Finland has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy, particularly in bioenergy, positioning itself to sustain energy needs entirely through biofuels for months if required. This commitment to bioenergy is transforming the forest products industry, as stakeholders adapt to new opportunities and challenges in sustainable practices. 

As Finland’s largest renewable energy source, bioenergy plays a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy security amidst volatile global energy markets. Finnish Bioenergy Association expert Erika Laajalahti highlights Finland’s unique ability to capture biogenic carbon dioxide from industries like forestry and waste management, enabling carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) solutions. Finland produces around 28 million tons of biogenic CO₂ annually, aligning closely with its 2022 fossil emissions, underscoring the potential for impactful carbon-neutral energy initiatives. 

Several ambitious projects in Finland reflect this vision. For instance, Metsä Group, a leader in Finland’s forest industry, has partnered with Austrian tech firm Andritz AG to explore a large-scale carbon capture facility, projected to capture four million tons of CO₂ annually. Metsä’s Kemi bioproduct mill, the northern hemisphere’s largest wood-processing mill, is leading this initiative, with pilot testing at Rauma mill expected by 2025. This project could reshape the forest products industry by converting captured carbon into new, sustainable materials. 

However, Finland’s reliance on bioenergy comes with challenges. Price volatility in energy markets and regulatory hurdles in the EU pose economic and operational considerations. High log and pulpwood prices have emerged as market dynamics shift, highlighting the need for a balanced approach. 

ResourceWise, with its expertise in forest products and bioenergy, offers valuable insights to navigate these trends, helping businesses leverage bioenergy potential for growth and environmental benefits. 

Sources:  

https://www.resourcewise.com/forest-products-blog/finlands-leadership-with-bioenergy-and-its-impact-on-the-forest-products-industry 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1462901198000483 

https://bioenergyinternational.com/finland-a-global-leader-in-forest-based-biomass-for-energy/ 

https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2018/Mar/IRENA_Bioenergy_from_Finnish_forests_2018.pdf