SMALL-SCALE BIOMASS BASED CHP PRODUCTION IN RURAL AREAS IN FINLAND

In local and regional level forest biomass could be utilized in small-scale heat and power production e.g. in farms and smaller enterprises. The aim of this paper is to introduce the possibilities of small-scale CHP production in Finnish rural areas where forest biomass is available nearby. In this study, small-scale production refers to power plants with electrical output less than 1 MWe and thermal output not more than 3 MWth. Recently the interest in decentralized small-scale energy production, especially electricity production, has increased and the development of technology, together with risen prices of electricity and fossil fuels has improved its competitiveness. This study concentrates on the region of South-Savo which has long traditions on utilizing forest biomass and other renewable energy sources. This is an upcoming research project and the detailed results will be discussed later.