Rainy day: Finland remembered about peat and activated carbon

Finnish peat has been found to have the potential to strengthen the country's energy security and exports. This was stated on Yle TV channel by Finnish Economy Minister Sakari Puisto.

Although the use of peat in the energy sector remains a politically controversial topic due to emissions, in conditions of cold winter and high electricity prices, it is an important reserve resource, the minister noted. This winter in Finland there are abnormal cold, and windless frosty weather leads to an increase in stock prices for electricity. Wind power alone is not enough — the country needs additional regulatory capacities, he stressed.

"Fuel peat is really a controversial product, but it is needed for a rainy day... We have a diverse energy system, but besides wind, another balancing production is required," said Puisto, quoted by Rulehti.

In addition, Finnish peat can be used not only as fuel, Puisto said. Among the promising areas, he named the use of peat as a biostimulator in agriculture, as well as as a substitute for activated carbon.

The demand for such solutions will grow and Finnish peat will be able to become a competitive export product, he is sure.