Vaasa, Finland – Metso will supply a 140MW bio-gasification plant to Vaskiluodon Voima Oy in Vaasa. The bio-gasification plant, which will be adjoined to the existing 565MW coal-fired power plant, will be fuelled mainly by forest residues.
The biogas produced will then be combusted with coal. The bio-gasification plant enables Vaskiluodon Voima to replace 25-40% of the coal it now uses with renewable energy, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 230ktpa.
Vaskiluodon Voima’s total investment is approximately Euro40 million, of which Metso’s delivery represents more than half. The new bio-gasification plant is to start up in December 2012.
Metso’s delivery encompasses a complete solution including fuel handling, the drying plant and gasifier, the modifications needed for the existing coal-fired boiler, and the entire plant automation and information management systems.
Vaskiluodon Voima’s biomass gasification plant will be the first in the world on such a large scale, according to Metso. The operation will employ about 100 people.
“The majority of the world’s energy production is still heavily relying on coal. Metso’s new bio-gasification technology, including biomass drying, offers a new, cost-effective alternative for large coal-fired plants to increase the share of biomass and reduce the proportion of coal and emissions,” says Juhani Isaksson, Product Manager for Metso.
Mauri Blomberg, MD of Vaskiluodon Voima, explains that the investment allows a relatively low-cost and rapid deployment of bioenergy: “Metso proved to be a partner that could supply a comprehensive bio-gasification technology solution, which combines the power plant process, biomass drying, modifications to the coal-fired boiler and automation into one competitive and functioning unit.
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