Suez and biomass
Biomass, which consists of all plant-based or animal-based organic matter, today represents an important source of renewable energy. It boasts numerous advantages: substitution is possible between the different types of biomass (from forestry, agricultural or industrial activities), a variety of supply sources exists all over the world and synergies take place with coal via co-combustion. The use of biomass is an integral part of the SUEZ Group?s strategy, since it is the only renewable energy source that is characterized by dependable and predictable flexibility. With more than 50 sites in Europe, the United States and Brazil, which use more than two million metric tons of various types of biomass every year, the SUEZ Group is one of the leading international experts in this domain, thanks notably to its consistent supply and appropriate pricing of this fuel.
The SUEZ Group?s know-how
Through its subsidiary Electrabel, SUEZ Energy Europe has a generating capacity of more than 400 MW, essentially produced through the co-combustion of wood and agricultural waste in its thermal power stations. SUEZ Energy Services and its subsidiary Elyo operate more than 65 heating plants in France, representing more than 100 MWth, and are focusing upon biomass as a major development strategy, with more than 50 projects planned over the next three years, amounting to a total consumption of nearly one million metric tons of biomass per year. SUEZ Energy International is also committed to the development of biomass technology, and to the production of carbon emission reduction certificates, which will also foster various projects in developing countries. Laborelec and Tractebel Engineering are putting their experience to good use in the area of operational efficiency (from energy savings to converting former thermal power stations to biofuel) and environmental constraints.
Conversion of a coal-fired power station to a 100% biomass-based unit in Les Awirs (Belgium)
SUEZ is investing in the conversion of its coal-fired power stations by developing coal-biomass co-combustion. Such 100% conversions into biomass power stations are possible: accordingly, in the Awirs power station, near Liège, one unit was entirely converted in 2006 and today functions exclusively with wood chips, which are subsequently reduced to sawdust. The storage silos, conveyer belts and various burners have been adapted to this new electricity production method, without neglecting, of course, the installation of filters and hammer mills, or the implementation of appropriate security and safety measures. With a 34% yield and 80 MW of power, this facility converts 400,000 metric tons of wood waste into energy every year, thereby saving 280,000 metric tons of coal and averting the release of 500,000 metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere.
Key Figures
As of December 31, 2007, the installed production capacity of the SUEZ Group using biomass was 26.7 MWe (outside of waste incineration). Biomass helps produce more than two thirds of the renewable energy used in France (equivalent to 9.67 million metric tons of oil in 2005) and half of that produced in Europe.