European biomass markets are closely interlinked, yet each operates under different conditions: energy supply, fuel requirements and supply structures vary from country to country. This makes it all the more important to consider these developments within a broader context. The Biomass and Alternative Fuels Forum, which took place in Wrocław on 22 and 23 October, provided an excellent opportunity to do so. The 16th edition of this industry event brought together representatives from the heating, energy and industrial sectors in Poland. The Brüning Group was represented by Dorota Piernicka (Business Development Manager for Poland) and Wiktor Kudyba (Purchasing & Sales Unit Fresh Wood Biomass). Both used the forum to forge new business relationships and strengthen existing ones, as well as to exchange views on current developments and future trends.
DIALOGUE ON THE FUTURE OF ENERGY SUPPLY
The forum focused on the key challenges shaping Poland’s energy and biomass markets, including the role of biomass in district heating, fuel availability, evolving regulatory requirements, and planned investments. Discussions explored how energy suppliers can meet demand across different sectors, the balance between domestic resources and imports, and the varying fuel requirements of individual plants. These topics highlighted the importance of securing suitable raw materials while adapting to changing market conditions and specific customer needs. With its international supplier network and expertise in biomass trading, the Brüning Group can help connect producers and energy suppliers across markets, matching available biomass products with different fuel specifications and procurement requirements.
A MARKET WITH ITS OWN REQUIREMENTS
As Wiktor explains, the Polish biomass market differs from the German one in many respects. Whilst in Germany the use of biomass depends on the various configurations of power stations or combined heat and power plants, in Poland the combination of different energy sources continues to play an important role. As the market is divided into producers using biomass exclusively and those co-firing biomass, fuel requirements are varied. “The required properties depend on the technical specifications of the power station or heating plant and the customer’s requirements. A thorough understanding of these conditions is therefore essential to finding suitable solutions tailored to specific needs,” adds Dorota. Key fuels in Poland include wood chips and wood pellets. In some applications, alternative biogenic raw materials, such as sunflower husk pellets, straw pellets and PKS, are also suitable.
Trade flows vary by fuel type: whilst Poland remains an important market for the Brüning Group’s wood chip exports, imports are becoming increasingly relevant in the wood pellet segment, according to Dorota. This highlights the importance of looking at individual fuel markets rather than treating biomass as a single category. With its activities spanning different biomass products and international markets, the Brüning Group is well placed to respond to changing trade flows and evolving market needs. International cooperation within the sector is also on the rise. “Trade with international market players is now much more extensive than it was just a few years ago. This opens up new opportunities for establishing contacts and further developing business relationships,” Dorota adds.
UNDERSTANDING MARKETS, STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS
Developments in Poland demonstrate how important it is to understand the specific characteristics of individual markets. Differences in energy infrastructure, quality requirements, and procurement structures influence which raw materials are in demand and how supply relationships are shaped. Direct dialogue with market participants help put these conditions into perspective and identify opportunities for cooperation. Events such as the Biomass and Alternative Fuels Forum provide a valuable platform for this: they strengthen existing business relationships, create opportunities to make new contacts, and foster cross-border collaboration. This helps businesses gain a clearer understanding of market changes and further develop international partnerships over the long term.