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Boosting bioenergy production in North-Eastern Poland
07/03/2006

Fruitful collaboration between VTT and EC BREC experts yielded sound results that predict good possibilities for increased biomass-based energy production in the region. The focus of the Bialystok study was a CHP-power plant (100 MW) in the city of Bialystok in North-Eastern Poland. The plant owners plan to replace coal with biomass. The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and economy of biomass-based energy production in Poland. The Bialystok project carried out three main tasks: 1) Assessment of biomass potential (forest industry and logging residues and agrobiomass), 2) Forest fuel procurement cost study and 3) Study on the economics of biomass-based energy production. Biomass potential assessments were carried out by the Finnish Forest Research Institute (Metla) and EC BREC. The economic analysis and cost assessments were carried out by VTT. EC BREC also acted as a crucial link between Finnish research organizations and Polish authorities and companies. Finnish companies Vapo Oy and Kvaerner Power Oy delivered valuable industry views and perspectives to the project. The results reveal a promising future for forest energy (logging residues and small tree chips) and for agrobiomass (short rotation energy crops). Residues of the local forest industry and agriculture are currently utilised, and at present, no surplus material is available for energy production. Project results also indicate that the available subsidies for green electricity are necessary to stimulate investment in new biomass-based combustion technologies by energy producers. Also financial support will be needed for investments in modern biomass harvesting technology. Intense and targeted R&D and information dissemination projects are needed to introduce new production technologies and support the biomass production industry. The results provide information to the local energy producer about biomass as an energy source. For Finnish bioenergy technology, machine and appliance manufacturers, the results act as an instrument for market potential assessment. The project was funded by Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (Tekes), research institutes (VTT and Metla) and Finnish companies. Form more information on the ClimBus Technology Programme: http://www.tekes.fi/climbus/