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    Base de données des projets PDR

    The Biomassehof Waldstein Forest Production

    Summary

    The use of forest biomass is increasingly gaining on importance and popularity as an energy source. This project recognised the potential of Styrian forests as suppliers of wood and enhanced farmers' cooperatives to produce this alternative fuel.

    Photo:

    Background

    The market for wooden chips and firewood operated in an informal setting with very limited organisation. This led to an insecure supply with a limited accessibilty on the market. This product was thus not available for people opting to use wood combustion and was only limited to people who either owned forest land or those having links to forest owners and wood producers. Therefore, the re-organisation of the market together with the required facilities and equipment were required.

    Objective

    This scope of the project was to i) contribute to the diversification of the energy supply in the Styrian regions by consolidating regional biomass farms ii) promote the use of bio-energy and reduce the dependency from external energy sources; iii) enhance the local economy by creating new job opportunities, create new sources of income and niche market opportunities for the local community.

    Main activities

    The main activity consisted in the erection of a warehouse that was complemented with a drying system (cold air through perforated ducts) for the drying of logs and wooden chips. The product can be purchased directly from the Biomassehof facility or alternatively delivered directly to the customer. Further activties included the promotion and marketing of bio-mass use and its contribution to energy prodcution in the region.

    Results & Benefits

    The Biomassehof Waldstein facility opened in 2007 and until 2010 it sold about 7,000 cubic meters of wooden chips and 400 cubic meters of firewood. It is run by a farmers cooperative employing 60 forest farmers, utilising approximately 2,200 hectares of forest. Customers that benefit from the cooperative's products include commercial businesses, catering companies, biomass-heat providers, and private user of wood heating systems.

    Lessons learnt

    The biomass farms are increasingly gaining on importance as professional fuel suppliers in Styria. Particular emphasis is placed on the quality of the marketed bio-fuels. In addition the consolidation of operations through a farmers organisation facilitated the management of resources and streamlined the overall operations into a sustainable enterprise.

    Project location and other information

    Waldstein, Western Styria

    Region

    Steiermark

    RDP Territory

    Austria

    Total project cost (€)

    85 000

    EAFRD contribution (€)

    25 500

    Contact name

    Dr. Horst Jauschnegg

    Telephone

    +43 316 8050 1277

    Languages for contact

    English, German

    At a glance

    Country

    Austria

    Final beneficiary type

    Forester, Producer groups

    Budget range

    €20 000 - €99 999

    Start date:

    01/05/2007

    End Date:

    3/06/2009

    Theme / Measure:

    • Competitiveness of Agriculture & Forestry
    • Restructuring, developing physical potential, and promoting innovation
    • 122. Improvement of the economic value of forests

    Keywords:

    Bioenergy, Biofuel, Biomass, Wood

    Last update

    19/06/2014