Taaleri, NextFuel partner on Finnish biocoal project
Taaleri will have the right to license NextFuel’s new torrefaction technology in its planned biocoal project in Joensuu, Finland, under a new agreement.
NextFuel’s new torrefaction technology makes it possible to produce a clean version of coal in less than 30 minutes, using biomass. The fuel can be produced from a variety of abundant biomass raw materials, including forestry residues, elephant grass, bagasse and other types of fast-growing energy crops that can be grown on marginal land not suitable for food production.
The energy content is similar to coal (22-28 GJ/t) and the briquettes can be used in existing energy infrastructure, making it possible to quickly and inexpensively phase out coal with a clean alternative. The fuel is carbon neutral and can even be carbon negative, depending on the type of crop used and local conditions.
“We are pleased that Taaleri has chosen NextFuel as its technology partner, and we look forward to working closely together with them during this project,” said NextFuel CEO, Stefano Romano.
“The agreement is a major milestone on our roadmap to get companies all over the world to use our superior technology to make a profitable clean successor to fossil fuels.”
In December 2020, Taaleri announced it was preparing to build its first biocoal plant in Joensuu, Finland, on Savon Voima Oyj’s power and heat plant site. Taaleri also plans to build more biocoal plants in the future, likely in Europe and the US.
The Joensuu biocoal plant is expected to commence operations in 2022. Joensuun Biohiili Oy will build and operate the plant and NextFuel will provide the process technology. The companies have also agreed to collaborate on potential future projects. NextFuel will receive a licensing fee per tonne produced and has also been given the opportunity to co-invest and take equity positions in this and other possible future Taaleri projects.
Taaleri CEO Robin Lindahl commented: “By utilising NextFuel’s torrefaction technology, we believe this gives us a clear competitive edge in the biomass industry. This agreement will strengthen our project even further.”
NextFuel’s new torrefaction technology makes it possible to produce a clean version of coal in less than 30 minutes, using biomass. The fuel can be produced from a variety of abundant biomass raw materials, including forestry residues, elephant grass, bagasse and other types of fast-growing energy crops that can be grown on marginal land not suitable for food production.
The energy content is similar to coal (22-28 GJ/t) and the briquettes can be used in existing energy infrastructure, making it possible to quickly and inexpensively phase out coal with a clean alternative. The fuel is carbon neutral and can even be carbon negative, depending on the type of crop used and local conditions.
“We are pleased that Taaleri has chosen NextFuel as its technology partner, and we look forward to working closely together with them during this project,” said NextFuel CEO, Stefano Romano.
“The agreement is a major milestone on our roadmap to get companies all over the world to use our superior technology to make a profitable clean successor to fossil fuels.”
In December 2020, Taaleri announced it was preparing to build its first biocoal plant in Joensuu, Finland, on Savon Voima Oyj’s power and heat plant site. Taaleri also plans to build more biocoal plants in the future, likely in Europe and the US.
The Joensuu biocoal plant is expected to commence operations in 2022. Joensuun Biohiili Oy will build and operate the plant and NextFuel will provide the process technology. The companies have also agreed to collaborate on potential future projects. NextFuel will receive a licensing fee per tonne produced and has also been given the opportunity to co-invest and take equity positions in this and other possible future Taaleri projects.
Taaleri CEO Robin Lindahl commented: “By utilising NextFuel’s torrefaction technology, we believe this gives us a clear competitive edge in the biomass industry. This agreement will strengthen our project even further.”
