The Russian county, Kirov, will strengthen the use of biomass in the future energy supply. FORCE Technology takes part in the project aimed at converting the polluting poultry manure into an environmental success in both Kirov and Denmark.

Kirovskaya oblast – or Kirov county in English – is approx. four times the size of Denmark and has a population of 1.6m. From the hills in Kirov you have a beautiful view of far-reaching plains with dense forests of conifers and birches. The forests dominate this area 900 kilometres east of Moscow.

And then there is poultry. The chicken farms. A resource for Kirov which may also become a resource for Denmark. In collaboration with FORCE Technology, Kirov Khleb Holding is examining how the chicken droppings can be used as a biomass fuel and thus reduce emission of Methane into the atmosphere. Moreover, it will save the Russians from fossil fuel expenses, and it will reduce CO₂ emissions. Denmark is then able to buy the CO₂ quota that the Russians has reduced, which will be for the benefit of the Danish community.

According to the Kyoto Protocol for the reduction of CO2 emissions, if Denmark helps, for instance, Russia to reduce its CO2 emissions, Denmark will be entitled to purchase that quota. This may assist Denmark in meeting its promise to reduce CO2 emissions.

The restructuring

“We have been conducting various projects in Russia for some years – also projects about CO₂ quotas – together with the Danish EPA, among others. Moreover, we have intensified collaboration with Danish companies operating in Russia and, naturally, with the Russian authorities and public bodies. Through our close contact with the Russian business sector, we have now become partners in a project aimed at transforming the manure from 10m chickens into biomass fuel. Kirov county is in the midst of an energy supply restructuring process where biomass plays a growing role. FORCE Technology thus takes part in projects where boilers at heating installations have been converted from coal and oil to natural gas and biomass. Now it is about starting a process where the poultry farms actively contribute to energy supplies and to reduce CO₂ emissions,” says Marina Matveeva, director of FORCE Technology’s Russian subsidiary in Saint Petersburg.

The Russian subsidiary has a large network in energy and process optimisation, biomass and waste incineration and can look back over many years of engagement in Russia with FORCE Technology’s Danish environment and energy professionals.

Problematic gas

At present the poultry manure is not used at an optimum. Much of it is used as fertilisers in the fields, and that is a problem since it is degassing. The gas is Methane – a powerful greenhouse gas – like CO₂ but with 21 times more effect and it is released directly into the atmosphere.

“The poultry manure can be used in biogas plants and since the biomass is CO₂ neutral, it provides an environmental and financial gain to the Russians. According to our calculations 55,000 tonnes of CO₂ can be saved in 2008. By comparison, we emit approx. 10 tonnes of CO₂ per year per Dane. The savings in Kirov will thus correspond to the amount emitted in one year from e.g. Assens, Maribo or Rudkøbing," say Project managers Gitte Videcrantz and Lars Peter Johansen of FORCE Technology, who are in charge of the technical documentation for the project in Kirov.

Further potential

Before the Russians can put their saved CO₂ quotas for sale, a calculation of the size of the reduction’s potential in the project has to be made. A 5-year estimate must be made and FORCE Technology will be in charge of it.

“Currently we have negotiations with the consortium in Kirov to optimise the project by establishing biomass plants which may also use waste from other productions. Annexed to the poultry farms are also cattle farms, a chicken abattoir and baking factories that all will be able to deliver biomass for the heat or power plant or buy the energy produced. And on top of that we have the forests,” says Marina Matveeva.

Several regions in Russia have shown interest in similar projects on implementation of sustainable energy supplies. There is no doubt in Marina Matveeva's mind that the biomass energy will spread in the large country with the many resources.

“There is a market for linking the Russian need for energy conversion to expertise in biomass energy right from analysis level to counselling about which techniques should be used to supply of the technology. FORCE Technology can contribute with a lot of know-how in that respect, but will also act as a sub-contractor to Danish companies who want to become engaged in the Russian biomass energy sector,” says Marina Matveeva.