Experts propose to more actively develop the domestic biofuel market

In recent years, due to sanctions, pellet production in Russia has decreased, especially in Siberia. In the Irkutsk region, biofuel production in 2023 decreased by 20% compared to 2022. Previously, almost 100% of pellets were exported to Europe, but now manufacturers have refocused on the domestic market. The markets of South Korea and Japan are also alternatives, but their volumes are still small.

Specialists from the Siberian Federal University presented a report on the prospects for fuel pellets, in which they emphasize that the introduction of pellets is necessary, even if it requires additional costs from the budget. Scientists note that pellets are more environmentally friendly than coal and can be an excellent alternative for heating private homes. The main limiting factor for the population is price, so it is necessary to stimulate demand for pellets. To do this, you need to set prices comparable to coal.

Russia already has successful experience in using biofuels: boiler houses located in the Komi Republic, Irkutsk and Arkhangelsk regions, and in the north of the Krasnoyarsk Territory have been partially converted to it. This model should be extended to other territories. Fuel pellets solve several issues at once, including modernization of heat supply facilities, reduction of atmospheric emissions, and disposal of sawmill waste.

Olga Kalyuzhnaya, President of the Russian Timber Association: “It is important to take into account the characteristics of individual boiler houses from the point of view of translation efficiency. It is necessary to carry out a technical and economic calculation, comparing different types of fuel and the conditions for its supply. In some cases, it is more effective to switch to gas, in some cases to wood chips, and in others to pellets. Everything is individual. In general, switching boiler houses to biofuel will help producers solve sales problems. At the same time, it is important to understand that fuel suppliers must maintain positive profitability, and tariffs for the population or organizations from such boiler houses should not increase.".

The development of the pellet market can be helped by the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation, including the provision of additional infrastructure budget or special treasury loans in the amount of at least 15 billion rubles in 2023 and 2024. to modernize boiler houses to switch from fossil fuels to biofuels.