Terval: Driving the transition beyond fossil fuels

“SBP certification is integral to Terval’s commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing. By meeting SBP’s rigorous standards, we ensure the traceability and sustainability of our biomass products, reinforcing trust with our partners and aligning with global climate goals. SBP helps us not only meet the current demands of the energy transition but also confidently pioneer innovation for a greener future.” Hakim Hennen, CEO

Terval, a Belgian company renowned for its expertise in global fuel markets, is leading the charge toward a more sustainable future by diversifying its portfolio beyond traditional fossil fuels.

Operating a worldwide distribution network from its base in Liège, Belgium, Terval handles nearly one million tonnes of materials annually, leveraging connections to major European ports including Antwerp, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam. With a trimodal terminal integrating river, rail, and road networks, Terval offers seamless logistics and robust storage capacity to meet the dynamic needs of its partners.

Terval’s state-of-the-art infrastructure includes eight crushing plants, two grinding and filter plants, and a washing facility. The company also operates its own analysis laboratory, ensuring strict quality control standards.

Its terminal spans 15 hectares, with storage facilities capable of holding up to 500,000 tonnes, including nearly 30,000 tonnes of dedicated covered biomass storage. A planned expansion will add another 10,000 tonnes of capacity, underscoring the company’s commitment to growth and innovation.

Over the years, Terval has expanded its operations beyond Belgium, establishing two sister companies in Germany and France. Both subsidiaries primarily function as commercial offices overseeing trading and logistics through contracted sites.

Recognising the growing importance of the bioeconomy, Terval has strategically expanded into the biomass sector, with its site in Belgium acting as the hub for its evolving biomass activities.

In 2024, the company began operating as a woodchip producer. By the end of 2025, the company aims to achieve an annual production capacity of 10,000 tonnes. 

Terval sources 70% of its feedstock directly from forest operations, with the remaining 30% from secondary sources, such as sawmills and wood processing facilities. This sourcing strategy reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability and supply chain efficiency.

Terval’s interests not only lie in woodchips, the company’s trading operations extend to a wide range of biomass products. Each offering is tailored to address specific needs across industries while maintaining compliance with the recast EU Renewable Energy Directive (REDII).

In 2024, the company traded 50,000 tonnes of domestic and industrial wood pellets produced from wood industry residues, with the aim of increasing to 200,000 tonnes in 2025 and reaching up to 500,000 tonnes by 2026. The pellets adhere to relevant stringent standards ensuring sustainable and responsible production, emphasising environmental stewardship and supply chain monitoring.

In western Europe, Terval is the sole trader of steam-exploded pellets, an innovative alternative to conventional wood pellets. These pellets undergo a pre-treatment that makes them water-repellent, allowing outdoor storage and significantly reducing costs. They also boast up to 20% higher energy density, offering a more efficient and economical solution.

Biocarbon, with concentrated carbon content levels of 80-90% serves as an alternative to coke and anthracite in industrial applications. Terval is today able to offer this product in different granulometry from 0 to 110mm.

Recognising the untapped potential of agricultural waste, Terval markets products including Palm Kernel Shells (PKS), olive stones, and cashew nut shells.

These materials are high in calorific value and suitable for outdoor storage.

The company is also advancing agro-pellets, derived from co-products such as sunflower husks, flax, hemp, straw and bagasse, which match the energy density of traditional wood pellets once pelletised.

Terval’s primary market includes European manufacturers in industries such as cement, paper, sugar, and steel, alongside partnerships with coal-fired power plants transitioning to biomass fuels. With FSC® and SBP certifications, Terval underscores its commitment to responsible sourcing, sustainability, and environmental protection.

By combining advanced technical infrastructure with a forward-thinking approach, Terval is not only meeting the demands of current partners but also paving the way for a sustainable future. Its biomass solutions help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, support circular economies, and align with global climate goals.