Nomisma recently conducted a survey in Italy on biomass heating. It was carried out in January 2026 on a sample of 800 respondents representative of the Italian population. The research took place in a context marked by strong economic and geopolitical uncertainty, in which rising energy costs are a central concern for around one in four families, creating favourable conditions for evaluating alternative heating solutions compared to traditional systems. Nomisma realized the survey for Progetto Fuoco.
Awareness and adoption of biomass
According to Nomisma’s survey, people demonstrate a good level of awareness about wood-based biomass. More than half of Italian families say they have heard of it, and more than 4 out of 10 report having in-depth knowledge. Adoption is not marginal: about one in four families currently uses biomass heating systems (in their primary and/or secondary home) confirming that this technology is already well established in the domestic energy landscape.
Analysis of user profiles highlights greater diffusion in small municipalities (37% of the sample) and rural areas (40%), particularly in southern Italy (30%), and in detached homes. From a perceptual standpoint, biomass heating is mainly associated with warmth, relaxation and conviviality.
Compared directly with traditional gas systems, it is perceived as more cost-effective, more sustainable and higher-performing, especially by users who already have direct experience with it. Among current users, fireplaces and thermo-fireplaces prevail (49%), followed by stoves and thermo-stoves (45%), while biomass boilers represent a more marginal solution (6%). The emerging picture is of a relatively ageing installed base: more than half of users installed their systems over 10 years ago, highlighting significant potential for technological renewal.
Positive user experience
The results of the survey also indicate that biomass, once adopted, delivers a positive user experience, with potential loyalty and word-of-mouth effects. Biomass system users report higher overall satisfaction (49%) than those with other solutions (45%), with thermal comfort and consumption control emerging as the main satisfaction drivers.
Looking ahead, growth potential appears significant. In a hypothetical scenario involving a new home, more than one in two families would consider installing a wood-based biomass system; among current users, the majority would make the same choice again, with the share exceeding 70%.
Comfort and sustainability
The survey shows that biomass evokes warmth, comfort, sustainability and quality of life. It is perceived as more cost-effective and more sustainable than gas. For this reason, over 50% of families would consider installing a biomass system, with pellet emerging as the most desired fuel.
