The biofuel exchange was launched in Rotterdam (Netherlands). Phase two is scheduled to take place in 2012

On 3 November 2011, the world’s first Biomass exchange was launched by listing industrial wood pellet products, including 3 month, 3 quarter and 3 calendar contracts.

In 2008, APX-ENDEX launched the Industrial Wood Pellets price index in response to the market’s need for price transparency. There has been increased interest in the trade of biomass contracts and, as standardised exchange-traded contracts did not exist, APX-ENDEX saw this as an opportunity to respond to the requirements of the market. APX-ENDEX and Port of Rotterdam announced their cooperation in July 2010. A joint feasibility study to investigate the possibilities of establishing a biomass exchange was finalised in November 2010.
On 3 November 2011, the world’s first Biomass exchange was launched by listing industrial wood pellet products, including 3 month, 3 quarter and 3 calendar contracts.
The development of the biomass exchange follows a two-phased approach. In phase one, the exchange started with non-cleared products, meaning the physical settlement is arranged bilaterally between the counterparties after the trade has been concluded. Phase two, scheduled to take place in the course of 2012, will include the development and implementation of clearing services for wood pellets contracts, thereby providing further financial security to market participants. In this phase, Port of Rotterdam will contribute its expertise with regards to shipping, storage and distribution of biomass products.