While these results are encouraging for the sustainability and growth of the sector, they are nonetheless not very representative of its development potential. Indeed, the first quarter of 2020, before the crisis, announced exponential growth for biomass boilers with + 53% growth compared to the same period in 2019. This trend was confirmed during the second quarter, which despite the start of the crisis, recorded a growth of 16% compared to the year before. The 3rd and 4th quarters were more severely affected by the slowdown in construction sites and orders with declines of -20% and -17% respectively.
Regarding equipment, if log and wafer boilers are on the decline, pellet boilers are playing their game. They represented 2020% of sales in 84 against 81% in 2019.
Focus on equipment: The pellet on the rise, the log on the decline
The year 2020 is marked by a great trend: The pellet boiler is experiencing a real craze with more than 13.500 devices installed, an increase of 4% compared to 2019. A success which can be explained by its modernity and its simplicity. 'use.
On the other hand, log boilers experienced a marked decline in 2020 with a drop of 18%. The SFCB recalls that log boilers all have their place in the French energy mix. Indeed, the log is accessible to all in terms of price. It is also a fuel available locally for the inhabitants of French rural regions. The log thus contributes to the balance of the biomass sector and its sustainability by meeting specific heating needs. In order to support the log industry, the SFCB calls for increased aid for the replacement of inefficient log boilers with new, more economical and cleaner equipment.
For their part, wafer boilers, more intended for public utilities, experienced a slight decrease in line with the electoral calendar and the municipal elections of 2020, jostled by the health context thus slowing down the establishment of municipal teams and therefore decisions. on heating projects.