Biomass Power Generation Market
By Feedstock;
Agriculture Waste, Forest Waste, Animal Waste and Municipal WasteBy Technology;
Combustion, Gasification, Anaerobic Digestion and PyrolysisBy Fuel;
Solid Fuel, Liquid Fuel and Gaseous FuelBy Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)Biomass Power Generation Market Overview
Biomass Power Generation Market (USD Million)
Biomass Power Generation Market was valued at USD 56,543.10 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 86,149.19 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.2%.
Biomass Power Generation Market
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 6.2 %
Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
---|---|
Base Year | 2024 |
CAGR (%) | 6.2 % |
Market Size (2024) | USD 56,543.10 Million |
Market Size (2031) | USD 86,149.19 Million |
Market Concentration | Medium |
Report Pages | 321 |
Major Players
- Acciona SA
- Ameresco Inc.
- Andritz AG
- E.ON SE
- General Electric Co.
- John Wood Group Plc
- Thermax Ltd.
- Valmet Oyj
- Vattenfall AB
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Biomass Power Generation Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
The Biomass Power Generation Market is experiencing strong momentum as industries move toward renewable energy solutions. With over 30% of energy projects now integrating biomass, the sector demonstrates its increasing role in replacing conventional sources. This surge is driven by the ability of biomass to provide reliable baseload power while ensuring reduced carbon emissions.
Adoption Driven by Sustainability
Growing emphasis on clean energy and resource efficiency has led to nearly 40% adoption of biomass-based systems in large-scale energy facilities. Biomass is being recognized as a critical contributor to reducing dependence on fossil fuels, offering an eco-friendly option with consistent output. This trend highlights the strong market inclination toward sustainable alternatives.
Technological Innovations Boosting Efficiency
Advancements in gasification, co-firing, and direct combustion technologies have significantly improved the efficiency of biomass plants. Around 45% of new installations now rely on upgraded systems to maximize energy yield. These innovations not only enhance performance but also lower operational costs, making biomass power more competitive in the energy mix.
Future Growth Potential
With increasing investments in renewable infrastructure, more than 50% of upcoming projects are projected to include biomass as a primary energy source. The market’s potential lies in its capacity to convert diverse organic waste streams into valuable energy. This ensures a circular economy model, positioning biomass as a vital pillar in the global transition toward renewable power.
Biomass Power Generation Market Recent Developments
-
In January 2023, Japan's largest biomass power plant became operational, running primarily on wood pellets and palm kernel shells
-
In April 2022, the World Bank announced funding to support biomass power generation projects in sub-Saharan Africa
Segment Analysis
The Global Biomass Power Generation Market exhibits a multifaceted landscape characterized by diverse feedstock types and technology applications across various geographical regions. Solid biomass, including wood, agricultural residues, and forest residues, remains a dominant feedstock for biomass power generation globally. This is particularly evident in regions like Europe and North America, where well-established biomass supply chains support a significant portion of electricity generation through combustion and gasification technologies. Advancements in biomass gasification and pyrolysis technologies are driving the utilization of municipal solid waste and liquid biomass as alternative feedstocks, offering enhanced efficiency and environmental benefits in regions with abundant waste resources, such as Asia Pacific and Latin America.
Solid fuels, such as coal, wood, peat, and biomass, have been widely used for centuries as primary energy sources. These fuels are typically derived from natural organic materials and require combustion to release energy. They offer advantages such as easy storage, cost-effectiveness, and availability in many regions. However, they also have drawbacks, including high emissions of pollutants like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. Additionally, their combustion efficiency tends to be lower than that of liquid or gaseous fuels, leading to increased waste production and environmental concerns. Despite these limitations, solid fuels remain vital for power generation and heating in many parts of the world.
Liquid fuels, including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and heavy fuel oils, are derived mainly from crude oil through refining processes. They are widely used in transportation, industrial applications, and power generation due to their high energy density and ease of transport and storage. Liquid fuels burn more efficiently than solid fuels, producing relatively lower levels of particulate emissions. However, they still contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution. The reliance on petroleum-based liquid fuels also raises concerns regarding resource depletion and price volatility. In response, biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel have been introduced as alternatives to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and lower carbon footprints.
