The wood heating market - France

Wood can be referred to as " wood-energy" to describe the energy recovery of forestry by-products (branches, small wood, etc.) and industrial by-products (bark, sawdust, shavings, etc.). France is Europe's leading consumer of wood for energy purposes, and produces more wood than it consumes. Domestic wood heating is a sector in which French players have a strong presence, both in appliance construction and in equipment. In France, most of the market is residential, and sales of wood heating systems are largely driven by stoves, followed by closed hearths and inserts. The use of collective wood heating is still very marginal compared with individual heating, but there is great potential and a significant resource. Local authorities can install wood-fired boilers when renovating or constructing new buildings (schools, collective housing, hospitals, health establishments, sports complexes, etc.). A heating network between neighboring buildings can also be envisaged to optimize energy use, pool investment and simplify management of existing boiler plants. The network operator then sells the heat to each connected user. Many professionals also use firewood, in its traditional or compacted form, to heat their premises or businesses. Market players include manufacturers of independent appliances (closed hearths/inserts, wood-burning stoves, cookers, etc.), boilers and heaters.manufacturers of domestic boilers (manual or automated), manufacturers of flue systems, and manufacturers of wood fuels. In2022, as electricity and hydrocarbon prices rise, wood heating will become an alternative to traditional heating systems (electricity and gas).