The usage of pellets in Spain
Spain pellets users feel very convenient with pellets prices as they are lower than the prices for other fuels. The price makes 140-180 € per ton, which is lower than average price at UE25 and much lower than UE15. Plus the cost of heat generated by pellets will be half lower than the cost of oil and gas heat and five times less that the expenses for electricity used for heating in 2006. The manufacturing volume of pellets in Spain made about 25000 tons per year in 2005 which could provide the fuel to 600-800 boilers with 200KW capacity each. At the same time country consumed 5% of pellets less than produced, which provided country with the possibility to export pellets to Portugal, Ireland, United Kingdom, Italy, Central European countries. Spain also has boilers with the capacity up to 350 kW, but these boilers efficiency and auxiliary systems needs to be improved.
Industry professionals forecast boilers market development and distribution within following years. The country can purchase pellet boilers at Austria, but their capacity is limited by 150 kW power. Spain plans to do the following in frames of pellets market improvement project: Create favorable conditions for companies, involved at pellet equipment development, which will enable them to take up boilers installation and distribution with quality assurance control. This project will provide the promotion for Energy Services Companies ESCOs, being necessary due to the fact that such companies supply complete manufacturing system, consisting of operation and maintenance and provide the financing. Create business contracts which will provide the possibility to obtain boilers with principal European producers (currently Austria, Finland….) Create the contacts with pellets manufacturers for obtaining the up- to-date information about pellets availability and planned prices, with further provision of such information to pellets end- users. Create the conditions for technology and training exchange with other countries (e.g. by boilers manufacturers) Create interaction between key actors which will prompt pellet production increase in Northern Spain.
Industry experts think that before new business integration its’ sustainability specifically for Spain should be learnt. Spanish Pellets Cluster is making the first steps for new pellet plant examination. The project authors consider that Spanish Government support is necessary for the installation of the first equipment i.e. pellets heating systems. Such units should be displayed for potential pellets end- users for growth their confidence about pellets and getting acquainted with the information about new market Such project is the key one for pellet heating systems advertisement as it familiarizes end users with detailed information about this sector, which had not been widely known before.
