Market survey Slovakia. Bio-energy

The study presents an overview of Slovakian bioenergy market, its current state and future prospects in terms of size and potentials. In the opening, the basic structure of Slovakian energy sources is presented from IEA energy statistics, then a list of programmes and valid legislation relating to RES follow. Figures from several sources show possible potential accomplishable in biomass utilisation in Slovakia. Some most promising areas containing interesting amounts of unutilised biomass are quoted. Chapter 4 contains overview of programmes supporting the use of RES, examples of already realised projects and some planned projects. In Chapter 5 there is a list of main stakeholders in the bioenergy sector, description of legal requirements and procedures necessary for starting a business in Slovakia and some ways how to promote bioenergy business in Slovakia. As the most promising opportunities identified in Slovakia we can consider projects of biomass utilisation in the form of installation of boilers and creation of distribution channels enabling steady supply of biomass for competitive prices. A lot of waste and other residues from woodworking industries or forestry is available for this purpose. Dutch companies should make maximum use of their technological know-how and try to offer equipment for biomass utilisation. Biogas is produced only on a very limited scale. The reason for that lies in relatively high initial costs that cannot be covered from farming companies and low rentability of realised projects. Still, projects solving disposal of agricultural waste on the one hand and energy production on the other are worth paying attention to. Success stories from the Netherlands could serve as a source of inspiration but doing of thoroughgoing analysis preceding investment itself is of necessity in order to cope with hidden risks and uncertainties. In any case, Dutch companies can offer technological equipment to Slovakian buyers without risks connected with making investments. The market with biofuels is currently on the move as new legislative changes have been introduced lately in Slovakia (obligatory blending of biofuels with mineral fuels) and other countries are importing a lot of biodiesel produced in Slovakia into their markets too. As a result, increase in demand can be expected and it is a question whether current domestic capacities are able to cover this increase in demand or if there is room for additional investments into biofuels sector. Current situation indicates that existing capacities should suffice for the purpose of domestic consumption, but in the event of increased foreign sales, domestic capacities may show deficient. From a shortterm point of view, Slovakian biofuels market could serve as a source of pure biofuels ready to be blended in the Dutch market. Better pricing could be gained thanks to overcapacities in biodiesel but it is necessary to begin talks directly with producers and evaluate their concrete offers.