ANDRITZ starts up first industrial-scale torrefaction reactor in Finland
International technology group ANDRITZ delivered and started up the torrefaction reactor for one of Europe's largest industrial torrefaction plants, developed by Joensuu Biocoal Oy and operated by Taaleri in Finland.
The plant produces a renewable alternative to fossil coal using sustainably sourced biomass, specifically pre-commercial thinnings of certified forests in Finland.
The innovative torrefaction reactor converts biomass into a carbon-rich end product called biocoal or advanced biomass. The reactor was manufactured at the ANDRITZ workshop in Graz, Austria, under license from NextFuel. In addition to the reactor, ANDRITZ supplied the Metris addIQ system for control of the torrefaction process.
The reactor was installed at the new bio-industrial plant on the site of Savon Voima Oyj’s combined heat and power plant in Joensuu, where Joensuu Biocoal’s plant is located. The reactor will produce up to 60,000 tons of biocoal per year. This renewable fuel will replace fossil coal in various industrial applications, contributing to significant CO2 savings and supporting the global push towards carbon neutrality.
“We are very proud to contribute to one of the largest torrefaction plants in Europe. This milestone underscores ANDRITZ's commitment to innovation and sustainability by providing renewable energy solutions that support a greener future,” says Stefan Peter, Global Product Group Manager at ANDRITZ.
The Joensuu Biocoal production plant is financed by Taaleri Plc, a number of Finnish family-owned investment companies and the Finnish Climate Fund. The project is also supported by the European Regional Development Fund.
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ANDRITZ torrefaction reactor in operation at Joensuu Biocoal, Finland
Torrefaction reactor manufactured at ANDRITZ workshop in Graz, Austria
ANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ provides advanced plants, equipment, services, and digital solutions for a wide range of industries, including pulp and paper, metals, hydropower, environmental, and others. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in Austria, the publicly listed group employs about 30,000 people at 280 locations in over 80 countries.
As a global leader in technology and innovation, ANDRITZ is committed to fostering progress that benefits customers, partners, employees, society, and the environment. The company’s growth is driven by sustainable solutions enabling the green transition, advanced digitalization for highest industrial performance, and comprehensive services that maximize the value of customers’ plants over their entire life cycle. ANDRITZ. FOR GROWTH THAT MATTERS.
ANDRITZ ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY
ANDRITZ Environment & Energy is committed to environmental responsibility and offers a broad range of technologies focusing on sustainable solutions for various industries. The extensive product portfolio includes technologies for the production of green hydrogen and renewable fuels, for carbon capture and emission reduction, mechanical and thermal solid/liquid separation, grinding, pelletizing, and for pumping fluids. Complemented by cutting-edge automation and digitalization as well as comprehensive services, they enable efficient and innovative solutions in processes such as water and wastewater management, recycling, waste/sludge-to-value, resource-saving battery-related mining, desalination, feed and food valorization, air emission reduction and P2X.
