PPE3: Propellet denounces a strategic error of "all-electric"

Following the promulgation of the third Multiannual Energy Programme (PPE3), Propellet acknowledges the Government's commitment to finally clarifying its energy strategy. After months of uncertainty, setting a clear direction was essential.

But a strategy is only relevant if it is based on a balance. And on this point, the PPE3 raises a major concern: that of a shift towards an almost exclusive vision of the electrification of uses.

Reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels is essential.

Developing renewable electricity is necessary.

However, making electrification the central, or even sole, solution for heating buildings is an analytical error. The principle of an energy mix is based on the complementarity of solutions, not their standardization.

According to Éric Vial, general delegate of Propellet: “Relying almost exclusively on electrification weakens our energy system. Modern wood heating is a local, controllable, and efficient renewable energy source that relieves the electrical grid instead of overloading it.”

A strategic error for residential heating

In housing, some alternatives to all-electric are not only relevant, but sometimes superior in terms of performance and cost.

Pellet heating:

is a local renewable energy source.
does not increase peak winter electricity consumption,
relies on a resource produced in France,
strengthens the country's energy sovereignty.

To consider it marginal or secondary in national energy planning is a strategic error.

Forgetting about the territories would be a political mistake.

Wood energy supports thousands of jobs in rural areas: forest management, sawmills, production, distribution, and installation. In these regions, biomass is not a theoretical option: it is an economic, social, and energy reality. A Prime Minister from a rural area should know that locally produced energy is a driver of resilience, purchasing power, and territorial cohesion.

This was highlighted by several members of parliament, including the author of the energy law, Daniel Gremillet, and the president of the forestry and wood study group, Anne-Catherine Loisier. An amendment to the law, proposed by Louise Morel, suggested including a reference to wood pellets.

A more controlled and efficient resource

In light of recurring concerns about resource availability, it is essential to remember that wood energy, and pellets in particular, is primarily derived from by-products of the forestry and wood sector (sawdust, wood chips, sawmill by-products) and not from dedicated logging operations. Furthermore, the continuous improvement in the performance of modern appliances has significantly reduced fuel requirements: between 2000 and 2020, wood consumption for domestic heating decreased by 38%, while, during the same period, the number of households using wood for heating increased by 25%.

For a truly balanced PPE

The energy transition will not be achieved by concentrating efforts on a single technology. It will be achieved through diversification, complementarity, and recognition of all high-performing renewable energies.

Propellet calls on the Government not to transform the energy mix into a disguised "all-electric" system. French energy sovereignty also depends on developing its local resources.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.