The Solid Biomass Energy Association (EBS) was established by the main industrial producers of electricity from solid biomass in 2016. It includes 15 operators (Associates) with 17 plants located throughout the country and 5 thousand direct and indirect employees. The overall installed capacity, of over 270 MWe, generates an annual electricity production of over 1700 GWh, using solid biomass almost entirely produced in Italy. The EBS Association is the strongest and most representative voice in the sector and works with the aim of protecting the production of electricity from solid biomass. The Association’s objective is to build a culture around the theme of solid biomass and contribute to the construction of a clear regulatory framework, with safe and long-lasting rules capable of allowing the development of the sector, the only one capable of providing continuity to electricity production among renewable sources.
| Participating operators | 15 |
| Number of plants in operation | 17 |
| Total electrical power installed | 270 MWe |
| Annual electricity production | Beyond 1700 GWh |
| Woody biomass used | 2 million tons/year |
| Percentage of Italian biomass used | 90% |
| Induced (both direct and indirect) | Beyond 5000 employees |
| EBS production out of total electricity production from biomass | Beyond 40% |
MISSION
The Association was born on the initiative of the principal actors in the management of solid biomass powerplants, mainly powered using by-products from the logging and agro-food sectors. Its objective is to promote and preserve the industry while ensuring both direct and indirect benefits for the overall Italian economic system. Such a result can be achieved only through the development of a reliable regulatory framework that recognizes the value of biomass in the national energy mix.
The Association aims to draw the attention of both institutions and stakeholders highlighting the systemic risks that may arise from the inevitable crisis of the sector in case of reform’s actions and adequate rebalancing of energy’s incentives will not materialize.
The sector is a fundamental part of the sources of renewable energy. Moreover, it has a significant impact on employment, providing occupation to almost 5.000 workers both in the production and in the supply of biomass, especially in geographic areas with low employment rates. Energy production from solid biomass has important environmental benefits regarding CO2 emissions. Indeed, it may be a valuable substitute for fossil fuels in ensuring the stability and continuity of the electricity distribution network. Thanks to these plants, it is possible to manage residual biomass, otherwise destined for disposal in landfills or for unsuitable combustion practices, and to support the logging industry key for proper management of the forest resources. The plants also generate tax revenues and positive spillovers for the hosting communities, often in rural areas.
The solid biomass sector plays an important role also in the agricultural industry. Thanks to the recovery of the annual pruning’s by-products (such as those from fruit trees) and the use of the by-products of agri-food processing, it creates an additional source of income for the agricultural sector.
Italian technologies in this field are among the most advanced. This context favored the creation of specialized skills in design, construction, maintenance, and management of plants, as well as in technology’s development and components’ production.
Contacts
Registered office:
Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina, 4 – 00186 Roma
Contact us for any information:
+393755178483
segreteria@biomasseenergia.eu
Media relations: Diesis Group +390262693.1 +393491992802 ebs@diesis.it
Postal address: Via Gastone Giacomini, 4 – 00144 Roma