INDUSTRY NEWS
Volume 3 Number 14
In this issue:
2 Industry News
6 Bioport
8 Sustainability
10 Products
1
World Sustainable Energy Days 2013 INDUSTRY NEWS
27 February – 01 Marc 27. Februar – 01. März WELS, AUSTRIA PELLET CONFERENCE PELLETSKONFERENZ NEARLY ZERO ENERGY BUILDINGS MINIMALENERGIE-GEBÄUDE WSED NEXT WSED NEXT LED CONFERENCE LED-KONFERENZ ENERGY EFFICIENCY WATCH CONFERENCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY WATCH KONFERENZ TRADE SHOW ENERGIESPARMESSE
WWW.WSED.AT
2
2013
World Sustainable Energy Days
INDUSTRY COMMENT/IN THISNEWS ISSUE
Editorial comment
C
ongratulations are due to Göteborg Energi, Western Sweden’s leading energy company, for its commitment to biogas, which is surely destined to be one of the most important renewable fuels of the future. A great advantage with biogas is that distribution can take place using pipes originally installed to carry natural gas.
In this issue INDUSTRY NEWS
2
What’s happening in the world of forest bioenergy?
The Gothenburg Biomass Gasification Project (GoBiGas) is a major Göteborg Energi initiative, one of eight projects dedicated to bioenergy under the NER300 programme featured in the article from AEBIOM on page five of this issue. The company has established a new plant to produce biogas via the gasification of biofuel using waste from forestry. When the plant is at optimal production, it will deliver upwards of 8001,000 GWh, which corresponds to the fuel required to power between 80,000-100,000 cars. The aim of the GoBiGas-project is two-fold. Firstly, to demonstrate the possibilities of gasification technology and secondly, to build a plant that can satisfy the growing need for renewable and CO2-neutral biogas. At the GoBiGas plant, biogas is extracted via thermal gasification of the raw materials of the forest, such as branches, stumps and forest residue. Biofuel is transformed into a combustible gas (syngas), which is purified and upgraded to a biogas that is comparable to the quality of natural gas. This means that both gas types can be mixed in the same gas grid. Another major benefit is that since biogas is produced from renewable sources, it does not contribute to an increase in the emissions of carbon dioxide.
2 AEBIOM
5
Bioenergy projects receive 630 million Euros under NER300
BIOPORT
6
The role of the Port of Rotterdam in the wood pellets market
The distribution of biogas from GoBiGas will take place via the company’s existing gas grid. Today, biogas is used primarily as transportation fuel, but it can also be used for heat generation and for various industrial processes. Demand is increasing quickly as new uses for it become established.
David Young Editor
FOREST BIOENERGY REVIEW Volume 3, Number 14 - January 2013 Contact information PUBLISHER &
REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Einar Johansson
Vince Maynard
Tel: +46 8 540 255 15
KVJ Enterprises Tralee, Hillcrest Road,
6 SUSTAINABILITY
8
Commercial benefits of saving the environment
Mobile: +46 70 234 80 85 Email: einar.johansson@telia.com
Edenbridge,
PRODUCTION
Kent, TN8 6JS, UK
Anthony Wiffen
Tel: +44 (0) 1732 505724
Anton Print Solutions
Mobile: +44 (0) 7747 002286
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 850063
Email:
Mobile: +44 (0) 7557 280 769
pulppaperlogistics@virginmedia.com
Email: anton_print_1@mac.com
EDITOR
PRINTING
David Young
Manor Creative
Tel: +44 (0) 1737 551687
Eastbourne,
Mobile: +44 (0) 7785 796826
East Sussex, UK
ISSN 2045-8514
Tel: +44 (0) 1323 514400
8 PRODUCTS
10
Introducing new equipment and services
EVENTS
12
Conferences and exhibitions past and future Front cover: The Port of Rotterdam handles one-third of Europe’s imports of wood pellets – see page 6. 1 January 2013 1
INDUSTRY NEWS NEWS INDUSTRY
District heat from New head for wood-based plant UPM Energy
Artist’s impression of Savon Voima’s biomass-fired heating plant at Leppävirta.
