In the Czech Republic will be commissioned eight new pellet mills by the end of this year. The total production capacity of the projects will be more than 100 thousand tons.
The largest of the plants, which belongs to the forestry company Stora Enso, is located in Adrec nad Doubravou. The production capacity of the facility will be about 55 thousand tons of pellets.
As a result of new pellet supply on the Czech pellet market it is seen growth in demand on pellets as a fuel for heating private houses. In particular, in recent years the number of installed automatic pellet boilers has increased significantly. As of 2013, there were installed around 15 thousand pellet boilers. Every year this number increases by 2000, however, it is not so much in comparison with Austria, where the rate is five times higher.
The Czech Republic mainly produces ENPlus-A1 premium wood pellets. As the Czech pellet production exceeds the domestic demand, two thirds of the total amount of granules are exported abroad. In 2013, the Czech pellet production amounted to around 170 thousand tons, of which 120 thousand tons were exported mainly to Italy, Germany and Austria.
Czech pellets and boilers meet all necessary standards and requirements. In particular, ENPlus-A1 premium pellets, which have a high calorific value (16.5 MJ/kg) are recommended to be used for heating private houses. These pellets are also called "white granules", as they are made of clean sawdust and other raw chemical residues from the wood processing industry. The ash and moisture content in the granules is low.
As can be seen, wood pellet production capacity has been rising significantly in the Czech Republic. By the end of 2014 it is going to put into operation eight new pellet mills. In turn, the demand for solid pellet boilers has been increasing as well. Thus, in 2013 the number of installed pellet boilers reached 17 thousand pieces, what is 2000 pieces more than in 2012.
Author: Ivan Prokhorov