Gaseous fuels, including natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), hydrogen, and biogas, are regarded as the cleanest among conventional fuel types. They offer high combustion efficiency, producing fewer pollutants compared to solid and liquid fuels. Natural gas, which consists primarily of methane, is widely used for electricity generation, heating, and industrial applications. It burns with minimal particulate emissions and relatively lower carbon dioxide output. Hydrogen fuel, although still in its early adoption phase, is considered a promising future alternative due to its zero-emission potential when used in fuel cells. However, challenges related to transportation, storage, and production costs remain significant obstacles to widespread adoption. While gaseous fuels present environmental advantages, concerns over methane leaks, safety issues, and infrastructure development must be addressed to maximize their potential as sustainable energy sources.
Technological diversity further enriches the global biomass power generation market, with combustion, gasification, anaerobic digestion, and pyrolysis representing key technology pathways. While combustion remains prevalent, especially in regions with mature biomass industries like Europe, gasification is gaining traction due to its versatility in handling various feedstocks and producing cleaner syngas for power generation. Anaerobic digestion is prominently utilized for biogas production from organic waste streams, particularly in regions like North America and Asia Pacific, where waste management and renewable energy initiatives are robust. Pyrolysis technology offers potential for converting biomass into valuable bio-oil and syngas, contributing to the market's growth in regions seeking innovative and sustainable energy solutions, such as the Middle East and Africa.
Global Biomass Power Generation Segment Analysis
In this report, the Global Biomass Power Generation Market has been segmented by Feedstock,Fuel, Technology and Geography.
Global Biomass Power Generation Market, By Feedstock
The Global Biomass Power Generation Market has been segmented by Feedstock into Solid biomass, Biogas, Municipal solid waste and Liquid biomass.
Solid biomass, derived from organic materials such as wood, agricultural residues, and dedicated energy crops, constitutes a significant portion of the biomass power generation market. Its widespread availability and relatively low cost make it a popular choice for biomass power plants worldwide. Biogas, produced through anaerobic digestion of organic materials such as agricultural waste, food waste, and sewage sludge, is another key feedstock for biomass power generation. With increasing focus on waste management and renewable energy, biogas has emerged as a valuable resource for producing electricity and heat.
Municipal solid waste (MSW) represents another important feedstock for biomass power generation, comprising household and commercial waste streams. Through processes like incineration and gasification, MSW can be converted into energy, reducing landfill volumes and contributing to sustainable waste management practices. Liquid biomass, including biofuels like biodiesel and ethanol, offers potential for biomass power generation, particularly in regions with significant agricultural activity. By utilizing various feedstocks, the global biomass power generation market diversifies its energy sources, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure.
Global Biomass Power Generation Market, By Fuel
The Global Biomass Power Generation Market has been segmented by Fuel into Solid Fuel, Liquid Fuel, and Gaseous Fuel
Solid fuels, such as coal, wood, peat, and biomass, have been widely used for centuries as primary energy sources. These fuels are typically derived from natural organic materials and require combustion to release energy. They offer advantages such as easy storage, cost-effectiveness, and availability in many regions. However, they also have drawbacks, including high emissions of pollutants like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. Additionally, their combustion efficiency tends to be lower than that of liquid or gaseous fuels, leading to increased waste production and environmental concerns. Despite these limitations, solid fuels remain vital for power generation and heating in many parts of the world.
Liquid fuels, including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and heavy fuel oils, are derived mainly from crude oil through refining processes. They are widely used in transportation, industrial applications, and power generation due to their high energy density and ease of transport and storage. Liquid fuels burn more efficiently than solid fuels, producing relatively lower levels of particulate emissions. However, they still contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution. The reliance on petroleum-based liquid fuels also raises concerns regarding resource depletion and price volatility. In response, biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel have been introduced as alternatives to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and lower carbon footprints.
Gaseous fuels, including natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), hydrogen, and biogas, are regarded as the cleanest among conventional fuel types. They offer high combustion efficiency, producing fewer pollutants compared to solid and liquid fuels. Natural gas, which consists primarily of methane, is widely used for electricity generation, heating, and industrial applications. It burns with minimal particulate emissions and relatively lower carbon dioxide output. Hydrogen fuel, although still in its early adoption phase, is considered a promising future alternative due to its zero-emission potential when used in fuel cells. However, challenges related to transportation, storage, and production costs remain significant obstacles to widespread adoption. While gaseous fuels present environmental advantages, concerns over methane leaks, safety issues, and infrastructure development must be addressed to maximize their potential as sustainable energy sources.
