Foster Wheeler reports the successful start of commercial operation of a large-scale, 125 MWe (385 MWth), circulating fluidized-bed (CFB) boiler island delivered to Kaukaan Voima Oy, in Finland. Kaukaan Voima Oy is owned by Pohjolan Voima Oy (PVO) and Lappeenrannan Energia Oy. The new biomass unit fires a combination of biomass and peat and has the capability to fully fire either fuel, supplying process steam and electricity to the adjacent UPM-Kymmene Corporation's pulp and paper mill, as well as electricity and district heat to the city of Lappeenranta.

The power plant is fueled by bark, branches, tops, stumps, small wood and peat and is reported to be Finland's largest user of solid biomass, i.e. wood which cannot be used as raw material for higher-grade processes. Biomass accounts for approximately 80% of the plant's fuel supply.

"This project is one of the largest biomass-fired CFB's in the world and it is yet another example of Foster Wheeler's capability to provide technologically advanced, environmentally friendly solutions allowing our customers to reduce CO2 and other emissions," said Tomas Harju-Jeanty, president and CEO of Foster Wheeler Energia Oy.

"The Kaukaan Voima plant is an extension of PVO's bioenergy program aimed at the reduction of CO2 emissions in energy production as well as increasing the use of renewable fuels through utilization of locally available bioenergy sources," said Jukka Kiuru, managing director of Kaukaan Voima Oy.

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