Wood Energy Strategy
- Switzerland's use of wood energy for heating has quadrupled since 1990, marking a meaningful success for the industry.
- Switzerland possesses ample wood resources to sustainably meet the increasing demand for wood heating.
- Peter lehmann, vice president of Holzenergy Switzerland and president of Propellets.ch, and Markus heitzmann, president of Wood Fires Switzerland, discussed the industry's commitment to sustainable practices.
Swiss Wood Energy Sector Sees Untapped Potential for Growth
Table of Contents
April 26, 2025
Switzerland’s use of wood energy for heating has quadrupled since 1990, marking a meaningful success for the industry. This growth is attributed to collaborative efforts between organizations such as Wood Fires Switzerland adn Propellets.ch, along with support from the federal government, cantons, and local communities.
Sustainable Wood Resources Abundant
Switzerland possesses ample wood resources to sustainably meet the increasing demand for wood heating. The nation’s forests, covering approximately one-third of the country, see an annual growth of around 10 million cubic meters of wood.Current harvesting practices utilize only about two-thirds of this growth, ensuring the long-term availability of the resource while also contributing to biodiversity and the stability of forest ecosystems.
Industry Leaders Emphasize Sustainability
Peter lehmann, vice president of Holzenergy Switzerland and president of Propellets.ch, and Markus heitzmann, president of Wood Fires Switzerland, discussed the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Wood Heating Expansion: Securing supply Chains
When asked about the impact of increased wood heating,Lehmann stated that the supply of wood for various systems,including wood chips,pellets,and firewood,is secure within Switzerland. He explained that wood chips, or “Hackschnitzel,” are produced from residual wood, branches, or lower-quality timber. Pellets are manufactured domestically using leftover wood from sawmills and planing operations.
Associations React to Evolving Landscape
heitzmann noted that intensive discussions have taken place with partner associations such as waldschweiz, the Switzerland wood industry, the Federal Office for the Surroundings, the Federal Office for Energy, and various cantons. “It is indeed clear that the wood resource is valuable and must be used as efficiently as possible,” Heitzmann said. “the goal is to maximize climate-neutral energy production from both currently used wood and untapped potential, thereby considerably contributing to climate change mitigation.”
Untapped Potential Remains
Lehmann believes that wood usage could increase by approximately 20 percent,or more than 1 million cubic meters,without harming forests or competing with higher-quality wood demands. The key, he emphasized, is utilizing this wood appropriately within suitable systems. Wood energy initiatives should prioritize wood that the wood industry cannot use. Pellet production in Switzerland relies solely on residual wood like sawdust and shavings, embodying a “cascade use” concept where raw materials are used in multiple stages before energy conversion.
Adapting to Current Conditions
Lehmann explained that industry associations are strengthening collaboration and leveraging synergies. Plans are underway to consolidate branches in 2025 to streamline organizational and personnel infrastructure and define new key areas of action. Market monitoring is a priority, aiming to identify available energy wood quantities and develop corresponding usage strategies.Defining and promoting sensible forms of wood use is also crucial.
Heitzmann added that modernizing aging wood heating centers and heating networks presents a significant prospect to optimize efficiency. Replacing older systems with modern ones reduces wood consumption for the same heat output. Integrating solar energy or heat pumps can further enhance efficiency. Efficient supply chains,connecting system operators,wood producers,and intermediary companies,are also a key focus.
Industry Organizations Remain vital
Lehmann, when asked if industry organizations were becoming obsolete, responded with a smile, “No, on the contrary.” He stated that they will address the demanding task of maximizing heat, process vapor, and even electricity production from energy wood using appropriate technology, while also promoting forest rejuvenation.
Or heat pumps can further enhance efficiency. Efficient supply chains,connecting system operators,wood producers,and intermediary companies,are also a key focus.
Industry organizations Remain vital
Lehmann, when asked if industry organizations were becoming obsolete, responded with a smile, “No, on the contrary.” He stated that they will address the demanding task of maximizing heat, process vapor, and even electricity production from energy wood using appropriate technology, while also promoting forest rejuvenation.
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