Where gas still wins
Simplicity, automatic operation, compact equipment. For small volumes under 1,000 t/season with stable gas prices, it can be the optimal choice.
The gas risks nobody discusses
Price volatility (8 to 25+ UAH/m³ over 5 years), supply disruptions during peak season, and tightening carbon regulations affecting export competitiveness.
The biomass advantage
Fuel cost savings of 40–70%, price predictability with local fuel, CO₂-neutral operation. Pellets: 1.5–2 kg per ton-percent of moisture removed. Waste biomass: ~4 kg per ton-percent. Typical payback: 1–2 seasons.
When each option makes sense
Gas: small volume, stable price, no storage space. Biomass: 2,000+ t/season, local fuel available, long-term operation planned. For most medium and large Ukrainian elevators, biomass is already the obvious economic choice.
Want a side-by-side comparison for your site?
Tell us your dryer specs and we will show the exact cost difference between gas and HELIX biomass.