Biomass as a key to decarbonizing district heating in Central Europe

Biomass is currently one of the most promising fuels for the district heating and industrial sectors as they gradually move away from coal. EP Resources sees this trend as an opportunity to offer its customers a stableand cost-effective alternative over the long term.

In Central Europe, EP Resources is one of the leading players in the biomass market. “We estimate that we are even the market leader in the Czech Republic. However, biomass is still traded mainly through bilateral agreements here, unlike other commodities. This creates opportunities for stronger and more flexible partners like us,” says Rostislav Krempaský, Head of Biomass Segment at EP Resources.

In-house production and reliable logistics

One of EP Resources’ main competitive advantages is its combination of in-house biomass production and a well-established logistics network. This enables the company to offer clients reliable supplies of various types of sustainable fuel at predictable prices, including over the long term. This capability is essential for customers who need to forecast costs in order to achieve a return on their investments.

Biomass supplied by EP Resources is delivered to a wide range of facilities, from smaller municipal heating plants to large industrial companies with annual consumption of hundreds of thousands of tonnes. The flexibility of supplies, tailored to each customer’s operating profile, is a key advantage. “Along with biomass itself, we can also help customers with ash collection or fuel mix optimisation by combining local and imported feedstocks,” adds Rostislav Krempaský.

Trust is key

According to the company’s estimates, around 3 million tonnes of biomass are consumed annually for heat and power generation in the Czech energy sector, 7.5 million tonnes in Poland and 1 million tonnes in Slovakia. Although some investors are currently held back by uncertainty over the future support available to the sector andthe resulting returns on investment, demand for biomass is growing.

“Many customers have been concerned by the lack of a stable and transparent market. We can now guarantee supplies at a scale that enables investors to pass their internal approval processes and make informed decisions. For many of them, biomass is becoming an economically and environmentally viable alternative to gas,” Krempaský concludes.

About EP Resources and its role in biomass trading

EP Resources is a key trader of energy commodities in Europe, particularly biomass, coal and other fuels. In the biomass sector, it offers comprehensive solutions covering everything from production and logistics to long-term supplies.

With its own production facilities in Central Europe and a carefully developed network of partners, the company is exceptionally well placed to respond flexibly to customer needs. Its major customers include European utilities, district heating operators and industrial companies.

EP Resources guarantees not only volume and quality, but also price stability. It can combine local and imported feedstocks, optimise fuel composition to meet current operational needs and arrange the collection of surplus material. Backed by strong financial resources, it is a reliable partner for anyone seeking a long-term and sustainable solution for their energy needs. EP Resources also offers ancillary services related to biomass supply, including acceptance, storage and the handling of related products.