The French entities of the BIO4RES project will participate in 2024 in initiatives, fairs, meetings and conferences, highlighting their commitment to sustainable forest management and the development of short energy circuits
The forest biomass energy sector has been at the centre of the agenda in various activities held in 2024, including participation in fairs and strategic meetings ranging from the inauguration of new infrastructures to the debate on the prioritisation of wood energy uses.
In March, a meeting in the Ariège Regional Natural Park (PNR Ariégeoises) provided the backdrop for the presentation of the heat sales service based on forest biomass. This model, which includes long-term contracts for the sale of renewable energy, aims to offer stability in energy costs and to replicate the value chain in other rural territories, guaranteeing the optimal use of available resources.
The commitment to the development of this sector was reaffirmed in June in Loures Barousse (Hautes-Pyrénées), during the ‘Les forestières des Pyrénées’ trade fair. An innovative boiler house was inaugurated at this event, highlighting the technical and financial organisation required to ensure the continuous supply of thermal energy to public buildings, schools and health centres. The figures presented, in terms of energy production and wood processing, reflected the solidity of the project and its positive impact on the local economy.
In September, during the ‘Les Pyrénéennes’ fair in Villeneuve de Rivière (Haute Garonne), BIO4RES project experts such as Irène Senaffe, Damien Carminati, Kévin Lopes and Jean-Michel Noisette presented a joint stand of Estera and UGS, showing how the use of biomass in short circuits can strengthen the energy autonomy of rural territories. The reduction of dependence on fossil fuels, the valorisation of local resources and the importance of sustainable forest management to minimise emissions and promote the circular economy were highlighted.
In October, a colloquium in Toulouse organised by the Comité Interprofessionnel du Bois énergie discussed the need to establish a hierarchy in the use of wood to ensure that limited forest production is used as efficiently and equitably as possible. Exchanges between professionals and policy makers highlighted the importance of defining priorities that balance energy efficiency, environmental impact and social value.
The commitment to sustainability and efficiency was also present in November, during a meeting of forest community leaders in Bagnères de Luchon. There, the benefits of the use of biomass in short circuits were discussed, highlighting the importance of sustainable management, the reduction of CO₂ emissions and the generation of local employment, aspects that strengthen the resilience of the territories.
All these activities developed during 2024 reflect a comprehensive vision that combines innovation, sustainability and collaboration between different actors, consolidating itself as a strategic commitment for the rural territories of the Pyrenees to move towards real energy autonomy that respects the environment.
