Acta Scientiarum Polonorum
Silvarum Colendarum Ratio et Industria Lignaria

In the paper three cases are presented and analysed, which show innovations in the use of woody biomass for the production of heat and woody fuel (pellets). In two of the firms analysed woody biomass boilers were installed, and in the third case a technological line for the production of pellets was assembled. The analysis was made based on information acquired during interviews conducted in the companies. Pro-innovative people, who acted as “innovation motors” in the companies contributed greatly to the success of the innovative undertakings. The financing of the innovations was the most important problem in the realization of the undertakings, and a possibility to use public funding played a significant role. The successfully implemented innovations contributed to an increase in competitiveness of the companies, which allowed to use locally available woody biomass resources and to reduce the emissions of pollutants and CO2 to the atmosphere.