Energy, Estonia, Good for Business, Technology

Shale gas of high calorific value can be used as a raw material at Eesti Power Plant's generating Unit No. 8 alongside oil shale to the extent of up to 50 percent. The unique solution for the increased use of shale gas was developed and installed by Sumitomo SHI FW (SFW).

"As a result of the rise in the use of shale gas, we are able to increase both the flexibility and profitability of electricity production, and at the same time reduce the environmental impacts of electricity production in line with the principle of circular economy," Margus Vals, member of the management board of Eesti Energia, said.

Shale gas is a high-calorific gas which is formed in the process of the production of oil from oil shale. Up to the present moment, shale gas was used in small amounts in all boilers of Eesti Power Plant. From now, Enefit Energiatootmine will burn almost all of the gas at the highest efficiency production units -- the Auvere Power Plant and the refurbished generating unit of Eesti Power Plant, the board member of Eesti Energia said.

In this way, Enefit Energiatootmine can produce more electricity from shale gas, make maximum use of the energy found in oil shale, and thereby reduce the environmental impact of electricity production, Vals added.

The shale gas project of Eesti Energia is exclusive in that the Estonian co-incineraton experience and the kind of shale gas produced by Enefit's oil factories can be found nowhere else in the world.

"The development of this unique sustainable solution was an exciting challenge for us. Our cooperation with Eesti Energia is an excellent example of our commitment to our customers by providing value and exceeding expectations," the CEO of Sumitomo SHI FW, Tomas Harju-Jeanty, noted.

Eesti Energia has been engaging in cooperation with SFW within the framework of various procurements for a long time.

Three international companies took part in the procurement held two years ago. The power technology company Sumitomo SHI FW, formerly named Amec Foster Wheeler, was declared the winner of the tender. SFW has long-term experience in the field of the oil shale industry. Among other things, they have developed oil shale technologies in cooperation with Eesti Energia and Tallinn University of Technology, have built two fluidized-bed boilers for the 8th power generating unit of Eesti Power Plant and two fluidized-bed boilers for Unit No. 11 of the Balti Power Plant.

The company is active in more than 55 countries worldwide.