LEAG: Championing sustainable biomass solutions

“SBP certification is a key pillar of our commitment to sustainability, ensuring that our feedstock sourcing and biomass trading meet the highest environmental and legal standards. By integrating SBP-certified pellets into our supply chain, we provide our customers with a transparent and responsible biomass solution that aligns with Europe’s renewable energy ambitions.” Matthias Vette, Managing Director, LEAG Pellets GmbH

LEAG supplies energy for millions of households, industries, and public infrastructure – reliably, flexibly, and competitively. As one of the top five electricity producers in Germany, LEAG is at the forefront of the country’s energy transition, moving away from fossil fuels toward climate-friendly, sustainable, and renewable energy solutions. With a strong presence in eastern Germany’s Lusatia and Central German mining districts, LEAG also provides district heating for municipalities and businesses and employs around 7,000 people, making it one of the largest private employers in the region. 

To support Germany’s shift towards renewable energy, LEAG has invested heavily in sustainable biomass solutions through holding company, LEAG Biomass GmbH. This division, and its subsidiaries, LEAG Pellets GmbH in Germany and Sweden’s Scandbio AB, complements LEAG’s solid fuel operations.

Owning a total of ten pellet plants across Germany, Sweden, and Latvia, with a combined annual production capacity of 1.4 million tonnes, LEAG sources a mix of low grade stemwood and processing residues, including wood chips, sawdust, and cutoffs. Adherence to stringent standards meets the requirements of international customers, and contributes to a sustainable biomass supply chain creating value from low-grade woody feedstocks.

LEAG plays a crucial role as a trader of SBP-certified pellets, sourcing from its subsidiaries and supplying biomass to various European customers. This trading activity ensures that biomass products meet the highest sustainability standards while seamlessly integrating into the European market. By adhering to strict REDII requirements and preparing for upcoming REDIII and EUDR requirements, LEAG demonstrates its commitment to responsible biomass sourcing and supports Germany’s renewable energy goals.

As the regulatory landscape for biomass tightens, SBP certification has become an essential component of LEAG’s sustainability strategy. SBP’s robust framework enables LEAG to maintain compliance with REDII, ensuring that feedstock used in biomass production meets stringent environmental and legal requirements. Furthermore, SBP certification enhances transparency, facilitates trade with European partners, and strengthens LEAG’s position as a leader in sustainable energy solutions.

Given SBP’s significant benefits for Biomass Producers and Traders, LEAG is committed to supporting SBP’s continued presence in the German market. The company sees substantial potential in expanding collaboration with SBP. By advocating for best practices in biomass sustainability, LEAG aims to further align with national and European energy policies while ensuring a reliable and responsible biomass supply chain.

LEAG’s integration of SBP-certified biomass into its operations underscores its dedication to sustainability and renewable energy. By leveraging SBP certification, the company not only ensures compliance with evolving regulations but also strengthens its ability to supply responsibly sourced biomass to the European market. As LEAG continues its energy transition, biomass will remain a vital part of its strategy, supporting Germany’s ambitious climate goals and reinforcing the company’s leadership in the renewable energy sector.