federal and regional subsidies in 2024 for the phasing out of fossil fuels triggered a market rebound.

In Poland, the Clean Air Program has proven instrumental in maintaining momentum. The program’s financial incentives have encouraged households to replace outdated systems, many of them coal-fired, with cleaner alternatives, supporting Poland’s transition to a more renewable heating system.

In contrast, Germany, Europe’s largest pellet appliance market, saw sales of heating systems based on renewable energy fall sharply for the second year running. This collapse mirrors broader uncertainty around Germany’s heating transition and shifting policy priorities. France tells a similar story, where frequent changes to the national energy policies in 2024 impacted consumer confidence.

Still, more than 5,6 million European households are estimated to rely on wood pellets for their heating needs, and much more when encompassing all types of biomasses like logs, briquettes, chips or biogas.

Certification Builds Confidence in Growing Market

The quality of pellets is also playing a part in the energy transition by improving the efficiency of appliances and reducing emissions. The ENplus® certification scheme is raising the bar of quality pellets worldwide.

In 2024, ENplus® certified pellets were estimated to correspond to 75% of the European pellet heating market, and certified pellet traders handled a record 7,5 million tonnes, reinforcing ENplus®’s status as the leading global fuel quality certification system for wood pellets. Despite challenging market conditions, the number of ENplus® certified producers and traders increased to 686 and 608 respectively.

Bioenergy Europe calls on policymakers across Europe to ensure predictability and support renewable heating adoption. Pellet appliances are a proven, accessible solution to help meet the EU’s Heating and Cooling Strategy goals.

This opinion piece from Jérémie Geelen, Market Intelligence Director at Bioenergy Europe, was originally published by EURACTIV on 23/06/25

Heating is one of Europe’s silent climate challenges. It accounts for a major share of emissions and yet is often low on the agenda in comparison to power generation.

The upcoming EU Heating and Cooling Strategy could fix this issue and start addressing this imbalance head-on. Defossilising heat demands more political and financial attention: its carbon footprint is significant, and its potential for rapid emissions cuts largely untapped, especially in buildings.

A recent study from the Austrian Energy Agency commissioned by Bioenergy Europe now provides additional insights into how Europe can reduce heating emissions efficiently. The findings point to a clear conclusion: switching from fossil-based heating systems to renewable options — particularly biomass — is among the cheapest ways to cut CO₂.

Yet one major barrier remains. Most renewable heating systems come with a higher upfront investment cost, and that remains the biggest barrier to their uptake. Without focused incentives to replace fossil solutions and modernise old heating systems, the transition moves far away.

Biomass and Cost-Effective Emission Reductions

The study, covering Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and the EU average, compares different heating systems using a life-cycle approach. The outcomes were manyfold, among which are the following key points:

Pellet boilers perform well in single-family homes, offering on average the highest CO₂ savings per installation when replacing fossil-based systems (oil & gas). In some scenarios, public incentives of only €5,000 can bring the cost of saving a tonne of CO₂ down to less than €50. This level of support represents a relatively low public cost per tonne of CO₂ saved and should be further encouraged.

Biomass also performs well when used in larger scale systems, like district heating and combined heat and power (CHP), providing heat to end users while also producing power around the clock if needed. The study demonstrated that, by incentivising around 33% of the investment costs, saving a tonne of CO₂ would only cost from 76€ in CHP units to 93€ in district heating systems, both running on wood chips. An ongoing support programme managed by ADEME demonstrated with existing projects that, in France, the public cost of saving one tonne of CO₂ was on average around 11€ per ton when calculated across 54 large scale biomass projects.

Decarbonising the heating sector requires tailored approaches, as EU Member States face diverse energy market conditions. Biomass-based heating systems generally offer low CO₂ reduction costs for end-users and deliver consistent emission savings across the EU. For example, replacing an oil boiler with a pellet boiler saves around 100 tonnes of CO₂ over 20 years, regardless of location. In contrast, the CO₂ savings can drop to around 50 tonnes in countries with carbon-intensive electricity, such as Germany. Biomass systems are less exposed to electricity price volatility and grid emission factors, making them a reliable and widely applicable solution for reducing heating-related emissions.

The intra-European variability of systems doesn’t only affect the climatic performance of heating systems, but also their economic one, as this influences the cost of generating a kWh of heat for end users. The study also highlights that biomass systems can offer very low cost of producing renewable heat, with prices as low as 0,11 €/kWh with a relatively small variability. This positions biomass as an effective safeguard for energy security, particularly for more vulnerable consumers.

One System Doesn’t Fit All: optimisation is key

One of the clearest takeaways from the study is that heating solutions must reflect local realities. Factors like fuel availability, performance and design of buildings, electricity costs, and winter temperatures can all shape what “optimal” looks like.

Hybrid systems can come in both small and big scale installations. In recent years, countries with a significant penetration of heating systems relying on electricity experienced an increase in sales of pellet stoves: to cover peak demand or manage costs during cold spells. At district heating level, biomass is being combined with waste heat, heat pumps or solar thermal in multi-source heating grids. Such configurations can offer better resilience, improved economics, and deeper decarbonisation.

The EU framework should therefore leave space for national and regional adaptation — and support a mix of technologies, not a single solution.

Smart Incentives means cheaper CO₂ savings

The study confirms what many already suspect: the upfront cost of switching to renewable heating remains the main obstacle. Even where long-term savings exist, many households and businesses are unable or unwilling to pay higher installation costs, especially during periods of economic uncertainty.

That’s why incentives must be part of the picture. And not just any incentives, but targeted support that prioritises the replacement of outdated systems. While fossil fuel-based systems are the main priority, inefficient non-fossil systems should also be addressed.

As the study demonstrates, incentivising this switch can result in a low public cost per tonne of CO₂ avoided.

Looking forward to the Heating and Cooling Strategy

Biomass technologies are ready: their positive climate impact is measurable, and the economic case is increasingly solid — especially in specific use cases.

What’s needed now is a Heating and Colling Strategy that reflect the diversity of Europe’s heating needs, reduce the financial barriers to renewable heat, and focus support where it delivers the greatest impact. Europe can defossilise by promoting efficient and affordable heating for its citizen and industries.

As the EU prepares to update its Bioeconomy Strategy in October 2025, Bioenergy Europe is releasing a new position paper urging policymakers to integrate sustainable bioenergy in the revised Bioeconomy Strategy.

Bioenergy is already a cornerstone of the circular bioeconomy—delivering renewable energy, supporting rural economies, and making use of underutilised resources. To ensure the revised Strategy reflects the full potential of the sector, our paper outlines four key policy recommendations:

1. Recognise bioenergy’s central role in replacing fossil fuels across heating, electricity, and industry—while promoting efficient feedstock use and delivering energy security, jobs, and climate benefits.
2. Respect regional diversity by allowing flexibility for different infrastructure, energy needs, and biomass sourcing across EU Member States.
3. Unlock untapped biomass potential through local biomass hubs, targeted mobilisation programmes addressing also agroforestry, and initiatives that protect ecosystems and prevent wildfires.
4. Prioritise biogenic CO₂ over fossil CO₂ in industrial applications, recognising its key role in a short, closed carbon cycle that supports decarbonisation.

Considering Bioenergy in the revised Bioeconomy Strategy means taking into account today’s renewable realities. Sustainable bioenergy plays a key role in the overall bioeconomy by valorising underutilised feedstock along the value chain and supplying reliable, around-the-clock energy. Clear recognition of bioenergy’s contribution is essential for a coherent, resilient, and climate-smart EU policy framework.