OMNI Features｜First Decline in EU Wood Pellet Sales in 2023．Korean Cable Manufacturer Taihan Launches Korea's First Offshore Wind CLV "Palos"．German Company Neuruppin Completes Its First 500-Meter Geothermal Drilling Project

(Source: iStock_Credit_FabrikaCr)

｜First Decline in EU Wood Pellet Sales in 2023
According to a report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the EU's consumption of wood pellets decreased by 1.2% last year, reaching 24.5 million metric tons. This marks the first decline since 2015. The primary reasons for this decrease are the mild winter and reduced demand from the commercial power sector. The current low prices, combined with government incentives, are expected to support the widespread use of biomass for residential heating in 2024. It is anticipated that demand from the industrial power sector will remain stagnant this year.

The report highlights that EU wood pellet production has failed to keep pace with the growing demand. The decline in reported imports for 2023 is expected to be partially offset by imports from the United States. However, potential trade barriers include the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The report indicates that wood pellet production in 2023 was 20.8 million metric tons, up from 20.3 million metric tons in 2022 and 19.361 million metric tons in 2021. Production is expected to increase to 21.2 million metric tons this year. The total production capacity of EU wood pellets is projected to reach 27.5 million metric tons in 2024, an increase of 300,000 metric tons from the previous year.

｜Korean Cable Manufacturer Taihan Launches Korea's First Offshore Wind CLV "Palos"
Taihan Cable & Solution announced today (24th) the launch of South Korea's first cable laying vessel (CLV) specifically designed for offshore wind power projects, named "Palos." The Palos CLV, weighing 6,200 tons, is equipped with an advanced dynamic positioning system and can carry up to 4,400 tons of submarine cable. Unlike the cable laying barge (CLB) converted from barges, the Palos CLV boasts its own navigation and positioning control system, significantly reducing the cable transportation and laying process cycle while ensuring stability.

Palos is the only offshore wind power CLV in South Korea and was acquired last year by the Dutch company Boskalis. It transports submarine cables produced at the Dangjin factory to construction sites worldwide.

Taihan stated that the Palos CLV significantly enhances its capacity in the offshore wind power sector, providing a comprehensive service from cable design and production to installation and maintenance. Vice Chairman Song Jong-min of Taihan remarked that the Palos will bolster Taihan's construction competitiveness and serve as a crucial strategic asset in protecting South Korea's offshore wind power market from foreign competition.

｜German Company Neuruppin Completes Its First 500-Meter Geothermal Drilling Project
The Neuruppin Municipal Utility (Die Neuruppiner Stadtwerke) from Germany, plans to significantly reduce its reliance on natural gas and switch to geothermal energy starting January 2027. Federal Minister of Construction Klara Geywitz made a special visit to assess the progress of the geothermal project.

The first 500-meter drilling phase of the geothermal project has been completed. Paul Wagner, the drilling engineer responsible for the project, reported that the drill bit remains intact. Geologist Jan-Kristian Piekarski explained that Neuruppin is situated in a geological structure similar to the Mississippi Delta in the United States, capable of extracting water at approximately 70 degrees Celsius. The drilling project consists of 2 parts: one to extract hot water and the other to reinject the used water back underground.

The project is expected to reach its target depth of 1,800 meters within two months. The first pump test will be conducted in mid-August to ensure a stable water supply. Minister Geywitz expressed interest in the project's collaboration with multiple departments. Uebach noted that the progress of the geothermal project is due to long-term preparation and support from the municipal government. Before federal funding was secured, the municipal utility had already spent 3.8 million euros on purchasing pipes necessary for drilling. Geywitz believes that demonstration projects like this face numerous challenges, but Neuruppin has benefited from previous plans. The current demand for geothermal energy is high, with supply falling short.

Reference: Aju Press｜maz-online.de｜Bioenergy Insight