A
biomass-fired heating plant for district heat production will be supplied to Savon Voima Oyj at Leppävirta in Finland by Metso. Following its investment, the municipality of Leppävirta will have access to more district heat generated using renewable fuels in accordance with Savon Voima’s bioenergy strategy. Years of systematic investments in emissionfree energy production have raised the proportion of bioenergy in heat generation to over 80%. The new heating plant will significantly reduce the consumption of oil when it goes on stream in late 2013. Metso’s turnkey delivery will include process equipment and buildings, as well as installation and construction work. The order, which is valued at approximately nine million Euros, will also include Metso’s flue gas scrubber. Once completed, the plant will have a heat output of 8 MW and it will
produce hot water for the district heating network of Leppävirta. The plant will be fired by wood-based biomass such as forest residue and peat, which will come from local sources. “We chose Metso as the supplier of our new plant because we have a long history of successful co-operation with Metso during previous plant deliveries, the latest of which was the delivery of a plant of the same size to Suonenjoki. Metso’s solution also offered the best overall economy,” said Hannu Lipsanen, Savon Voima’s Project Manager. “We want to be a reliable partner in advancing Savon Voima’s sustainable projects that use domestic fuel. The Leppävirta project is very important for us. We will supply a plant, which will reduce the use of fossil fuels and provide an energy-efficient solution for district heat production,” confirmed Teemu Koskela, who is in charge of bioheat plant sales at Metso.
Marko Koskela has been appointed Senior Vice-President of UPM Energy with effect from 1 February, 2013, transfering to the new position from his post as VicePresident, Business Controlling, Energy and Pulp Business Group. The current head of UPM Energy, Anja Silvennoinen, decided to leave UPM after nine years in the company. She will continue to support Marko Koskela during the next couple of months before moving to new challenges. “I want to express my warmest thanks to Anja for the great work she has done in building up the Energy Business Area to the current
22
January 2013
Rooney in September, 2012. Whilst retaining the roots of the Cooper SH brand, the business will now encompass a ‘General Handling’ portfolio to house the Samuk brand and will operate out of a new centralised facility in the English Midlands. Cooper SH is already the
performance level,” said Heikki Vappula, President of the Energy and Pulp Business Group.
Biomass boiler island for Växjö Energi International technology Group Andritz has received an order from the regional Swedish utility Växjö Energi AB to deliver a biomass-powered boiler island that will form part of a new combined heat and power plant. The plant will supply heat and power for the Växjö community in the province of Småland in Southern Sweden and start-up is scheduled for the end of 2014. The equipment to be supplied by Andritz includes the boiler island from the inlet to the fuel silos to boiler outlet and is based on the company’s well-proven
Consolidation at Cooper SH An announcement by Cooper SH has confirmed that a strategic consolidation of its businesses into a new UK structure will bring the recently acquired Samuk business into the operation. Samuk was acquired by a new holding company owned by Cooper SH Directors David Cooper and Tony
Marko Koskela of UPM Energy.
established distributor for Konecranes lift trucks and Mantsinen material handlers. The General Handling Division will distribute Samuk’s smaller counterbalance and related trucks through dealers. However, in a change of direction, Cooper SH will also offer dealers access to
bubbling fluidized bed design, which combines high efficiency with excellent environmental performance. The boiler will burn wood-based biomass (forest residue, bark, sawdust, and wood chips) to generate steam at the rate of 155 t/h, with steam parameters of 540 °C and 140 bar(a). “Andritz’s high level of technological competence and experience were decisive in the award of this order,” said Björn Wolgast, Business Area Manager for heat and power at Växjö Energi.
Konecranes lift trucks of up to 33 tonnes, thus broadening their scope of supply. David Cooper, who heads up the new business, commented: “Bringing the two businesses under one corporate roof will help to make both businesses stronger. There are opportunities for shared expertise and resources as well as helping us to significantly reduce operating costs”.
INDUSTRY INDUSTRYNEWS NEWS
Good news for Mother Nature. She has a sound technical partner.
Industry is ready for some good news. At
raw materials, chemicals, and energy. The
is ready for some good news – and ANDRITZ
a time when many industrial processes
good news is that every ANDRITZ innovation
delivers. Contact us for proven solutions for
leave a large footprint on the planet,
for renewable power generation that lowers
biomass handling, power generation, liquid
ANDRITZ is leading the way to minimal
greenhouse gases, shrinks the carbon foot-
biofuels pre-treatment, and solid biofuels
impact. ANDRITZ is a technology and service
print, and sustains higher production at lower
production at powergeneration@andritz.com.
