Bioenergy Europe published its 2023 Particle Statistics report and accompanying policy brief on October 17, 2023. The report analyzes the current state of the pellet industry and finds that despite the geopolitical turmoil in Ukraine, the European Union (EU) has maintained its world-leading position with 52% of total consumption.

The geopolitical crisis and EU sanctions against Russia have made 2022 an exceptional year for the pellet market. Volatility in pellet prices has increased significantly due to supply disruptions from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

The report found that due to the opening of 55 new production sites, many EU countries have reduced pellet exports and increased their internal production from 19.83 million tonnes in 2021 to more than 20.5 million tonnes in 2022 (44 per cent of global pellet production) [Note: Relevant statistics do not cover China].

The European Union (EU) maintained its position as the world leader with 52 percent of the total consumption. Pellets are an important part of the EU economy's de-fossilization. It is a sustainable solution that currently displaces part of fossil fuels and contributes to the EU's climate and energy goals.

Given the needs of the residential and industrial sectors, there is still plenty of room for the expansion of sustainable pellet production in Europe. Government incentives and subsidies for renewable energy can stimulate pellet consumption, and several European countries are already implementing policies to promote the use of biomass energy as part of their decarbonization strategies.

Wood pellet production and consumption in each region of the world (chart provided by Bioenergy Europe) [Note: Relevant statistics do not cover China

In addition, advances in pellet production technology, such as improved pellet processes and higher quality standards, can increase the efficiency and competitiveness of the pellet industry and boost production in Europe.

In this regard, the ENplus Fuel Quality Certification program has been successful for more than a decade, ensuring final delivery quality by guaranteeing wood pellet quality throughout the supply chain, i.e. from production to end-user delivery.

In 2022, the system certified approximately 13.6 million tons of pellets in 50 countries around the world.

"By harnessing the potential of pellets, we can replace fossil fuels and enhance our energy security." Jean-Marc Jossart, Secretary General of Bioenergy Europe, said: "By relying on readily available resources within our borders, we increase our resilience to external disturbances and ensure a stable and continuous energy supply for our citizens."

French President Emmanuel Macron has said that France will convert two of its coal-fired power plants (with a total capacity of 1.8GW) to biomass by 2027.

In a television interview on Sept. 24, Macron discussed plans to meet France's climate goals over the next seven years.

France aims to reduce its emissions by 55 per cent by 2030, in line with European Union (EU) targets compared to a 1990 baseline. Speaking after a special government meeting, Macron said it was "achievable".

Macron's plans include reducing reliance on fossil fuels and increasing the use of electric vehicles.

Annual spending on green initiatives will increase by €7 billion, from €33 billion to €40 billion.

Part of the money will be used to convert the country's two remaining coal-fired power plants into biofuel facilities.

The two plants - the 1.2GW Cordemais and 600MW Emile Hutchet in St Avord - were initially scheduled to close last year, but were delayed by the Russia-Ukraine affair and the energy crisis triggered by the closure of nuclear reactors in France.

Greenpeace France issued a statement criticizing Macron's policies for not being ambitious enough.

Nicolas Nace, energy transition campaigner at Greenpeace France, said: "If he were really ambitious and a pioneer, Emmanuel Macron would also announce a date for phasing out fossil oil and gas."