Description
The project objective is to install and operate an innovative and integrated biomass thermal gasification and pellet production installation close to Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, that processes various biomasses, mainly wood waste, including biomass waste to produce combined heat and power (CHP), and wood pellets. The project is based on two separated but integral modular components – a CHP plant and a wood pellet production plant. The CHP plant capacity shall be 300 kWel and 1'500 kWth, whereas the pellet production capacity shall be 800 kg of wood pellet production per hour. The project added value is electricity production utilizing wood waste, and the interdisciplinary use of thermal energy, directly into both plants processes, and indirectly for third party users for district heating, drying and refrigeration. The expected impact of the project is to install and operate an innovative and integrated biomass thermal gasification and pellet production installation in the region of Blagoevgrad. Combined heat and power (CHP) will be installed; pellet production plant will be installed. Approximately 15 new jobs will be created.
Summary of project results
The project objective was to install and operate an innovative and integrated biomass thermal gasification and pellet production installation in the region of Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria. The thermal plant is using waste biomass for fuel that contributes to reducing harmful emissions into the atmosphere. As a result of the project, 15 new green jobs were created for the production of environmentally friendly energy carrier – wood pellets, glued wood beams and green energy from biomass and waste wood. The following outcomes were achieved as a result of the successfully implemented the project: - Combined heat and power (CHP) installed (from baseline zero to target of 250 kW installed electrical capacity and 370 kW installed thermal capacity); - 7’200 tonnes/year pellet production line installed; - 1’000 m3/year glued wood-beam production line installed; - 1’800 m3/year sawn timber wood production readiness; - 2’100 m2/year wood house production readiness. There are two main environmental benefits from the project: - Emission free electricity and thermal power generation; - Production of high-efficient energy carrier – wood pellets. Impact on fossil fuel reliance: The project contributes to the diversification of the energy mix of the region, thus reducing reliance on coal and petroleum products.
Summary of bilateral results
For the successful implementation of the project, Hydroenergy Company JSC contributed with the project development and licensing, funding, installation, operation and maintenance activities, whereas HydrogenPro AS delivered and transferred technical and operational know-how of the new technology. Having experience in the general field of Combined Heat and Power plants as well as in waste management, HydrogenPro AS had an advisory role when it comes to engineering and construction decision-making processes.