provider working at the forefront of sustain-
costs is not only good for your bottom line, but
able and renewable solutions for air, water,
also good for Mother Nature. Yes, the industry
www.andritz.com January 2013
33
INDUSTRYNEWS NEWS INDUSTRY
AEBIOM
ENplus certification for RIBpellet ®
A
ENOR, the body responsible for ENplus® certification in Spain, has issued the country’s eighth certificate to the RIBpellet plant at Huerta de Rey
(Burgos), which will be identified by ES 008 and will be able to use the Enplus A-1 maximum quality seal to sell its wood pellets. The certification system is supported by AVEBIOM, the national association
that holds the rights for the brand in Spain. The process began half-way through July, 2012, when Arturo Rica, who manages the company, formally asked for ENplus®
certification. After document and process audits, as well as sample taking by the auditors, there were some minor observations made on the document processes, which were easily remedied in the plan for corrective action (PAC), and the first stage of the procedure was completed. Later, AENOR received the sample analysis results, which complied with all requirements for the best quality envisaged in the certification system, ENplus A-1. RIBpellet was thus able to successfully complete the certification process. Its new factory with a workforce of 15 in the district of Pinares has a production capacity of approximately 45,000 tons per annum of wood pellets. In addition, it has a cogeneration unit with an ORC cycle of 7.5 heat MWh, which is used for conditioning raw materials. This 1.3 MW unit also generates around 45,000 MWh of electricity per year. More information from www.pelletenplus.es
John Deere’s focus on forestry Organisational changes implemented by John Deere’s Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division will enhance its focus on forestry customers. The changes improve alignment and management of the overall global forestry product portfolio and stewardship of the forestry product lines.
The changes include the appointment of Martin L. Wilkinson to the position of VicePresident, Worldwide Forestry and Business Development. In his expanded role, Wilkinson has taken on responsibility for the division’s forestry business worldwide, while retaining his responsibilities for business
development, strategic planning and communications. “These strategic organisational changes help John Deere better align our resources to customers’ needs and will better position Deere to grow our forestry business,” said Michael J. Mack Jr, President, Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division.
Guidance on supply chain risks Business standards company BSI and WWF-UK Global Forest & Trade Network (GFTN) have launched new good practice guidance to support industry efforts in the responsible sourcing of forest goods and sustainable forest management. The new guidance, known as PAS 2021 - Exercising due
diligence in establishing the legal origin of timber and timber products – Guide to Regulation 44
January 2013
(EU) No 995/2010 - has been sponsored by GFTN and developed to help the timber industry meet the impending EU timber regulation (EUTR), which comes into effect on 3 March, 2013. Despite global work to promote responsible forest management and trade, the market in wood and paper from illegal or controversial sources has continued to cause problems. Developed by consensus and
through a steering group of industry experts, PAS 2021 aims to: help organisations identify if they are affected by the new regulation and their obligations; help organisations develop and implement a due diligence system to minimise the risk of illegal timber in supply chains; and describe good practices for responsible trade in timber and timber products that go beyond the minimum requirements of
“The changes reflect a dedicated focus to our forestry customers.” Mack added that best practices and economies of scale will continue to be leveraged across the overall construction and forestry operations and the rest of the John Deere enterprise when applicable. the Regulation. PAS 2021 will be of significance to any organisation that places timber or timber products, including materials made from pulp and paper, on the market of the European Union or any organisation that sells and buys such products already available in the EU. The guide is primarily intended for organisations operating in the UK, but could also be used by those in other EU member states. More information from http://shop.bsigroup.com/pas2021
INDUSTRY NEWS AEBIOM
Bioenergy projects receive 630 million Euros under NER300 Material supplied by Lara Mertens of the European Biomass Association E-mail: mertens@aebiom.org
T
he NER300 programme - managed jointly by the European Commission, European Investment Bank and Member States - dedicates funds raised from the sale of 200 million allowances in the New Entrants’ Reserve of the European Emissions Trading Scheme to subsidise installations of innovative renewable energy technology and carbon capture and storage. Under this scheme, the Commission awarded over 1.2 billion Euros to 23 innovative renewable energy technology projects in December, 2012.
