Poland is one of the leaders in producing and using solid biofuel heating devices. It is estimated that the annual domestic production capacity of RES-based equipment is 150,000 wood pellet and wood gasification boilers, 50,000 heat pumps and 100,000 space heaters (IGUOZE, 2024). Since 2017, there has been an increase in the share of boilers fueled by wood biomass, reaching more than 60% of total solid fuel boiler production in 2020 (Kubica, 2018). Introducing emission standards under the Ecodesign Directive has significantly affected the quality and efficiency of the available equipment.
Modern pellet boilers have a high energy efficiency of over 90% and A+ energy efficiency class. Key innovations include advanced control systems, automatic fuel feeding, as well as heat exchanger and burner cleaning mechanisms. These appliances enable virtually maintenance-free heating, making them significantly easier to use. In particular, the implementation of real-time combustion monitoring technology allows users to optimise the operation of the appliances, thus further reducing operating costs. All solid fuel heating appliances are subject to rigorous testing following the PN-EN 303-5 standard, which includes tests for pollutant emissions and energy efficiency. The development of appliance certification contributes to consumer confidence in those products and facilitates their export to foreign markets.
At the beginning of 2023, the biofuel boiler industry employed more than 20,000 people, mostly highly skilled professionals. Unfortunately, as the result of bad policy and the flooding of the Polish market with heat pumps from Asia, employment in the Polish RES sector has almost halved.
Polish Market of Solid Biofuels Renewable Energy EquipmentAnalysis in 2024
In 2024, the market for solid biofuel-based heating equipment recorded dynamic changes that reflect both the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition. In the first quarter of 2024, 20 542 applications were submitted under the Clean Air Programme to replace a heat source, indicating a biomass boiler as a new device (Figure 1). In the second quarter of this year, 27 317 applications were already submitted, while the third quarter saw an increase of more than 47% compared to the beginning of the year. The number of applications submitted to purchase biomass boilers ammounted to 30 252.
Undoubtedly, this increase resulted from the stabilisation of pellet prices, which have settled at a level acceptable to consumers after wild fluctuations in previous years. At the same time, additional incentives were introduced under the Clean Air Programme, which increased the interest in solid biofuels among household owners.
The highest number of applications is for the lowest level of subsidy (orange area), suggesting that many households take advantage of this form of support during the winter months. The rise in the number of applications in February indicates an increased interest in subsidies during the winter months. These applications may be caused by the urgent need to upgrade heat sources in winter. The dominance of the lowest level of subsidy in these months suggests that households submitting applications prefer this form of support, possibly due to favourable financial conditions.
Consumers increasingly opted for appliances meeting higher emission and energy efficiency standards. Pellet boilers with automatic feeders were particularly popular, becoming the sales leader due to their functionality and ease of use. Research carried out by the IGUOZE indicates that 70% of new biomass installations completed in 2024 were equipped with boilers characterised by the A+ emission class, which is in line with the EU’s carbon reduction policy.
As part of the Clean Air Programme (Polish acronym: PCzP), the Green Devices and Materials List (Polish: Lista ZUM) was launched as early as September 2019, which catalogues heating appliances and insulation materials submitted by manufacturers that meet the energy efficiency criteria of the Clean Air Programme, see: https://lista-zum.ios.edu.pl/. The list is supervised by the Institute of Environmental Protection – National Research Institute (Polish acronym: IOŚ-PIB). The list constituted a database of heating devices submitted by domestic manufacturers that met the energy efficiency criteria and the emission criteria set out in the PCzP regulations. In the case of boilers, specific test certificates from laboratories accredited by the Polish Centre for Accreditation (Polish acronym: PCA) or an EU-accredited laboratory were required for submission. This catalogue provided assistance to PCzP applicants but was not mandatory. It is worth noting that, from April 2024, it was made compulsory to choose equipment only from the Green Devices and Materials List (ZUM), thus significantly affecting the quality of the products offered. This list, developed in collaboration with leading scientific institutions, includes appliances tested for energy efficiency, durability and minimised emissions. As a result, consumers have gained greater confidence in the quality of the devices they choose, which in turn has increased their trust in domestic manufacturers.
Undoubtedly, the choice of heat source is also influenced by the operating cost of the heating device. The end of the year is a good time to evaluate, so it is also worth examining these calculations. It is worth using commonly available calculators to familiarise yourself with the annual heating costs, depending on the type of heat source and the type of building (construction standards in which the house was built). The most popular calculator over the years has been the one developed by the Industry Alliance for Energy Efficiency POBE (Polish: Porozumienie Branżowe Na Rzecz Efektywności Energetycznej POBE). What is essential when using the available tools is that fuel prices need to be updated to actual and current values. Figure 3 shows the annual heating cost of an existing single-family building with a heated area of 100 m² and complying with the WT 2017 standard, together with the cost of domestic hot water for a family of four. It shows that the cost of heating with a pellet boiler in the case of a building complying with the WT 2017 standard is 3 520 PLN (efficiency of the heating device 87%) while using a heat source in the form of a chunkwood boiler, the heating cost is 3 360 PLN, assuming the device efficiency of 83%. The most popular type of heat pump in Poland, i.e. the air-to-water type, came only 7th in the ranking, with an annual heating cost of 4,150 PLN. The distant position of gas heating and the significant cost of heating with this heat source, amounting to 5 340 PLN, is also surprising.
