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.