Bioenergy projects Eight of these projects were dedicated to bioenergy, representing a total amount of 630 million Euros, as follows: Finland. Ajos BTL will deliver 115,000 tonnes/year of biofuel (biodiesel and bionaphta) using some 950,000 tonnes/year of woody feedstock and 31,000 tonnes/year of tall oil. Italy. BEST will use giant cane, a new fast growing and drought-resistant energy
Main challenges
crop, as well as wheat straw to produce ethanol in a demonstration plant of 51 million litres annual production capacity. Poland. CEG Plant Goswinowic will use agricultural residues, such as wheat straw and corn stover, for the production 60 million litres/ year of second generation bioethanol. France. UPM Stracel BTL, a second generation biomassto-liquid plant integrated into the paper and pulp production line of the existing paper mill, will use about 1 million tonnes of woody biomass to deliver an annual output of 105,000 tonnes of biofuel. The Netherlands.Woodspirit will transform wood chips, via biomass torrefaction and entrained flow gasification, into
516 million litres/year of biomethanol; Sweden. GoBiGas Phase 2 is dedicated to the demonstration of the largescale conversion of lowquality wood into high quality synthetic natural gas for injection into the regional gas network (see editorial comment on page 1). Sweden. Pyrogrot will use forest residues to produce 160,000 tonnes/year of pyrolysis oil with a view to delivering 750 GWh of energy. Germany. VERBIO Straw, an extension to an existing ethanol-biogas plant, will use some 70,000 tonnes/year of straw to deliver 25.6 million m3 of biogas produced via a biochemical process, which will be subsequently cleaned to natural gas quality.
Göteborg Energi’s GoBiGas plant under construction (picture taken on 24 January, 2013).
The projects selected aim to tackle the main challenges to the large-scale deployment of mature innovative technologies. The funding awarded aims to lower costs, manage risks and tackle knowledge barriers. In the short term, the projects are expected to add 10 TWh to the EU’s annual renewable energy production. Crucially, however, these projects are intended to spur new investment in the sector, leading to substantial increases in production capacity from renewable sources in the mid-term. The demonstration projects will create several thousand jobs during the construction phase (over the next three to four years) and will employ about 1000 full-time workers during the operation phase of the demonstration projects.
Side-effects Positive growth and increased employment are also intended as beneficial side-effects along the supply chain feeding the sector. The European Commission intends to proceed “as early in 2013 as possible” with the launch and implementation of the second call for proposals under the NER300 funding scheme. According to Commissioner Hedegaard, the launch of a new call can be expected before end of March, 2013. More information is available in the European Commission Memo http://europa.eu/rapid/ press-release_MEMO-12999_en.htm January 2013
55
INDUSTRY NEWS BIOPORT
The role of the Port of Ro European wood pellets m By Hugo du Mez*
C
o-firing of biomass (wood pellets) in coal plants is necessary to reach climate goals such as the European Union’s plans for renewable energy to reach 20% of total energy production by 2020. Both on a global and local level, emissions of CO2 and other GHG’s will increase. The goal of the Rotterdam Climate Initiative is to reduce CO2 emissions to 50% of the 1990 level by 2025. This is a very ambitious target given the start-up of two new coal power plants in the port during 2013. The Port of Rotterdam (PoR), together with the Copernicus Institute based at the University of Utrecht in The Netherlands, is working on a study into future supply and demand of wood pellets for power and heat generation, excluding residential 66
January 2013
heating – a big market in Germany. Three different scenarios are given for the EU wood pellet market 2010-2030 and in each case imports will continue to grow. This means a transition in trade, transport and end-use of wood pellets. The growth of trade in wood pellets will also cause shipping to adapt, particularly by using bigger sizes of ship. Wood pellets are relatively expensive compared with coal and logistics costs are a proportionately higher share of their price, but these costs can be reduced by achieving economies of scale. As Europe becomes more dependent on imports, reducing these costs will benefit both producer and end-user. The price of wood pellets is about 135/ton compared to 100/ton for
coal. Logistic costs are influenced by shipping distance (cost per ton/ mile) and ship size, which affects the unit price. Deploying Panamax vessels, for example, makes sense because the increase in supply and demand for wood pellets will create large volumes to be shipped from overseas suppliers to countries in Europe. In fact, this may be a good time for wood pellets importers to consider fixing long-term charters, particularly as there is tonnage to spare in the current shipping market.
