Wood bioenergy: strategic meeting at MASE

Wood bioenergy: strategic meeting at MASE for Italy’s energy future

Wood bioenergy: a key sector of the Italian economy

Today, July 3rd, a strategic meeting took place between institutions and businesses at the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE). The event, promoted by Veronafiere, Progetto Fuoco, Aiel (Italian Agroforestry Energy Association) and with major industry leaders, including Daniele Rigamonti, CEO of GREEN ALLIANCE and WOODECH ITALIA SRL, aimed to define the future of wood bioenergy in Italy, a supply chain composed of over 14,000 companies, 72,000 employees and an economic value exceeding 4 billion euros.

In Italy, approximately 5 million families use wood biomass for heating, thanks to a fleet of over 8 million appliances including stoves and fireplaces. Biomass represents the second domestic heating source after natural gas, covering about 15% of demand and contributing 65.7% to renewable heat production in the residential sector.

The meeting at MASE: towards a stable regulatory framework

During the meeting with Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, sector representatives emphasized the importance of the supply chain in the country’s ecological transition. Among the topics discussed: technological innovation, environmental and economic sustainability, and the need for a clear and stable regulatory framework, with incentives that can support the wood bioenergy market.

Towards an interministerial table for national energy strategy

Companies have proposed the establishment of a permanent interministerial table involving the ministries of Environment, Agriculture and Enterprise to overcome the current regulatory fragmentation and harmonize energy, industrial and forestry policies. A systematic approach could strengthen the role of wood bioenergy in the national climate strategy, also contributing to energy security, given that Italy imports almost 80% of its energy and 99% of natural gas. An effective valorization of the wood-energy supply chain could cover up to 15% of the natural gas currently imported.

Only through dialogue between businesses and institutions can innovative solutions emerge for reducing CO₂ emissions, optimizing natural resources and achieving the goal of Italian energy efficiency.

The circular economy, due to the constant commitment of the wood-energy supply chain, can become the backbone of Italy’s sustainable energy future.