RDP project database
Biomass Energy Production utilising Forestry Waste Material
Summary
A 20 hectare forestry and livestock holding in Northeast Slovenia developed a small biomass system with 500 MW/year capacity to make good use of waste forest material and provide heating for the family farm and a neighbouring one.
Background
The 20 hectare Smogavc family business consists of a forestry and a 20-cow beef unit in a complementary enterprise. The owner wanted to exploit an opportunity to make good environmental use of the waste wood material available to the enterprise by converting it to useable bio-energy.
Objective
The main aim of the investment was to produce, consume and if possible sell some excess energy by making use of residual material from harvested wood as biomass.
Main activities
After analysis of options and planning the investment, the main activities of the project involved the purchase and installation of the machinery required for the biomass system.
Results & Benefits
The farm now has a cheaper and more ecologically friendly source of energy for heating water and providing warmth for the farm animals during the cold winter period. Some of the 500 MW/year of energy produced is sold to a neighbouring farm which lowers operational costs further and, in its own small way, contributes to mitigating climate change. It also diversifies the activities on the farm and reduces waste.
Lessons learnt
This project showed that good research and analysis of the options for choosing the most appropriate biomass system to suit the conditions, needs and available financial resources is most important. And on top of this, that reliable and regular sources of raw material are important.
Project location and other information
Gorenje pri Zrecah, Zrece Municipality, Northeast Slovenia
Region
Savinjska
RDP Territory
Slovenia
Total project cost (€)
100 000
Private contribution (€)
50 000
Contact name
Ludvik Smogavc
Telephone
00 386 41 689 356
Languages for contact
German, Slovene
At a glance
Country
Slovenia
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers
Budget range
€20 000 - €99 999
Start date:
01/04/2008
End Date:
20/08/2008
Theme / Measure:
Competitiveness of Agriculture & Forestry
Restructuring, developing physical potential, and promoting innovation
122. Improvement of the economic value of forests
Keywords:
Forest management, Bioenergy, Diversity, Wood
Last update
25/07/2012