Biomass Electricity Market Overview

The Biomass Electricity market revenue is anticipated to grow significantly from 2025 to 2035, driven by increasing demand for sustainable energy, government incentives, and advancements in biomass conversion technologies. By 2025, the Biomass Electricity market value is projected to reach around USD 133.97 Billion. Looking ahead to 2035, it is expected to expand further to about USD 224.16 Billion. This represents an annual growth rate of 6.4% over the ten-year period.

The Global Biomass Electricity Market forecast focuses on power generation from organic materials such as wood, agricultural waste, and municipal solid waste. Biomass electricity is a key component of the renewable energy sector. The Global Biomass Electricity Market trends analysis refers to the sector within the renewable energy industry that focuses on the generation of electricity using biomass feedstock—organic materials derived from plants, animals, and waste sources. Biomass electricity is produced through various processes, including direct combustion, gasification, anaerobic digestion, and pyrolysis, which convert biomass into energy, either by burning it directly or transforming it into biofuels or biogas. This market encompasses power generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity derived from biomass, catering to industrial, commercial, and residential energy needs. It is driven by government policies promoting renewable energy, carbon reduction targets, and advancements in biomass conversion technologies. Biomass electricity is often integrated with existing power infrastructure through standalone biomass plants, co-firing with coal, and decentralized off-grid solutions.

Biomass Electricity Market Drivers and Opportunities

Increasing Energy Security & Reducing Dependence on Fossil Fuels is anticipated to lift the Biomass Electricity market growth during the forecast period

Biomass electricity provides an alternative to coal, natural gas, and oil, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. Many countries aim to diversify their energy mix by incorporating biomass as a stable and dispatchable renewable source compared to intermittent sources like solar and wind. Biomass electricity contributes significantly to energy security by utilizing locally available resources such as agricultural residues, forestry waste, and municipal solid waste. This localization diminishes reliance on imported fossil fuels, fostering national energy independence and stabilizing energy supply chains. For instance, in the United Kingdom, biomass accounted for 8.6% of the energy supply in 2023, underscoring its role in diversifying the energy mix and enhancing security. Transitioning to biomass electricity addresses environmental concerns associated with fossil fuel consumption, notably greenhouse gas emissions. Biomass is considered carbon-neutral, as the CO₂ released during combustion is offset by the CO₂ absorbed during the growth of the biomass feedstock. This characteristic positions biomass as a sustainable alternative, aiding countries in meeting climate goals and reducing their carbon footprint. The European Union's Renewable Energy Directive has propelled biomass energy investments, with countries like Sweden, Germany, and the U.K. leading the way. Europe holds a significant share of the biomass electricity market, driven by stringent regulations and ambitious carbon reduction targets. In 2024, the biomass and renewable municipal waste segment accounted for approximately 79% of the total installed capacity in the bioenergy market, highlighting its dominance in the renewable energy sector.

Rising Concerns About Climate Change & Carbon Emissions is a vital driver for influencing the growth of the global Biomass Electricity market

​​​ Rising concerns about climate change and the imperative to reduce carbon emissions are significantly propelling the global biomass electricity market growth. As nations strive to meet environmental targets and transition to sustainable energy systems, biomass electricity emerges as a pivotal solution. The escalating impacts of climate change have intensified the focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In 2024, global energy demand surged by 2.2%, leading to a 0.8% increase in carbon dioxide emissions, totaling 37.8 billion metric tons. This rise underscores the urgent need for cleaner energy alternatives. Biomass electricity, generated from organic materials such as agricultural residues, forestry waste, and dedicated energy crops, offers a renewable and carbon-neutral energy source. The carbon dioxide released during biomass combustion is offset by the carbon absorbed during the growth of the biomass feedstock, resulting in a balanced carbon cycle. This characteristic positions biomass electricity as a viable alternative to fossil fuels, aiding in the reduction of overall carbon emissions. According to the IEA, modern bioenergy use is on an upward trend, with significant growth projected in the coming years. Bioenergy used for electricity generation is expected to nearly double, from generating about 700 TWh of electricity in 2023 to around 1,250 TWh in 2030. Compared to fossil fuel power plants, biomass electricity plants emit significantly lower levels of greenhouse gases. The concept of Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) further enhances the potential of biomass electricity by capturing and storing CO2 emissions, contributing to negative emissions.

Advancements in Biomass Technology is poised to create significant opportunities in the global Biomass Electricity market

​​Technological advancements in biomass electricity generation are poised to significantly create lucrative opportunity for global biomass electricity market during the forecast period. Innovations in conversion technologies, enhanced efficiency, and integration capabilities are making biomass electricity more competitive and sustainable. Modern combustion systems have improved efficiency and reduced emissions. Techniques such as fluidized bed combustion allow for better heat transfer and lower pollutant formation. ​ Gasification converts biomass into syngas (a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide), which can be used for electricity generation or as a feedstock for biofuels. This process offers higher efficiency and lower emissions compared to traditional combustion. Anaerobic Digestion technology breaks down organic matter in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas, primarily composed of methane. Biogas can be used for electricity generation, heating, or as a vehicle fuel, providing a versatile energy source from waste materials. ​ Integrating biomass with coal in existing power plants (co-firing) reduces greenhouse gas emissions and allows for a gradual transition to renewable energy without significant infrastructure changes. ​ Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems simultaneously generate electricity and useful heat from biomass, achieving efficiencies of over 80%. This dual output maximizes energy utilization and reduces overall emissions. For instance, Drax Group has transitioned its power station from coal to biomass, becoming one of the largest renewable power generators in Europe. The company has also signed agreements to supply biomass for sustainable aviation fuel production, demonstrating the versatility of biomass energy.

