The Wood Pellet Association of Canada (WPAC) has been invited to host a session at the European Pellet Conference in March 2024 in Wels, Austria. The event will feature leading international speakers presenting the latest global market trends, policies, technologies and innovations. This provides an important avenue for Canadian pellet producers and associations to keep the pellet and bio-energy world moving forward.
This year's conference was focused on re-embracing pellets as an important element of the clean energy transition and on increasing their positive contribution to forest health and the circular economy.
Experts also discussed R&D projects and new results, as well as the latest developments in the field of pellets and bio-energy. These included technological innovations along the value chain, from pellet production, supply and distribution to successful demonstrations of accelerated energy transitions.
And Vietnam is the world's second largest exporter of wood pellets, after the United States. Nearly 95 per cent of the country's pellet production is destined for two key markets: the Republic of Korea and Japan. In the northern and southern regions of Vietnam, 30 per cent of the raw material used to make pellets is sourced from domestic plantations, with the remainder coming from wood processing residues. In the central region of the country, 90% of the raw material is sourced from domestic plantations, with the remaining 10% coming from wood processing residues.
A growing number of experts believe that the pellet industry plays a key role in converting excess forest ground debris (fuels) into renewable energy and in restoring forests after fires.
Austria: examples of high-profile domestic campaigns
Austria is continuing to demonstrate a compelling case for pellet and bio-energy, with clear actions and visible victories.
The OÖ Energiesparverband in Upper Austria has played a significant role in this, with 60% of space heating in the region coming from biomass. This is further supported by a strong domestic equipment sector.
Europe is leading the global development of the pellet and bio-energy sector across all fronts, including domestic and international, residential, commercial and industrial.