Business Sweden in France has conducted a market study on opportunities in the French biomass sector related to district heating networks. The study has examined the driving forces behind the use of biomass in district heating networks in France, as well as key challenges market players are facing in its implementation.
As of today, 23.8% of energy provided by district heating networks in France comes from biomass. There’s a clear trend in the increased use of biomass in district heating networks, illustrated by an 9.5% average annual growth rate and biomass-related projects receiving the most financing from the Heat Fund between 2009-2017.
French heat networks relying heavily on biomass as fuel distinguish themselves as numerous but are generally small in size with smaller-scale energy outputs. Plants are mostly situated in rural areas, due to the sheer size of such installations.
The forces driving the shift to biomass are mainly ambitious political objectives, volatile fossil fuel prices and the availability of biomass resources, while key challenges mainly concern an underdeveloped biomass market and public opinion regarding biomass.
The challenges French operators face in the transition to biomass as an energy source present opportunities for equipment and service suppliers. Given Sweden’s history and experience in using biomass, the sector offers interesting business opportunities for Swedish companies that want to grow on the French market.
Please find the link to download the full report below >>