Biomass Electricity Market Scope

Biomass Electricity Market Report Segmentation Analysis

The Global Biomass Electricity Market analysis is segmented into by Feedstock, by Technology, by End-user and by Region.

Solid Biofuel segment is anticipated to hold the highest share of the global Biomass Electricity market during the projected timeframe.

By Feedstock, the Biomass Electricity market is segmented into Solid Biofuel, Liquid Biofuel, Biogas, and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Solid Biofuel segment dominate the global Biomass Electricity market share of around 82% among others. Solid biofuels, encompassing materials like wood pellets, agricultural residues, and forestry waste, hold a substantial share in biomass electricity generation. Resources such as agricultural residues, forestry waste, and dedicated energy crops are widely accessible. Solid biofuels offer substantial energy output per unit, making them efficient for power generation. Combustion technologies for solid biofuels are well-developed and widely implemented. ​However, biogas segment is expected to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period.  Biogas produced through anaerobic digestion of organic materials, biogas is increasingly contributing to the biomass electricity market.

The Direct Combustion segment is anticipated to hold the highest share of the market over the forecast period.

On the basis of Technology, the market is bifurcated into Direct Combustion, Gasification, Anaerobic Digestion, Pyrolysis and Co-firing. Direct Combustion currently dominates the Biomass Electricity market. Direct combustion is the most widely utilized technology in biomass electricity generation. This method involves burning biomass feedstocks such as wood, agricultural residues, and municipal solid waste to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. Its dominance is attributed to its technological maturity and simplicity. Direct Combustion is the most established biomass electricity generation method, direct combustion benefits from proven reliability and widespread implementation. ​ However, emerging technologies like gasification and anaerobic digestion are gaining traction, driven by their efficiency and integration with waste management practices. Pyrolysis and co-firing occupy niche segments, with their adoption influenced by ongoing research, economic factors, and policy support.

The Utility segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.

Based on End-user, the Biomass Electricity market is segmented into Utilities, Industrial and Commercial & Residential. Utilities represent the largest segment in the biomass electricity market. This dominance is attributed to their capacity to implement large-scale biomass electricity plants, benefiting from economies of scale and contributing significantly to national grids. Utilities operate extensive biomass electricity plants, contributing substantially to overall electricity production. Biomass electricity plants managed by utilities are often integrated into national grids, ensuring consistent energy supply.​

The following segments are part of an in-depth analysis of the global Biomass Electricity market:

Biomass Electricity Market Share Analysis by Region

Europe is projected to hold the largest share of the global Biomass Electricity market over the forecast period.

Europe leads the global biomass electricity market, accounting for approximately 40% of the biomass electricity market share in 2024. The European Union's Renewable Energy Directive mandates member states to increase the share of renewable energy, including biomass, in their energy mix. European countries have invested in advanced biomass conversion technologies, enhancing efficiency and reducing emissions. Emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions has led to increased adoption of biomass energy solutions. Germany is a leader in the European biomass electricity sector, holding approximately 18.6% of the market share. In 2023, the country's installed biomass electricity capacity reached 10.0 GW. he Climate Action Programme 2030 aims to increase the share of renewable energy to 65% by 2030, promoting biomass as a key component. ​ Germany effectively uses wood, wood waste, and biogas produced from organic matter decomposition for electricity generation. The UK is among the top European countries in biomass electricity capacity and utilization. The UK government provides subsidies and incentives to promote biomass energy, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy security.  As of February 2025, the UK has 875 MW of bioenergy projects under construction, expected to increase the country's bioenergy capacity by 20% upon completion. Sweden is a significant player in the European biomass electricity market, with substantial capacity and utilization. Sweden boasts a high share of renewable energy in its electricity consumption, with 87.5% of electricity generated from renewable sources in 2023. The country emphasizes sustainable biomass sourcing and efficient energy production methods. Denmark relies heavily on solid biomass imports for energy due to limited domestic forest biomass potential. In 2023, renewable sources accounted for 79.4% of Denmark's gross electricity consumption. However, The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to grow at a higher CAGR of the global biomass electricity market during the forecast period.

Biomass Electricity Market Competition Landscape Analysis

The global Biomass Electricity (GIT) market share is characterized by a mix of established multinational corporations and regional players, each contributing to the market's competitive dynamics. Companies are investing in research and development to enhance biomass conversion efficiencies and reduce operational costs.

Global Biomass Electricity Market Recent Developments News:

Drax Group's U.S. Expansion: In September 2024, Drax Group, a UK-based electricity producer, announced plans to invest up to $12.5 billion in the United States to construct biomass electricity plants utilizing bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology. This strategic move aims to capitalize on U.S. energy subsidies and growing demand for renewable energy.

Drax and Pathway Energy Agreement: In January 2025, Drax signed a significant supply agreement with Pathway Energy to provide over one million tonnes of biomass annually from its plants in Louisiana and Mississippi to a new facility in Texas. This collaboration focuses on producing sustainable aviation fuel, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions in the aviation sector.

Ishikari Area Biomass electricity Plant: In April 2023, Marubeni Corporation and Taisei Corporation initiated the construction of a wood-based biomass electricity plant in Ishikari City, Hokkaido, Japan. The plant, named Ishikari Area Biomass electricity Plant, is designed with a generation capacity of 9,950 kW and aims to bolster Japan's renewable energy infrastructure. ​

The Global Biomass Electricity Market is dominated by a few large companies, such as

·         Drax Group

·         Enviva

·         Vattenfall AB

·         Ørsted A/S

·         General Electric (GE)

·         Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc.

·         Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

·         Veolia

·         EnviTec Biogas AG

·         E.ON SE

·         Others