Natural advantages Its natural advantages mean that Rotterdam, the world’s largest port outside Asia, can become a hub for biomass by combining wood pellet imports for different regions (Benelux, Germany, Denmark and UK) and markets
(power production, heating, biorefining and bio-chemicals). At present, Europe imports around three million tons of pellets per year and one-third of this volume is handled by PoR. As the trade in pellets expands, it will become more necessary to direct large flows to a central location with ample storage facilities and inward distribution routes to industrial and population centres throughout Western Europe and trans-shipment to UK ports by coasters. Rotterdam is well-positioned to act as a hub port for wood pellets based on its central location and infrastructure. It is already a hub for coal and agribulk commodities so has acquired the necessary expertise. It offers all types of handling facilities for unloading ships and additional covered
INDUSTRY NEWS BIOPORT
otterdam in the market
storage capacity is being built to increase the 500,000 m3 now available. Several bulk stevedores in the port are already active in handling and storing biomass. These include European Bulk Services with two locations – one in the Europoort area and one in the Botlek area – RBT on the North Bank of the river, Marcor with floating operations in the Waalhaven and ZHD, which is based in Dordrecht a few km inland from Rotterdam. PoR is one of the few ports in Western Europe that can respond to the challenge of handling millions of tons of wood pellets.
Rotterdam Bioport At present, wood pellets are mainly used for cogeneration in coal-fired power plants. Another large market that will
have to switch to imports is the residential heating market, but as the world is making the transition to a bio-based economy, other end-user markets such as bio-refining and bio-chemicals will become increasingly important. PoR is acknowledged to be one of the largest petro-chemical sites in the world and is preparing for a more bio-based chemical future. This will increase the use of biomass and could even mean competition between markets. However, co-operation is also a possibility and cascading applications for biomass through the value chain seems a plausible future outcome. On the second Maasvlakte site, a plot will be developed that will become a cluster of bio-fuels, bio-chemical and bio-energy
activities. It will be known as the Rotterdam Bioport.
for co-firing with coal in the new power plants that will be operated by E.ON and GDF Suez at the port.
Summary To summarise, demand for wood pellets is certain to rise. This will create large import volumes that will be carried in bigger ships. The facilities established at PoR can provide the economies of scale that the pellets industry needs to thrive. Finally, it is important to recognise that there will be a ready market for wood pellets
*Senior Business Developer, Energy & Process Industry, Port of Rotterdam Authority, Wilhelminakade 909, PO Box 6622, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. This article is based on a presentation made by the author at the 12th Pellets Industry Forum organised by Solar Promotion GmbH of Pforzheim, Germany (www.pelletsforum.de). January 2013
77
INDUSTRY NEWS SUSTAINABILITY
Commercial benefits of saving the environment
Picking blueberries in forest clearing at Småland
D
eforestation has for many years been the main issue facing the woodland community. Regardless of countries such as Brazil passing regulations to control the issue, the problem persists. Sustainability in the forestry sector is one of the hottest discussions on the preservation of forestry resources. We are entering an era where there is a heightened awareness of sustainable practices and where corporate social responsibility is integral to socioeconomics. Even without government regulation enforcing sustainable guidelines, commercial awareness of demand side requirements and higher returns through resource efficiencies are creating a market for sustainability. Although deforestation poses as a problem that is extremely hard to resolve, in comparison the ability to implement sustainability standards appears to be quite simple. Many companies are already 88
January 2013
issuing their own sustainability criterion. This benefits them by making public their environmental and ethical business standards, but also by providing increased remuneration in their business plans. Sustainability in the forestry sector can be implemented through better utilisation of forestry lands, development of hardier forestry crops and
the commercial use of former woodland wastes. All of these factors result in a higher yield for commercial forestry crops whilst providing efficiencies that better the environment. Generating success through the international implementation of sustainable forestry could mean both economic and environmental benefits. The first step starts in the realisation
of secondary commercial opportunities available to the forestry sector and how these more sustainable practices can yield remuneration.
Cash under the canopy After the harvest, within the undergrowth lies a whole new potential for commercial opportunity. Huge amounts of forestry wastes are all too often
(Picture courtesy of Måns Fornander/www.imagebank.sweden.se)
By Marsha Irving*
INDUSTRY NEWS left to rot on the forest floor. Taking advantage of these remaining forestry assets can result in huge commercial advantages for forestry companies who are able to use this bioenergy to power their own facilities that are often in remote areas away from the grid. So why is it that more forestry companies are not cashing in on this additional source of revenue? The pick up of remaining waste is often time consuming and requires additional resources. There might also be logistical restrictions when transporting these waste resources to the site of use. However, many companies valorise the use of these waste streams and benefit from the returns that can be made. A little goes a long way when looking at the long term returns in reaping woodland wastes.
