It is panic about the pellet rush. The cost has almost doubled and the reserves are almost gone. What is the cause of this situation?
The pellet stove, in the last period, it has become an excellent alternative, in economic terms, to gas and the fireplace. But will it still be like this for next year?
In the last weeks il price of pellets has risen considerably and stocks are about to run out. For this reason, those who find this system as the only heating system must pay close attention and must run for cover as soon as possible.
The causes of the rise are many. First of all, theincreased demand and then the availability of wood with which the pellet is produced. Most of the wood, in fact, comes imported from abroad and, therefore, was hit by the crisis that affected all sources of energy. One of the main exporters of timber was Russia, and therefore, as a result of the conflict in Ukraine, prices have skyrocketed. Finally, to cope with the energy emergency, many companies have bought a greater quantity of pellets than in previous years, hindering the sale for domestic use.
Pellet: what is it and how much does it cost?
The pellet is a fuel obtained from wood and, in most cases, from processing waste. Despite the increase in its use in our country, Italy does not produce it but limits itself to importing it.
“The market is therefore exposed to the uncertainties and dynamics of international markets, which are the basis of current market conditions, characterized by price increases and uncertainties about supplies.“, Declared theItalian Association of Agroforestry Energies (AIEL).
To understand the extent of the pellet crisis and the dizzying increases in its price, just think that, in 2021, the online cost, referring to a 15 kg package, was about 3-5 euros per bag. Currently, however, it is practically impossible to find it online and the few remaining suppliers resell it at a price that goes from 8 to 16 euros packed; therefore, around 1 euro for every kilo of pellets.
You might be interested: “Here comes the Bonus Pellet or wood stoves, here’s how to ask for up to 100% coverage of the shopping“.
How to try to put a stop to the energy crisis?
According to forecasts, the next will probably be a very cold winter and, unfortunately, there will be a shortage of resources for heating. Experts, therefore, are working to avoid a real energy and economic crisis.
The rise in prices cannot be stopped by adopting a single solution, because the issue is much more complex than it seems. A first step forward, according to theItalian Agroforestry Energy Association (AIEL), could consist ofincrease in the Italian production of pellets. In fact, in our country, we do not fully benefit from the properties of wood.
Instead, it would be appropriate investing in enterprises and forest industries to build pellet production plants. Italy, in fact, uses too little of its 10 million hectares of forests, using only 24% of the quantity of wood produced each year. According to experts, however, the use of this raw material could benefit both the maintenance of wooded areas and the processing of resources destined for heating.
Despite the numerous advantages deriving from the increase in pellet production, it should be noted that this operation continues to be very expensive under the energy aspect. Therefore, many doubts remain, relating above all to the real convenience of investing in this sector and to the ability of Italian companies. Indeed, one wonders if industries can bear the energy costs for production, without these costs affecting the material. It is therefore necessary to increase production, avoiding the increase in the price per kilo of pellets for individuals.
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