Sector Study on Biomass-based Heating in the Western Balkans

Biomass is the most important heating energy source in the Western Balkans, accounting for over 40% of the energy required for heating. However, a significant share of biomass is used inefficiently because of outdated equipment and the lack of wood drying before use. Apart from the loss of 40-50% of the energy content and higher energy costs of heating due to such practices, resulting in particulate emissions significantly contribute to poor air quality in urban areas. To advance changes in existing practices and circumstances, improvements of policy and regulatory frameworks, as well as an increase in the volume of sustainable biomass supply accessible to the market and in the availability and performance of investments in efficient biomass-based heating technologies are all needed.

The WBIF-funded sector study presents a comprehensive roadmap of recommended actions in the short-term (until 2020), and medium to long-term (until 2030). Indeed, the study concludes that there are significant economic opportunities for investments in increased and more efficient use of biomass in the region, and the benefits outweigh the costs. The study was completed in October 2017 and was sponsored by the Energy Community Secretariat and implemented by the World Bank Group.