A production plant for wood pellets in Albany, Australia, that was shut down in February 2012 is said to commence operation again, according to www.abc.net.au. A lack of demand, supply problems and a high Australian dollar led operating company Plantation Energy to the decision to suspend production. Now, international energy enterprise Engie is supporting the resumptio of production with AU$ 7 million.
"Now, we have more security with regards to the raw material supply. The economic situation for exporting pellets improved as well", said Peter Balsarini from the energy company Renewable Heat & Power (RHP), the owner of Plantation Energy.
With a capacity of 250,000 t/yr, the facility is the largest of its kind in Australia. After a six-month trail operation, full production is projected to start in July 2017. The pellets will be shipped to Europe and Japan where they will be utilized as a source of energy in former coal-fired power plants.
