The conference will be held at Koeln Messe in parallel with VICTAM INTERNATIONAL 2011, the international fair for  animal & aquatic feed, petfood and bioenergy technology.                                                       The Aim of the ConferenceThe conference aims at giving to industry stakeholders a state of play ofthe pellets markets and the related issues. In particular the conference will cover the following topics:Overview of current pellets production and markets in Europe : The pellets production capacity is still increasing impressively in Europe, and large plants are being built in USA, Canada and Russia. Pellets are becoming a significant energy commodity, considered by large energy players. Several experts are expecting a tenfold increase of the market in 10 years time, froughly 7-8 million tons now in Europe to over 80-100 million tons in 2020. Use in the power sector, while being very dependent on support policies, can increase extremely fast. Price indexes are under development in several market places to improve market fluidity and transparency of the global market.Biomass supply: the availability of biomass by-products is becoming problematic in some regions, with substantial price increase of saw dust. Alternative raw materials should be sourced, with sometimes specific problems of pellets quality.National actions plans for renewables and impacts on future pellets markets: Due to the RES directive each Member State (MS) had to submit a plan for renewables with detailed objectives for heat, electricity and biofuels, as well as measures to reach these objectives. The evaluation of these plans highlights the priorities of the MS and gives a good indication on market potentials for pellets in each MS as well as sectoral preferences (residential heating, electricity, advanced biofuels, etc.).Sustainability aspects : Sustainability criteria are mandatory for biofuels and the European Commission is currently studying the future regulation to apply to solid biomass. The increased amount of pellets imported to Europe is advocating for an advanced regulation. Especially the power sector is striving for clear rules.