Global Biomass Power Generation Market, By Technology
The Global Biomass Power Generation Market has been segmented by Technology into Combustion, Gasification, Anaerobic Digestion, and Pyrolysis.
Combustion technology involves burning biomass directly to produce heat, which is then converted into electricity through steam turbines or generators. This traditional method remains widely used due to its simplicity and reliability, particularly in large-scale biomass power plants. Gasification, on the other hand, involves heating biomass at high temperatures in a low-oxygen environment to produce syngas, which is then used to generate electricity through combustion or chemical processes. Gasification offers higher efficiency and lower emissions compared to combustion, making it an attractive option for biomass power generation, especially in smaller-scale and distributed applications.
Anaerobic digestion technology utilizes microorganisms to break down organic biomass materials, such as agricultural residues and organic waste, in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas, primarily methane and carbon dioxide. This biogas can be used directly as a fuel for power generation or upgraded to biomethane for injection into the natural gas grid or transportation fuel. Anaerobic digestion provides a sustainable solution for waste management while generating renewable energy. Pyrolysis technology involves heating biomass in the absence of oxygen to produce bio-oil, biochar, and syngas. While still in the early stages of commercialization, pyrolysis holds promise for producing high-value biofuels and bioenergy products, contributing to the diversification of the biomass power generation market.
Global Biomass Power Generation Market, By Geography
In this report, the Global Biomass Power Generation Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America.
Global Biomass Power Generation Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024
In North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, the biomass power generation market is experiencing significant growth driven by increasing environmental concerns and the need to transition towards sustainable energy sources. The region boasts abundant biomass resources, including forestry residues, agricultural waste, and dedicated energy crops, which are utilized for electricity generation through various biomass conversion technologies. Supportive government policies, renewable energy incentives, and advancements in biomass power generation technology further propel market expansion in North America, making it a significant contributor to the global biomass power generation market.
Europe stands as a prominent market for biomass power generation, with countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and Sweden leading the transition towards renewable energy adoption. Stringent environmental regulations, ambitious carbon reduction targets, and favorable incentives drive the deployment of biomass power plants across the region. The European Union's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality and reducing dependency on fossil fuels provides a conducive environment for market growth. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and energy security, coupled with technological innovations and investments in research and development, Europe continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the global biomass power generation market landscape.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Biomass Power Generation Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis
Drivers
- Technological advancements in biomass power generation
- Energy security and diversification
- Abundant availability of biomass resources
-
Rising electricity demand worldwide - With increasing population and industrialization, the need for electricity has surged globally. Biomass power generation presents a viable solution to meet this escalating demand while addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional fossil fuel-based electricity generation.
Biomass, derived from organic materials such as forestry residues, agricultural waste, and dedicated energy crops, offers a renewable and sustainable energy source. As countries strive to reduce carbon emissions and transition towards cleaner energy alternatives, biomass power generation emerges as a key player in the global energy landscape. The rising electricity demand worldwide creates opportunities for the expansion of the biomass power generation market across various regions.
Restraints
- Technical challenges in biomass conversion
- Dependency on biomass feedstock quality
- Competition with other renewables
-
Limited scalability of biomass technology - While biomass offers a renewable energy solution, the scalability of biomass power plants is limited due to various factors such as technology constraints and biomass availability. Biomass power plants require significant investment and space, and they often face technical challenges in efficiently converting biomass into electricity on a large scale.
The availability and quality of biomass feedstock can vary, further complicating the scalability issue. Despite these challenges, efforts are underway to address scalability limitations in the biomass power generation sector. Research and development initiatives aim to enhance the efficiency and scalability of biomass conversion technologies, making them more viable for large-scale electricity production.
Opportunities
- Diversification of biomass sources
- Focus on decentralized energy
- Penetration into new industries
-
Supply chain optimization - With biomass being sourced from diverse origins such as forestry residues, agricultural waste, and energy crops, optimizing the supply chain becomes crucial to minimize costs, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance overall operational efficiency. This optimization involves streamlining logistics, improving storage facilities, and implementing advanced technologies for biomass collection, transportation, and handling, thereby ensuring a steady and reliable supply of feedstock to biomass power plants.
