The renewable energy sector is experiencing considerable evolution with the emergence of clever technologies. Among them, a revolutionary machine appeared: a mobile factory designed to transform wood waste into renewable energy. Thanks to its innovative system, this solution meets a dual challenge: judicious management of wooded resources and an effective alternative to traditional fuels.
Accessible and effective technology
Imagined by Richard Pfister, this unit designed to be moved on a trailer is a true model of ingenuity. In less than 15 minutes, it manages to treat raw wood, whether damp or uncrushed. The entire process is optimized: the waste is cut up, dried, then transformed into pellets, which are immediately ready for use. These pellets constitute an alternative energy source, powering boiler rooms while reducing environmental impact.
Valuing underutilized resources
This innovation opens up a field of possibilities for types of wood that are usually neglected, such as those from roadsides or hedges. Francis Flahaut, at the head of the “Wood Energy Plan” at the Rural Foundation of Wallonia, highlights the importance of these little-exploited deposits. Their resources, once considered waste, can now become valuable assets, particularly in regions with high forest biodiversity, where respect for the environment is essential.
An economic model designed for communities
The rental of this unit is designed with local stakeholders in mind, allowing municipalities to benefit from its benefits at a cost of €2,500 per day. With a daily production of approximately 10 tonnes of pellets, this option can prove profitable, especially when market prices for pellets are aligned. However, José Dock, an alderman of Nassogne, notes that this price could constitute a barrier, particularly in a market where prices fluctuate.
For Maëlle Lebrun, Energy-Climate coordinator at Havelange, this innovation represents a unique opportunity for areas with a diversity of wood. It offers a way to take advantage of unexploited resources while taking into account local specificities and integrating a sustainable approach.
A promising future for wood waste management
With this mobile mini-factory, the recycling of wood waste takes on a whole new dimension. By transforming elements previously considered unusable into a form of renewable energy, this invention positions itself as an ecological and clever alternative. Communities can thus become actively involved in the energy transition, demonstrating the importance of innovation in the service of a sustainable management natural resources.