Game-changer Looking at the best soils, conditions and genetics to harvest trees can also result in faster growing, higher yielding commercial forest crops. FuturaGene seem to have found the golden goose for the genetic modification of trees with their GM Eucalyptus crops. Meanwhile, Arborgen have also created disease resistant tree genetics that could prove to be a game-changer for forest crop development in future. Both companies now await permission from government, backing from conservation groups and approval from certification companies to grow these crops commercially. Looking beyond genetics, the types of trees grown in particular areas, the soil, fertilisation, and environment all play huge factors in the success of commercial forests. Management of these conditions can also increase the rate of crop cycles and harvest yields.
continue to spell out. The first problem is that forestry wastes are seen as a natural product that protect and conserve forest soils. Over utilisation of these deposited wastes can lead to soil degradation and erosion. The second issue comes from the displacement of products from businesses already making use of forestry waste. If in turn these products are offset by higher carbon products then the value behind the drive to create sustainable forestry is lost. And finally, altering the natural environment to control and encourage rapid forestry growth has been hugely criticised. Genetic modification is highly scrutinised for perverting the course of nature and the potential future side effects that could result. Although some of these methods to achieve sustainability have been received with a level of cynicism, the importance of driving a new code of conduct in the forestry sector cannot be overlooked. Maintaining longevity in the forestry sector through sustainability can hugely alleviate climate change pressures and that is of great concern to our population. The appetite to drive sustainability in agriculture has been born from a competitive market landscape that is currently striving to achieve end user demands and create internal efficiencies. Even if the environmental benefits are only an added benefit to the main drivers moving sustainability forward, the objective is being achieved and awareness must continue to be made. As part of the 8th World Biofuels Markets event, which takes place in Rotterdam from 12-14 March, 2013, the Sustainable Agriculture & Forestry Conference will focus on sustainability criteria and the benefits that can be achieved by adopting an environmental and socio-economic agenda.
Boughs of contention Although the idea of driving sustainability in the forestry sector remains a good one, a few niggling points of contention have emerged that forestry campaigners
*Senior Researcher, Green Power Conferences, Southbank House, Black Prince Road, Vauxhall, London SE1 7SJ, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 (0)207 099 0600. January 2013
99
INDUSTRY NEWS PRODUCTS
Free biomass technology
A
growing number of manufacturing firms and agricultural businesses are signing up to a scheme that allows them to install biomass technology for free, while benefiting from reduced energy costs and carbon emissions. Leading energy efficiency solutions company Anesco Ltd has reported seeing a rise in enquiries as the introduction of government schemes, such as the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and Green Deal, sees the technology grow in popularity among both commercial and domestic markets. Through the Anesco scheme, organisations can receive the free supply and installation of a highly efficient, top-of-the-range biomass boiler, including fuel storage, delivery systems, performance monitoring, annual servicing and
10
maintenance. The cost of each installation is recouped by Anesco for its investors through the RHI payments. As well as coming at no cost to an organisation, firms benefit from substantially reduced heating bills, with properties that currently run on oil or LPG-based systems reaping the greatest rewards. More information from www.anesco.co.uk
Vehicle for chips and pellets Spanish goods vehicle manufacturer Grupo Clavijo has designed a vehicle for transporting and unloading either chips or pellets pneumatically. The bodywork is made wholly of aluminium, the interior has a moving platform and a product collection and centring conveyor at the back. The joint action of the platform and the centring conveyor belt guides the load on to a roto-valve, which, in turn, feeds it into the material unloading tubes where pressurised air is circulated by a rotary compressor. All the equipment is driven by hydraulic motors. Pressurised hydraulic oil is produced by a Parker-Denison hydraulic pump that is driven by a cardan shaft linked to a drive connection fitted to the truck’s gearbox. Controls are grouped at the
the back of the vehicle in a lockable cabinet with internal lighting. There are manometers for pressure monitoring and remote controls for unloading, compressor activation and operating the roto-valve, conveyor and moving platform. The vehicle is equipped with flexible hoses with STORZ DN150 couplings, which can be supplied in lengths to suit customer requirements, two auxiliary lights, water tank and a fire extinguisher. More information from www.grupoclavijo.ne
INDUSTRY NEWS PRODUCTS
Wheel weight package for skidders
A
significant increase in performance has been gained by John Deere skidders with a new optional wheel weight package that will add 1,900 lb to the front of the machines.
