The biomass sector is rapidly evolving to address the challenges of energy transition and decarbonization. Even in 2025, wood energy will continue to play a key role in the journey towards a sustainable future. Now more than ever, the forest-wood-energy supply chain asserts the importance of its contribution to the country’s energy security, bringing together all industry stakeholders at the National Wood Energy Forum, scheduled for Friday, March 28, from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM, at the Verdi Auditorium of the Veronafiere Congress Center. The Forum, organized by Veronafiere in collaboration with AIEL – Italian Association for Agroforestry Energies, will be an opportunity to strengthen the dialogue between the forest-wood-energy supply chain and institutions regarding the future of renewable thermal energy from woody biomass. Progetto Fuoco, the event organized by Veronafiere, which serves as the leading reference for the sector spanning “from the forest to the fireplace,” has already started preparations for its next edition, which will take place in Verona from February 25 to 28, 2026. Two months after the opening of registrations, the response from the most important Italian and international companies in the sector has been overwhelmingly positive.
“The road to Progetto Fuoco 2026 is enriched by a major event specifically designed to keep the spotlight on a sector that represents one of the excellences of Made in Italy production,” says Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere. “With the 2024 edition, we were able to witness firsthand the renewed confidence in the industry, and the response from exhibitors, operators, and professionals was highly positive, despite the sector experiencing a period of readjustment. This Forum will once again bring together the wood-energy supply chain, fostering the development of a new strategic platform to enhance the sector by strengthening collaboration among businesses, associations, and institutions.”
“Solid biomass, primarily used in the residential sector as firewood or pellets, is the most widely employed renewable source in the thermal energy sector in Italy. Even today, it provides a crucial contribution to the country’s energy decarbonization, also supporting environmental protection and the socioeconomic development of rural and mountainous areas,” comments Domenico Brugnoni, President of AIEL. “During the Forum, concrete proposals will be presented to government and parliamentary representatives, advocating for balanced support measures and forward-thinking policies capable of consolidating a sector that represents a unique opportunity for sustainable development in the country.”
“Following the success of the 2024 edition, which welcomed 45,000 industry professionals, 30% of whom were international visitors from around the world, Progetto Fuoco will return in February 2026,” adds Adolfo Rebughini, General Director of Veronafiere. “The event will be a showcase of excellence for technological innovations in the biomass heating sector, with a particular focus on sustainability: the biomass sector is evolving rapidly to comply with stricter environmental regulations and meet the expectations of an increasingly aware public.”
National Wood Energy Forum
The Forum will address highly relevant topics, including the National Action Plan for air quality improvement, future prospects for the revitalization of the forest-wood-energy supply chain, as well as the economic dimension of the sector and its employment impact across different regions. An update on Conto Termico 3.0, the key incentive tool offering non-repayable grants to improve energy efficiency in buildings and promote the use of renewable energy sources, will also be provided. The event, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests, will welcome key representatives from the government, national and European parliaments, as well as stakeholders from a sector that in Italy includes approximately 14,000 companies, 72,000 workers (43,000 directly employed and 29,000 in related industries), generating over €4 billion in revenue.
Progetto Fuoco 2026
Progetto Fuoco is the world’s leading event dedicated to biomass-based heating and energy production. The biennial event, organized by Veronafiere, will return in 2026, from February 25 to 28. The event will showcase innovative solutions for optimizing natural resource use, reducing CO2 emissions, and increasing energy efficiency. It will also provide a platform for discussions on policies and strategies to promote a sustainable energy future, with a focus on circular economy and reducing ecological impact.
