Future role of domestic biomass and peat in national energy security.

The study evaluates the development of national supply security. The aim of the paper was to examine the supply security of solid domestic fuels for Finnish combined heat and power plants (CHP) in a domestic fuel disruption. The consumption of wood fuels has increased in recent decades and discussion of supply security has become important nationally. On the other hand, the consumption of peat and coal has been replaced by biomass, which has created questions over its sustainable availability regionally and nationally. The study utilised a questionnaire targeting major combined heat and power plants utilising domestic fuels located around Finland. The response rate of questionnaire was as high as 88%, which reflected the importance attached to the subject. The most significant concern was that economical operating conditions for peat should be ensured, or wood fuels will face difficulties in securing the energy supply by itself. However, the CHP plants were prepared to increase the use of wood fuels, for example by developing logistical systems, investing in fuel terminals and intensifying cooperation with fuel suppliers. Topic of the study is also important internationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]