Upcoming standards for biomass heat generators: efficiency, emissions, and environmental quality

Italian regulations on solid biomass-fired heat generators —such as boilers , stoves , and commercial heating appliances —are set to be updated with a new draft regulation currently under public consultation, which integrates and modifies the previous Ministerial Decree 186/2017. This regulatory intervention is based on a clear premise: biomass generators still represent a significant component of the Italian heating system fleet, with millions of units installed.

However, many of these plants have performance and emissions levels that are no longer adequate compared to modern technological standards and current environmental needs. The new rules therefore aim to redefine the technical criteria and emissions performance classes , pushing the market towards more efficient solutions with lower environmental impacts, in line with European air quality and decarbonization objectives.

New performance classes and emission criteria

At the heart of the regulatory review is the introduction of new emission performance classes for biomass heat generators . Specifically, a 6-star class is proposed for high-performance domestic and commercial appliances, and a 7-star class , representing the highest level of efficiency and emissions reduction for latest-generation boilers.

These classes are not limited to classification based on installed power, but also evaluate thermal efficiency, emissions of particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants, and construction methods that promote cleaner and more controlled operation. The aim is to incentivize systems that not only consume less but also release significantly fewer harmful emissions into the atmosphere, thus contributing to improving air quality in urban and suburban areas.

Impacts on technology and the market

The regulatory changes represent a significant boost to technological innovation in the sector: manufacturers, designers, and installers will have to comply with more stringent criteria, which encourage the adoption of advanced technologies and systems with greater performance control. Among the expected consequences:

• the replacement of obsolete generators with devices compliant with the new classes , equipped with electronic control of combustion cycles and efficiency optimisation;
• the diffusion of low-dust and NOₓ emission systems , with construction solutions that improve combustion and reduce local pollution;
• an increase in requests for certifications and instrumental tests to ensure product compliance with new performance classes;
• a greater interest in systems integrated with energy efficiency solutions and renewable sources , such as control probes, intelligent thermoregulation and thermal storage.

These dynamics will influence not only the biomass generator market but also the entire HVAC and construction sectors, stimulating product innovation, technical training processes, and sustainability-based service models.

Opportunities for professionals and the supply chain

For designers, installers, and companies in the energy and heating sector, the entry into force of the new regulations offers concrete opportunities :

• improve its offering with products compliant with high classes, characterised by higher performance and lower emissions;
• consolidate skills in advanced systems, performance analysis and emissions control;
• offer full-service solutions that include monitoring, maintenance, and optimization of biomass heat generators;
• Support customers and end users in the cost-benefit assessment of system renovation interventions, integrating biomass with other renewable sources or energy management systems.

In this context, the HVAC/R supply chain can transform a regulatory push into a competitive advantage, promoting cleaner technologies, qualified services, and interventions that combine efficiency, environmental sustainability, and comfort.