Russian Scientists Look to Biofuels from Wood Waste for Arctic Regions

Russian scientists believe that biofuel could be an alternative energy source for some areas in the Arctic regions. A good example of this is Komi Republic in Russia which gradually modify its boilers from using expensive oil and coal to one which uses biofuel made from waste of wood processing, such as briquettes, pellets, chips and firewood. This was first observed in the wood-producing districts.

As of January 1, 2016, the republic has 37 boiling stations that use biofuel. By January 1, 2017, 58 stations, and another 18, will begin using biofuels within the current year, according to the Director General of the Komi Heat Energy Company Igor Glukhov.

An interesting project on hand is from a major pulp and paper producer in Russia, the Mondi Syktyvkar Plant. The plant gives heat and hot water to a district in Syktyvkar, where more than 60,000 people live. The company wants to have the biggest steamer in Russia, fueled by waste from wood processing.

Besides the wood waste, the steamer will burn 150,000 tons of sludge waste per year. The project is estimated to cost eight billion rubles ($133 million). With the new boiler, the company will save 127 million cubic meters of natural gas per year and will create a use for wood waste.