Wood chips for private use became more expensive in the first quarter of 2025, whereas industrial wood chips became cheaper.
 

In Q1 2025, wood chips of quality classes A1 and A2 are became significantly more expensive. Quality class B, on the other hand, is significantly cheaper than at the end of 2024.

The price for wood chips (quality class A2) is according to the German Pelletinstitut (DEPI) in Q1 2025 increased by 12.9% compared to the previous quarter. The average price is now 32.00€/Srm net or 32.00€/Srm for a decrease of 80 bulk volume meters (Srm). 3,56 ct/kWh.

Short sawdust
A rise of 11.1%. Nevertheless, the climate-friendly fuel remains significantly cheaper than fossil alternatives: Compared to heating oil, the price advantage is around 54%, compared to natural gas even 66%.

The reason for the price increase is the availability of sawdust wood at the beginning of the year. Since many sawmills reduced cutting in January, less residual wood was produced, which was responsible for the price increase," explains Martin Bentele, Managing Director of DEPI. In the meantime, cutting activity has been strengthened again, so that the market situation is relaxed.

Industrial chips cheaper
Despite the recent price increase, wood chips remain one of the most economically attractive heating options and the cheapest wood fuel. Despite seasonal fluctuations, wood chip heating offers long-term price stability and cost security, especially in comparison to fossil fuels," Bentele continues.


On the other hand, the price for wood chips of quality B, i.e. industrial pellets, has fallen. It dropped by 23% to 17.19 ct/Srm and is thus close to the value of Q3 2024 (16.37 ct/Srm) declined. One possible explanation is that less energy was needed in industrial plants again.


Source: forstpraxis.de