The kit is compatible with the 640H Cable Skidder and 648H, 748H and 848H Grapple Skidders. The weight package, which is designed for the front two wheels only, requires the use of
dual ring wheels and SWEDA axles. New wheels with a dual ring that allow the use of 35.5 tyres are also available with the optional weight package. This new wheel is available both as a factory option and ďŹ eld kit. It
does not, however, allow for dual wheels and 35.5 tyres. Weights and all mounting hardware for one set of wheels are included in the kit. More information from www.johndeere.com
11
INDUSTRY NEWS EVENTS
Programme for European Pellet Conference
P
ellets are a clean, CO2 neutral and convenient fuel with growing market shares worldwide. The European Pellet Conference 2013 held in Wels, Austria, from 27-28 February, aims to provide indepth information on pellet innovation and market trends. It will offer an exciting platform to discuss co-operation projects. With more than 600 participants every year, the European Pellet Conferences, which take place in Wels, have become the largest annual pellet event in the world. They are organised within the framework of the annual ‘World Sustainable Energy Days’ Conference by the O.Ö. Energiesparverband, the energy agency of Upper Austria. This area is an ideal location for such a conference as more than 25 % of all biomass boilers sold in the EU are manufactured by Upper Austria’s boiler industry and pellet heating systems have become a standard solution. The conference languages are English, German, Russian and Spanish and the programme is as follows:
Wednesday, 27 February 09.00 Opening and welcome HkZ_ 7diY^eX[h" H[]_edWb C_d_ij[h \eh ;d[h]o" Kff[h 7kijh_W C;F FWkb H X_]" ;khef[Wd FWhb_Wc[dj ;K X_ecWii feb_Y_[i Hans van Steen, European Commission, DG Energy J^[ d[m ?;7 J[Y^debe]o heWZcWf0 X_e[d[h]o \eh ^[Wj WdZ fem[h Anselm Eisentraut, International Energy Agency (IEA) 9eij Z[l[befc[dji e\ \eii_b \k[bi º W YecfWh_ied e\ ijkZ_[i 9bWkZ_W Akdp" 7][djkh \ h ;hd[k[hXWh[ ;d[h]_[d" =[hcWdo
11.15 Market trends for pellets CWha[j WdZ feb_Yo jh[dZi _d ;khef[ WdZ Dehj^#7c[h_YW0 W transatlantic comparison Gordon Murray, Wood Pellet Association of Canada D[Whbo P[he ;d[h]o 8k_bZ_d]i0 effehjkd_jo eh j^h[Wj \eh pellet heating? Christiane Egger, O.Ö. Energiesparverband, Austria M_bb _dZkijh_Wb WdZ h[i_Z[dj_Wb f[bb[j cWha[ji Yedl[h][5 Johan Granath, Ekman & Co AB, Sweden F[bb[j Y[hj_Ç YWj_ed WdZ Yecfb_WdY[ Richard Sikkema, Control Union Certification /University of Utrecht, The Netherlands
CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW
European Pellet Conference 2013 27 February – 28 February 2013 WELS, AUSTRIA
NEW PELLET NETWORKING PLATFORM NEW PELLET NEWS WORLDWIDE
WWW.PELLET13.EU 12 The largest January 2013 annual 12
pellet conference worldwide
INDUSTRYEVENTS NEWS
12.30 Lunch break 14.00 What will the future bring for the wood pellet sector? Expert views on main opportunities and challenges for the next years - resources, technologies, markets Olga S. Rakitova, The Bioenergy International, Russia Martin Bentele , Deutscher Energieholz- und PelletVerband, Deutsches Pelletinstitut, Germany: John Swaan, PFIT Consulting, Canada: Herbert Ortner, ÖkoFEN Pelletsheizung, Austria 15.00 The World Pellet Business & Technology Forum A market place for product and service innovation,business models and finance Pellet CHP - small and middle scale Technology overview Walter Haslinger, bioenergy 2020+, Austria Biomass CHP and thermal projects - US market examples Justin Wimpey, Antares Group Inc., USA A 5 kW stirling engine using biomass - a challenge Josef Frauscher, Frauscher Energietechnik, Austria Integrating stirling engines in log wood and pellet boilers Daniel Hegele, Hoval, Principality of Liechtenstein Business models & product innovation Fhef[h Xe_b[h i_p_d] Raymond J. Albrecht, BTEC, USA F[bb[j_i_d] X_e\k[b h[i_Zk[i \eh Yeea_d] Hazir Farouk, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Sudan F[bb[j fheZkYj_ed WdZ fem[h ijWj_edi º examples from three continents Stefan Döring, Plant Engineering, Germany Jehh[\WYj_ed e\ ijhWm f[bb[ji Sergey Kuzmin, Tambov State Technical University, Russia
