Clean Electricity Generation Ltd (CEG) and Turun Seudun Energiantuotanto Oy (TSE) have announced the successful logistics, handling and combustion trial of over 1,000 tonnes of CEG Renewable Black Pellets at TSE’s coal-fired power unit Na2 in Naantali power plant, Finland. The pellets, produced from sustainably sourced biomass, served as a drop-in substitute for fossil coal in the co-firing trial.

CEG Renewable Black Pellets were produced at CEG’s High-Temperature Torrefaction facility in Derby, UK, and transported by ship to Naantali, Finland. In Naantali, the pellets were stored outdoors, in the power station’s existing coal yard, uncovered and exposed to rain and normal autumn weather conditions. The pellets were then conveyed, using legacy coal conveyors, to the unit Na2 power block’s coal silos and mills, and ultimately the coal-fired boiler unit Na2. During the trial, TSE employed the plant’s existing infrastructure designed for fossil coal; the equipment was not modified for biomass.

The objectives for the trial were to evaluate replacement of fossil coal with torrefied pellets, demonstrate that the fuel switch from fossil to renewable can occur without significant investment at the power station, and prove that CEG pellets can withstand outdoor storage for a certain time, in a similar manner to fossil coal.

CEG Renewable Black Pellets were high-energy and demonstrated hydrophobic behaviour, standard coal handling, efficient combustion, and good grindability. TSE is further evaluating the detailed technical performance of the pellets, as the basis for a fuel replacement decision. The trial occurred in Naantali between September 23rd and 27th, 2019.

TSE will comment on the trial separately at a later phase.

CEG supplies proprietary High-Temperature Torrefaction (HTT) reactors for the production of CEG Renewable Black Pellets. CEG pellets are a drop-in replacement for fossil coal. CEG’s proprietary HTT reactors upgrade sustainably-sourced raw biomass into a range of value-added torrefied products. Output can be user-specified between 21 MJ/kg and 30 MJ/kg. A pelletized product, with applications in power generation and industry, can be specified from 21 MJ/kg to 24 MJ/kg. CEG pellets are suitable for outdoor storage and can be substituted for fossil coal without significant capital expenditures.

This trial is the latest in CEG’s 2019 program of customer trials. Utility and industrial trials are underway to secure commodity off-take contracts for Baltania, a commercial-scale Renewable Black Pellet plant in Estonia. Further utility and industrial trials using CEG pellets are planned for Q4 2019 and H1 2020. CEG will supply eight of its proprietary HTT reactors to Baltania, for a combined output of approximately 160,000 tonnes per annum.

CEG’s High-Temperature Torrefaction Reactor:

CEG’s proprietary HTT reactor is the only fully scaled torrefaction reactor available today. Based on long-established vibrating dryer technology, our reactor is highly efficient, safe, designed for continuous operation, and is already full-scaled and producing large volumes in CEG’s Derby facility. The reactor’s industry-leading high operating temperature and easily controlled residence time allows users precise control and to specify output ranging between 21 MJ/kg and 30 MJ/kg.

Baltania is currently being constructed as a commercial-scale Renewable Black Pellet production plant in Estonia. It has a planned output of approximately 160,000 tonnes per annum, with production starting in summer 2020.

TSE produces heat and electricity for the inhabitants Turku region and process steam for the industry and continues the local energy production tradition. The heat, electricity, and steam generated are passed on to its end customers through the main owners, Fortum and Turku Energia. Over 200,000 people already live in district heating homes in the Turku region.

TSE’s Naantali power station has been producing energy since 1960, with a pioneering attitude and the latest technology. Heat is also produced at other TSE facilities. TSE’s pride is the Naantali Unit 4, completed in 2017, a modern multi-fuel CHP power plant.

TSE is constantly developing its operations together with Turku Energia and Fortum’s energy experts. TSE’s goals are to increase the use of renewable energy and a flexible energy production system.

For further information, please contact CEG at info@cegeneration.com or m.hassinen@momentumcapital.nl.