Biomass has been the primary source of heat production in Finland for years, but Varpu Sairinen believes that this should change. He suggests taxing biomass to shift the focus on heat pumps and electric boilers. The cost of biomass, especially forest wood chips and sawmill industry by-products, has increased by over 70% nationwide since the war in Ukraine began, making it expensive for heating companies and customers alike.
Sairinen acknowledges that using heat pumps or electric boilers in cold climates can be challenging without owning electricity production. However, he believes that with proper planning and infrastructure development, these alternatives can become more feasible.
In smaller municipalities, generating heat without burning wood presents its own set of challenges. For instance, if connections to large cities are needed for sufficient electricity supply, it can be difficult to find alternative sources of energy. This lack of options raises concerns for heating companies in Finland as they struggle to find a way to generate heat without relying on wood.
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Overall, Sairinen’s suggestion to shift away from biomass towards more sustainable alternatives may be challenging but is necessary to ensure a sustainable future for Finland’s heating industry.