Biomass Energy Utilization in Växjö, Sweden - December 2002

Biomass Energy Utilization in Växjö, Sweden - December 2002

Växjö, a city in southern Sweden, once relied 100% on oil for heating energy until the late 1970s. Today, the city uses biomass energy for power generation and district heating. This energy transition is part of the city's sustainable policies, utilizing forest resources from the surrounding areas of Växjö.

The biomass power system is operated by Växjö Energi AB, which uses approximately 200,000 tons of wood waste annually as fuel. This wood mainly comes from thinning operations and waste from sawmills. The system produces about 600 gigawatt-hours of electricity per year and supplies heat to approximately 90% of the buildings in the city. Through this biomass power generation, Växjö reduces carbon dioxide emissions by about 250,000 tons annually, advancing the city's shift away from fossil fuel dependence.

Växjö aims to become "the world's greenest city," and this project stands as a key example of that effort. Local company Sveaskog supplies approximately 200,000 tons of wood annually to support this initiative. Sustainable resource management is promoted throughout the region. Additionally, this project has created 150 jobs and revitalized the local economy.

The biomass system has also reduced energy costs by about 25%, generating an economic effect of around 300 million Swedish kronor (about 4 billion yen) annually. This renewable energy model is highly regarded as a climate change measure and is a reference for cities around the world.