Pelletsen

Pelletsen is a class of compacted biomass pellets used primarily for energy production and, in some cases, agricultural applications. The pellets are cylindrical, typically 6–8 mm in diameter and 8–25 mm long, formed by compressing dried biomass with little or no binder.

Feedstocks for Pelletsen include wood residues, agricultural byproducts, and dedicated energy crops. Production involves drying the feedstock to a moisture content of roughly 6–12%, grinding to a uniform size, pelletizing through a die, followed by cooling and packaging. The resulting material has an energy content commonly around 16–19 MJ/kg and a bulk density near 600–700 kg/m3.

Standards and quality control for Pelletsen are established by national and international schemes, such as ENplus and DINplus, which specify parameters for moisture, ash content, durability, and calorific value, as well as handling and labeling requirements.

Applications extend from domestic to industrial use. In heating and power generation, Pelletsen supply residential pellet stoves and boilers and can feed biomass-fired industrial plants. In some markets, they are also used as a substrate or amendment in horticulture, where slow degradation contributes to soil conditioning.

Environmental and economic considerations accompany Pelletsen production and use. When harvested and processed from sustainably managed sources, they can reduce net greenhouse gas emissions relative to fossil fuels and support rural economies. Prices and supply are influenced by feedstock availability, logistics, and energy and policy incentives.

History and adoption of Pelletsen evolved significantly in the early 2000s, with broad international uptake in the following decade as part of wider biomass and renewable-energy strategies.