?dYh[Wi_d] [\Ç Y_[dYo j^hek]^ ^[Wj h[Yel[ho Franz Söllhinger, Scheuch, Austria F[bb[j ikffbo YedjhWYj_d] º W ikYY[ii\kb business model 9^h_ij_Wd Ij[jjd[h" I Zm hc[" =[hcWdo 18.00 Pellet Networking Platform 7 fbWj\ehc \eh ijWhj_d] d[m Ye#ef[hWj_edi Wced] pellet actors across the value chain 19.00 End of the conference day 19.30 Evening programme Thursday, 28 February 09.30 Pellet News Worldwide Updates and outlook on different European and global pellet markets (in English only) =beXWb f[bb[j cWha[ji WdZ fh_Y[ \eh[YWij_d] Hubert Röder, Pöyry Management Consulting, Germany IfW_d0 X_ecWii W]W_dij j^[ [Yedec_Y Yh_i_i Marcos Martín Larrañaga, AVEBIOM Im_jp[hbWdZ0 ceh[ j^Wd j^[ Zec[ij_Y f[bb[j market? Martina Caminada, Holzenergie Schweiz / Propellets Schweiz 7kijh_W0 ;Dfbki Y[hj_Ç YWj_ed Christian Rakos, ProPellets Austria F[bb[j cWha[ji _d 9[djhWb WdZ ;Wij[hd ;khef[ Vasil Zlatev, Energy Agency of Plovdiv, Bulgaria ?jWbo0 W h[]_edWb ikhl[o e\ j^[ h[i_Z[dj_Wb biomass market Andrea Crocetta, Politecnoco di Torino KI7 0 Zec[ij_Y WdZ [nfehj f[bb[j cWha[ji Jennifer Hedrick, Pellet Fuels Institute 7kijhWb_W WdZ D[m P[WbWdZ0 W \kjkh[ f[bb[j exporter? Andrew Lang, World Bioenergy Association 12.30 Conference closes More information from www.pellet13.eu
Leon to host 4th BIOMUN This year sees a change to the BIOenergy for MUNicipalities Conference (BIOMUN) in the search for a more direct and convenient way to reach local decision-makers. The aim is to travel to several cities offering a programme of knowledge sharing in urban, economic and environmental policies based on the use of biomass for municipal energy needs. The 4th conference in the series will be held in Leon, Spain, from 16-17 April and will include presentations of case studies, a small commercial expo and professional tours to local biomass facilities. In future, it is hoped to generate meeting points in different regions aimed at establishing first contact with council leaders and local Department Heads, particularly if they are not familiar with the use of biomass and are unaware of its advantages. A format that is eminently practical and a specific
Diary of events European Pellet Conference Wels, Austria 27-28 February, 2013 www.pellet13.eu World Sustainable Energy Days, Wels, Austria 27 February-1 March, 2013 www.wsed.at International Workshop on Pellet Safety < ][d" 7kijh_W 4-6 March, 2013 www.pelletcouncil.eu World Biofuels Markets Congress and Exhibition Rotterdam, The Netherlands 12-14 March, 2013 www.worldbiofuels markets.com 3rd European Biomass to Power Krakow, Poland 10-11 April, 2013 www.wplgroup.com Argus European Biomass Trading London, England 17-18 April, 2013 www.argusmedia.com World Biomass Power Markets Amsterdam, The Netherlands 16-17 May, 2013 www.greenpowerconferences. com 36th Euroheat & Power Congress Vienna, Austria 27-28 May, 2013 www.ehpcongress.org Elmia Wood Jönköping, Sweden 5-8 June, 2013 www.elmia.se
mayor-explains-to-mayor formula are the two elements that define why BIOMUN is so well accepted among decision-makers. Throughout the last three events, almost 800 representatives and local managers, local corporation members and council technicians have attended BIOMUN to find out about the use of biomass at various facilities in different municipalities. More information from www.expobioenergia.com
AEBIOM Bioenergy Conference Brussels, Belgium 17-19 June, 2013 www.aebiom.org Wood & Bioenergy Jyväskylä, Finland 4-6 September, 2013 www.jklpaviljonki.fi
January 2013
13 13