Interpellets 2007: conference looks at wood pellets as an alternative to fossil fuels

There have been dramatic developments in the oil market, according to the latest Oil Market Report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). Everything is pointing to an impending supply shortage, which could lead to record prices (previous post). More efficient energy use and more renewable energies are therefore important elements for climate protection and energy security.

Biomass pellets may offer a sustainable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to the imminent shortage of fossil fuels. Heating with the biofuel is already less costly than using fuel oil. As a consequence the use of pellets is growing rapidly in the EU (overview for 2005) and international trade is growing steadily (earlier post). The 7th Pellets Industry Forum, which takes place in the International Congress Centre Stuttgart on 9th and 10th October, will explore the promising future of this biofuel as it establishes itself in an international market (conference programme). Following the Forum, the Interpellets 2007 trade fair will bring together pellet producers, traders, suppliers and service providers from Germany and abroad. The trade fair will take place from 10th to 12th October in the Neue Messe Stuttgart (New Trade Fair Centre Stuttgart).

In its latest oil market report, the International Energy Agency (IEA) warns of an oil supply shortage until 2012. The prognosis: price explosions on the oil market and greater reliance on the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). According to the IEA, the cause of this critical development is a growth in demand while supply levels remain virtually unchanged. The IEA, which has previously been cautious in its forecasts, now predicts an average annual growth in oil demand of 2.2 per cent for the next five years, which equates to approximately 96 million barrels a day. The growth in demand is particularly strong in newly industrialising countries with large populations, such as China and India. At the same time, there is a marked drop in oil supply from more accessible oil producing regions such as the North Sea. The oil supply from non-OPEC states will increase by just one per cent a year and the reliance of large consuming countries on OPEC will continue to grow. In view of these developments, it is imperative that we rethink our energy policy – towards more efficient energy use and renewable energies.

Wood pellets: a viable alternative?
The 7th Pellets Industry Forum and the Interpellets 2007 trade fair will look at how wood pellets can offer security of supply and whether they are cost-effective and environmentally friendly in terms of production and consumption.

As production expands, the price of wood pellets will come down. Already, the cost of one kilowatt hour of heating energy when using wood pellets (3.7 cents) is 35% lower than for heating oil (5.7 cents). Moreover, the burning of wood pellets in pellet heating systems is low in emissions and CO2 neutral: the values are well below the emission limits set by Germany's 1st Federal Emmission Control Ordinance. In addition, the burning of wood pellets releases precisely the same amount of CO2 that has been used in growing the wood. Thus pellets have many advantages as an alternative fuel: anyone heating with pellets is independent of the vagaries of oil and gas prices, supports the nascent bioeconomy and makes a major contribution to climate protection.

In view of the growing international fuel trade and the increasing market interest in pellet technology, it is vitally important to exchange information about current developments and technology trends:
energy :: sustainability ::climate change :: fossil fuels :: heating oil :: biomass :: bioenergy :: biofuels :: wood :: pellets ::

This exchange focuses on national and international market development as well as current and planned developments in pellet production.

For example, Finn Normann Jensen from the Austrian pelletiser manufacturer Andritz Sprout AG will be giving a lecture on “Trends in the global pelletising business” at the 7th Pellets Industry Forum. Over 400 delegates are expected to attend the 7th Pellets Industry Forum (9th/10th October, International Congress Centre Stuttgart).

The aim of the Interpellets 2007 trade fair is to encourage an international exchange of experience and serve as a platform for the European pellet sector. The pellet sector’s entire supply chain will be represented at Interpellets 2007, from manufacturers through to wholesalers, suppliers and service providers. The organiser, Solar Promotion, is expecting around 150 exhibitors and 6,000 visitors, with approximately 20 per cent coming from abroad.

Organisers and supporters of Interpellets 2007 and the 7th Pellets Industry Forum: The specialist trade fair Interpellets 2007 and the 7th Pellets Industry Forum is organised by Solar Promotion GmbH, Pforzheim. Interpellets 2007 is supported by the German Energy Pellet Association e.V. (DEPV) and the International Solar Energy Society German Section e.V. (DGS).

References:
Interpellets: Wood pellets as an alternative to declining oil supply - August 9, 2007.

A brochure on the conference and the trade fair can be found here [*.pdf].