Estonia’s Energy Evolution: Iru Power Plant’s Transition to Sustainable Heat Production from Mixed Household Waste

0
393

The Competition Authority has confirmed the heat price limit for mixed household waste processed at the Iru power plant to be 12.36 euros per megawatt hour, maintaining its status as the most affordable heat source in Estonia. AS Utilitas continues to purchase this heat for Tallinn and Maardu’s district heating customers.

Enefit Geen’s board member and production manager, Innar Kaasik, underscores the company’s commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability of heat energy production. Investments and rising maintenance costs, influenced by increased capital expenses and inflation, are cited as the primary reasons for the adjustment in heating prices.

Over the past three years, Enefit Green has invested over 4 million euros in the Iru power plant, with a significant portion directed towards environmental protection measures. These include installing environmentally friendly natural gas burners for backup energy production and updating the flue gas measurement system to meet environmental standards. Despite the necessary price adjustments due to economic factors, the heat price will remain the most competitive in Estonia even after the change.

Also Read  Chennai Port Authority Invites Bids For 2 MW Rooftop Solar Project Under RESCO Model

Effective April 19, 2024, the heat price for mixed household waste at the Iru power plant will rise to 12.36 euros per megawatt hour from the current 7.98 euros.

Since 2013, the Iru power plant has been converting mixed household waste into electricity and heat, significantly reducing landfilling and contributing to Estonia’s environmental cleanliness efforts. In 2023 alone, Enefit Green processed 249 thousand tons of mixed household waste and waste fuel into electricity and heat at the Iru power plant.

The price of heat in Estonia is regulated by the District Heating Act and is determined based on costs, overseen and coordinated by the Competition Authority.


Discover more from SolarQuarter

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.