First industrial-scale torrefaction reactor in Finland

International technology group ANDRITZ delivered and started up the torrefaction reactor for one of Europe’s largest industrial torrefaction plants, developed by Joensuu Biocoal Oy and operated by Taaleri in Finland. The plant produces a renewable alternative to fossil coal using sustainably sourced biomass, specifically pre-commercial thinnings of certified forests in Finland.

The innovative torrefaction reactor converts biomass into a carbon-rich end product called biocoal or advanced biomass. The reactor was manufactured at the ANDRITZ workshop in Graz, Austria, under license from NextFuel. In addition to the reactor, ANDRITZ supplied the Metris addIQ system for control of the torrefaction process.

The reactor was installed at the new bio-industrial plant on the site of Savon Voima Oyj’s combined heat and power plant in Joensuu, where Joensuu Biocoal’s plant is located. The reactor will produce up to 60,000 tons of biocoal per year. This renewable fuel will replace fossil coal in various industrial applications, contributing to significant CO₂ savings and supporting the global push towards carbon neutrality.

“We are very proud to contribute to one of the largest torrefaction plants in Europe. This milestone underscores ANDRITZ’s commitment to innovation and sustainability by providing renewable energy solutions that support a greener future,” says Stefan Peter, Global Product Group Manager at ANDRITZ.

The Joensuu Biocoal production plant is financed by Taaleri Plc, a number of Finnish family-owned investment companies and the Finnish Climate Fund. The project is also supported by the European Regional Development Fund.