One in Four Italian Households Use Biomass Heating, Survey Finds

Biomass Heating

Italy: A January 2026 survey conducted by Nomisma for Progetto Fuoco reveals that about 1 in 4 Italian households now use woody biomass heating systems in their first and/or second homes, confirming the technology’s established presence in the domestic energy landscape. Conducted on a representative sample of 800 respondents, the study highlights strong awareness levels, with more than half of households familiar with biomass heating and over 4 in 10 reporting in-depth knowledge. Adoption is particularly concentrated in small municipalities (37%), rural areas (40%), Southern Italy (30%), and detached homes. Biomass systems are perceived as warmer, more sustainable, convenient and higher performing compared to gas, especially among existing users. Fireplaces and fireplace boilers account for 49% of installations, followed by stoves and boiler stoves (45%), while biomass boilers represent 6%. However, more than half of the installed systems are over 10 years old, indicating significant replacement potential. Public incentives such as Ecobonus, Thermal Account and Home Bonus are considered key adoption drivers, although awareness is limited to just over one-third of Italians.

The broader wood-energy supply chain in Italy comprises over 14,000 companies, generating more than in turnover EUR 4 billion (USD 4.36 billion) and employing more than 72,000 people, with Italian manufacturers representing over 70% of the European market. In a context of economic and geopolitical uncertainty and rising energy costs identified as a concern by about 1 in 4 households biomass heating is gaining appeal, with more than 50% of families considering installation in a new home scenario. Among current users, over 70% would choose biomass again, supported by higher overall satisfaction levels (49%) compared to users of other systems (45%), driven mainly by thermal comfort and consumption control. The findings signal positive market prospects ahead of Progetto Fuoco, the biomass heating trade fare organized by Veronafiere, scheduled from 25 to 28 February at the Verona exhibition center.

Source: Impianti News