Renewable energy for small localities (SE512)
Funded by South-East Finland - Russia ENPI 2007-2013

Objective of the project

To enable regional and local authorities and other stakeholders of Leningrad Oblast and Tikhvin district to improve their capacities and methods in relation to environmentally friendly renewable energy technologies and thus to contribute to improving health and quality of life of the citizens of small localities of the Finnish-Russian neighboring area.

Main activities

- Survey of municipalities and available facilities and research of possibilities of biofuel production and use in the pilot region - Planning, establishing, equipping and making operational of the pilot project – Biofuel heating facility - Training of the personnel directly involved in running the newly established facility and selected representatives of other municipalities - Holding of workshops and conferences to disseminate bioenergy information, experience of wood fuel production, storage and burning, - Round tables for all levels of professionals and stakeholders engaged in bio-energy, energy efficiency and saving - Issue of training and information materials, - Dissemination of best practices and promotion of renewable energy production in various distant regions of Russia, where wood fuel resources are available, - Study tours to Finland for Russian staff of newly established energy plant and other relevant specialists/professionals - Publication of leaflets, newsletters, articles in mass-media - Development, maintaining and updating the project Web site - Project management, coordination and reporting

Achievements

The project's objective was reached by planning, establishing, equipping and making operational of the pilot project – Biofuel heating facility at Luga district and training of the personnel directly involved in running the newly established facility. Within the project was produced survey of the biofuel availability and corresponding logistic chains at the location of the Boiler House – first at Tihkvin area and second at Luga area. During the implementation period project held several public events: Round Table discussions, studies, seminars for experts of bioenergy and training tours for future staff of boiler house. The project results in hardware part ensure further sustainability, both political and financial, as the boiler house will remain as the main element of the district heating system of the municipality. The positive showcase of using biofuel for district heating in small localities created in the project raises considerable interest of the Leningrad Oblast Government.