Export opportunities for Polish heating devices
Polish solid biofuel heating devices are gaining popularity in European markets thanks to their quality and competitive price. According to the latest data, the value of biomass boiler exports from Poland in 2024 was approximately PLN 1.2 billion, an increase of 18% compared to the year before. The main customers for Polish equipment remain Scandinavian countries, Germany and France, which account for more than 60% of the total exports.
A key strength of Polish manufacturers is their ability to adapt to regulatory requirements in various EU countries. Poland is currently one of the largest exporters of pellet boilers in Central and Eastern Europe. Particularly popular are premium-class devices, meeting the most stringent emission standards, which are highly regarded in Western European markets. In addition, the development of certifications, such as the CE marking and EN 303-5 standard compliance tests, is helping to build trust among international partners.
The export of heating equipment is also supported by the dynamic development of the logistics industry and Poland’s favourable geographical location, which enables products to be transported quickly to key markets. Forecasts indicate that by 2026, the value of exports may increase by up to an additional 25%, placing Poland among the leaders of the European market for biomass equipment.
It is worth noting that Polish manufacturers are increasingly investing in research and development to create innovative equipment that meets the needs of modern consumers. Smart control technologies and integration with RES systems, such as photovoltaic installations, significantly increase the export attractiveness of Polish products. Rising exports of Polish heating equipment can strengthen the country’s position on the map of the European energy transition.
Recommendations and conclusion of Polish market of RES
The Polish market for RES devices based on solid biofuels is growing dynamically due to the growing interest in low-carbon technologies and support from government programmes such as the ‘Clean Air Programme’. Solid biofuels, such as pellets, briquettes and chunkwood, are a key element of the energy transition, in line with the European Union’s carbon reduction policy. Poland plays an important role in producing and exporting solid biofuel boilers, offering high-quality equipment that is popular both in domestic and foreign markets. Innovative technologies, such as automatic fuel feeders or advanced control systems, increase the energy efficiency of these devices, thus contributing to their success.
In 2024, the number of applications for subsidies for biomass boilers increased, especially during the winter and spring periods, suggesting a strong seasonal demand for this type of technology. The introduction of an obligatory selection of devices from the Green Devices and Materials List (ZUM) has further increased the quality of the products on offer. This, in turn, increased consumer confidence. As the industry develops and pellet prices become more stable, the market has the potential for further growth, including in the export field, where Polish devices are gaining recognition.
In order to support further development of the RES market for solid biofuels in Poland, the following actions will be crucial:
- Continuation of financial support: It is essential to maintain stable and predictable subsidies under programmes such as the ‘Clean Air Programme’. Such programmes not only stimulate demand for RES technologies but also enable consumers to benefit from modern and more environmentally friendly heating solutions. Financial support should be dedicated to both households and the industrial sector, promoting the broader use of solid biofuels.
- Consumer education: Increased awareness of the benefits of low-carbon technologies can accelerate their use. It is necessary to intensify educational activities to explain the advantages and savings associated with solid biofuel devices and their positive environmental impact.
- Investment in research and development: Polish manufacturers should continue investing in innovative technologies, such as integrating RES systems, e.g. with photovoltaic installations, as well as intelligent control systems for heating devices. Such solutions increase competitiveness in international markets and attract more demanding customers.
- Export promotion: Poland is already one of the export leaders when it comes to biomass heating equipment in Central and Eastern Europe. Supporting activities related to certification, adaptation to the requirements of various markets and promotion of devices at international fairs can contribute to further export growth. Additionally, increased cooperation with international partners and participation in research and development projects will be crucial.
- Balanced regulatory policy: A predictable and stable regulatory framework that supports the development of the market for solid biofuel appliances is needed. Policies should take into account the need to comply with EU energy efficiency and emission reduction requirements while also protecting the interests of domestic producers.
Implementing these recommendations will allow further development of the Polish RES sector, thus contributing to sustainable economic growth, increased exports, and improved air quality and climate protection.
Author: Dr. Marta Jach-Nocoń has been working for 20 years on renewable energy sources, combustion processes in low-power boilers and the quality of solid biofuels. It was in this field that she earned her doctorate in sciences. During her career, she has supervised and controlled the work of the Laboratory for Actual Combustion of Solid Fuels. As part of numerous projects, she conducted analyses and tests aimed at optimizing combustion processes and improving the energy efficiency of heating equipment using renewable energy sources.
Her hands-on approach to science has allowed her to successfully combine theory and practice. Through scientific publications in the heating industry, she has contributed to the introduction of innovative RES products to the European market.
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