Supply chain optimization in the biomass power generation market extends beyond the logistical aspects to include strategic partnerships and collaborations across the value chain. By fostering partnerships with biomass suppliers, transportation companies, technology providers, and energy producers, stakeholders can leverage synergies and expertise to overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
Biomass Power Generation Market Competitive Landscape Analysis
Biomass Power Generation Market is becoming increasingly competitive as industries and governments focus on renewable energy and sustainable solutions. Leading players emphasize collaboration, utility partnerships, and targeted merger strategies to strengthen capacity. Nearly 62% of the market share is concentrated among established energy companies, while smaller firms fuel innovation and growth with advanced conversion technologies.
Market Structure and Concentration
The market demonstrates medium concentration, with about 64% dominated by global energy providers and biomass technology firms. Smaller producers pursue niche strategies in waste-to-energy, wood pellet, and agricultural residue projects. Strong collaboration with municipalities sustains competitiveness, while expansion into rural electrification and industrial supply chains ensures steady growth across diverse applications.
Brand and Channel Strategies
Brand positioning emphasizes sustainability, reliability, and cost efficiency, with nearly 55% of projects secured through government-backed partnerships and energy distributors. Companies apply strategies to expand presence in industrial, commercial, and utility-scale biomass facilities. Marketing highlights innovation in feedstock optimization, co-firing, and carbon reduction, ensuring long-term growth in renewable energy portfolios.
Innovation Drivers and Technological Advancements
Around 63% of R&D efforts focus on technological advancements such as gasification, anaerobic digestion, and advanced combustion systems. Producers emphasize innovation that improves energy efficiency, lowers emissions, and enhances feedstock flexibility. Increased collaboration with research institutions fosters partnerships that accelerate growth, positioning biomass as a scalable alternative to fossil fuels.
Regional Momentum and Expansion
Europe accounts for nearly 42% of demand, driven by renewable energy strategies and stringent carbon reduction policies. North America holds about 33% with innovation in co-firing and biomass co-generation, while Asia-Pacific records rapid double-digit growth through energy expansion and rural electrification programs. Regional partnerships and policy-driven collaboration reinforce competitiveness.
Future Outlook
The future outlook highlights strong growth as governments prioritize decarbonization and renewable power integration. Nearly 48% of providers plan expansion into hybrid, waste-derived, and next-generation biomass systems. Ongoing partnerships, technological innovation, and continuous technological advancements will define competitiveness, ensuring biomass power remains central to sustainable global energy strategies.
Key players in Biomass Power Generation Market include:
- Drax Group
- Enviva
- General Electric Company
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.
- Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc.
- Valmet Oyj
- Ameresco Inc.
- Acciona SA
- Andritz AG
- E.ON SE
- Vattenfall AB
- Ramboll Group A/S
- Thermax Ltd.
- John Wood Group Plc
- Covanta Holding Corporation
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Market Share Analysis
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Feedstock
- Market Snapshot, By Feedstock
- Market Snapshot, By Fuel
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Biomass Power Generation Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
- Technological advancements in biomass power generation
- Energy security and diversification
- Abundant availability of biomass resources
- Rising electricity demand worldwide
- Restraints
- Technical challenges in biomass conversion
- Dependency on biomass feedstock quality
- Competition with other renewables
- Limited scalability of biomass technology
- Opportunities
- Diversification of biomass sources
- Focus on decentralized energy
- Penetration into new industries
- Supply chain optimization
- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Biomass Power Generation Market, By Feedstock, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Agriculture Waste
- Forest Waste
- Animal Waste
- Municipal Waste
- Biomass Power Generation Market, By Technology, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Combustion
- Gasification
- Anaerobic Digestion
- Pyrolysis
- Biomass Power Generation Market, By Fuel, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Solid Fuel
- Liquid Fuel
- Gaseous Fuel
- Biomass Power Generation Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Biomass Power Generation Market, By Feedstock, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape Analysis
- Company Profiles
- Drax Group
- Enviva
- General Electric Company
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.
- Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc.
- Valmet Oyj
- Ameresco Inc.
- Acciona SA
- Andritz AG
- E.ON SE
- Vattenfall AB
- Ramboll Group A/S
- Thermax Ltd.
- John Wood Group Plc
- Covanta Holding Corporation
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market