The Consumption of forest biomass in Catalonia rises 19% in 2025 to 652,500 tons

Forest biomass consumption in Catalonia grew by 19% in 2025 compared to the previous year, reaching 652,500 tons. This increase is linked to the commissioning of new industrial boilers that have driven up the energy use of this resource.

Biomass not only increases in volume but also reduces pollutant emissions. In 2025, 281,940 tons of greenhouse gas emissions were avoided, 33% less than the previous year, thanks to this energy commitment.

Expansion of Forest Biomass Consumption and Production in Catalonia

What specific data reflects the consumption increase in 2025?

Forest biomass consumption stood at 652,500 tons in 2025, 19% more than in 2024. This rise is mainly explained by a 57% increase in wood chips, linked to the commissioning of large industrial boilers.

Production also grew by 17% to 806,000 tons, while exports reached 104,000 tons. These figures show a positive sector dynamic beyond domestic consumption.

What does this expansion represent for local forest management?

The managed forest area has expanded to 27,186 hectares, a direct indicator of increased forest activity. The Department of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition sees this management as a key tool for fire prevention and the economic revitalization of the sector.

Managing more hectares means better territorial control and risk prevention, but it also implies a boost for biomass as a renewable and sustainable resource.

Technological Transformation and Changes in Biomass Product Consumption

How has the biomass boiler sector evolved?

Between 2012 and 2025, 4,529 boilers have been installed totaling 574 megawatts of power. These units tend to models less dependent on weather, stabilizing the energy use of biomass.

Thanks to this, wood chip consumption has multiplied by 21 and pellet consumption has risen by 40%, while firewood, still linked to domestic uses, grows only 16%.

Why is this diversification in biomass use important?

This change reflects sector modernization and a growing interest in more efficient and sustainable technologies. Wood chips and pellets, which require manufacturing processes, are used in larger scale and higher performance installations.

Diversification also helps reduce the impact of weather on energy availability, making biomass a more reliable and constant resource.

Objectives and Future Perspectives of the Biomass Strategy in Catalonia

What targets are set for 2026?

The initiative aims to reach 730,000 tons of biomass consumed for thermal uses and to manage 30,400 hectares of forest. This means continuing the current growth and consolidating biomass as an energy and environmental pillar.

This goal implies maintaining the pace of investments and technological development to increase productive and sustainable capacity.

What impact does this strategy have for the local reader?

For the citizen of Catalonia, these advances mean fewer pollutant emissions and more fire prevention in nearby nature. They also represent job opportunities and a more alive and active forestry sector.

In short, biomass is a key piece for a cleaner energy future and more responsible land management.

Source of the article: Editorial / Catalan News Agency