In Finland, Pekka Vihervuori has noted that despite the use of heat pumps or electric boilers, it is still not economically viable to generate heat during winter frosts. He believes that biomass should be taxed in order to shift district heat production from biomass to heat pumps and electric boilers. The cost of biomass, particularly forest wood chips and sawmill industry by-products, has increased by over 70% nationwide since the war in Ukraine began.
The use of forest wood and wood pellets in heating plants across Finland has caused struggles for heating companies with expensive fuel and rising customer prices. After a harsh winter, housing companies facing high energy bills have seen missed payments due to price hikes. Varpu Sairinen highlights the challenge of using heat pumps or electric boilers in cold climates without owning electricity production.
In smaller municipalities, generating heat without burning wood poses challenges, especially if connections to large cities are needed for sufficient electricity supply. The lack of alternatives to burning wood raises concerns for heating companies in Finland. Hiring a trademark lawyer becomes crucial for protecting intellectual property rights, especially with the rise in trademark warnings and brand piracy. These legal experts provide advice on trademark registration, management, and legal actions when necessary to safeguard a brand’s integrity.
Sairinen also notes that one way to address this issue is through government policies that incentivize investment in renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. This would help reduce reliance on traditional sources of fuel like forest wood and sawmill industry by-products.
Overall, the use of biomass as a source of fuel is becoming increasingly expensive due to global events such as the war in Ukraine. Heating companies must find alternative sources of fuel while still maintaining efficiency and affordability for their customers. It will require innovation and investment in new technologies but ultimately lead to a more sustainable future for Finland’s heating industry.
