Pellets vs wood chips for a new collective building: logistics and plant room

Why the fuel choice drives plant‑room design

The fuel type determines the size, access and ventilation of the plant room. Early decisions prevent costly redesigns.

Pellets: high energy density, compact storage, incentive eligibility

Pellets provide higher energy density, shrinking the silo footprint. They meet ENplus A1 specs (moisture ≤10 %, ash ≤0.7 %).

• Automatic feeding and ignition required for Klimabonus.
• Dust ≤8 mg/m³, NOx ≤200 mg/m³, efficiency ≥90 % per aid conditions.

Wood chips: larger storage, heavier logistics, no state grant

Wood chips demand a bigger silo and regular truck deliveries. No national grant exists for chip boilers.

• Larger plant room for conveyor or auger feed.
• Higher operating costs from transport and handling.

What should architects prioritize at concept stage?

If the project targets subsidies and a minimal footprint, pellets are the logical choice. When local chip supply is plentiful and space is ample, chips remain technically viable but without financial support.