Biomass Energy Use in Böxö, Sweden - December 2002

Biomass Energy Use in Böxö, Sweden - December 2002

The city of Böxö in southern Sweden, which until the late 1970s relied on oil for 100% of its heating energy, now uses biomass energy to generate electricity and provide district heat. This energy conversion is being promoted as part of a sustainable policy, and the forest resources around Bökkö City are being utilized.

The biomass power generation system in Bécceaux is operated by "Bécceaux Energy" and uses approximately 200,000 tons of wood waste as fuel per year. This wood, which is mainly thinned wood from local forest management and waste from sawmills, produces about 600 gigawatt-hours of electricity per year and provides heat for about 90% of the city's buildings. With this biomass power generation, the city of Bécceaux is reducing its carbon dioxide emissions by about 250,000 tons per year and is moving away from its dependence on fossil fuels.

Bécceaux aims to be "the world's greenest city," and this project is a prime example. In addition, the local company "Sveaskog" supports an annual wood supply of approximately 200,000 tons, promoting sustainable resource management throughout the region. In addition, the project has created 150 jobs and stimulated the local economy.

The biomass system reduces energy costs by about 25% and has an annual economic impact of about 300 million Swedish kronor (about 4 billion yen). The introduction of renewable energy is also being referenced by cities around the world as a way to combat climate change.