After a test period, Denmark-headed energy utility major Ørsted has decided to co-fire straw with wood pellets at its Studstrup Power Station outside Aarhus. This means that the power station will once again use straw from Danish fields.
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Studstrup Power Station has previously used straw as fuel. But back then, it was in combination with coal, which until 2016 was the primary source of fuel at the power station. Since 2016, when the plant phased out coal completely, straw has not been used as fuel.
This is partly because straw has a high ash content, which can destroy the boilers if it is not used as a supplement to coal. But after a test period, it has nevertheless proved possible.
It’s very positive that we now have the opportunity to use straw from Danish fields as a supplement to our wood pellets at Studstrup Power Station. Using different fuel types gives us greater reliability of supply, and it makes perfect sense to use the residual products that are in our backyard, said Thomas Lyse, Senior Director in Ørsted and responsible for procuring fuel for the power stations.
Up to 10 percent
A start-up period was necessary to prepare Studstrup Power Station for using straw as fuel again. First, the boilers and burners had to be adjusted to using wood pellets instead of coal, and then the power station’s engineers could start testing the possibilities of adding straw.
We tested the options for a period of time, during which we gradually increased the quantity of straw. And we’ve concluded that we can replace about eight to ten percent of the wood pellets with straw without destroying the boilers, said Thomas Lyse.
In the coming heating season, Studstrup Power Station expects to use 40 000 – 45 000 tonnes of straw, which, along with wood pellets from sustainable forestry, will ensure green district heating for Aarhus and the surrounding area.
Ørsted also has a straw-fired boiler at Avedøre Power Station, which converts approximately 130 000 tonnes of straw to district heating each year.