Bosnian power utility EPBiH has successfully realized the first pilot projects of planting fast- growing wood biomass – willow, for cleaner electricity production. Test willow plantations were planted in collaboration with US E3 International on the cultivated lands of the Kreka and Breza mines (one hectare on each).
The company E3 International, in addition to the delivery of seedlings, provided professional support and training of workers in EPBiH’s mines, as well as maintenance and cutting of willow. During this week’s meeting with EPBiH Director General Admir Andelija, representatives of E3 International expressed satisfaction with the pilot project, emphasizing that EPBiH has the potential to become a leader in the environment in the energy transition to biomass.
The biomass produced in this way will be used in the process of electricity production on existing thermal units in co-combustion with coal. These projects will employ miners who will maintain these plantations and prepare biomass for co- combustion. New areas are planned to be planted in the coming period.
The biggest advantage of biomass lies in the fact that it is an inexhaustible source of energy that has no negative impact on the environment. An additional advantage is that biomass absorbs CO2 from the environment. Willows reach the appropriate height on average in three years after planting.
