Emission trading together with myclimate

This small-scale project is the first worldwide that generates emission certificates on the basis of sustainably harvested biomass from a forestry certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. The woodchip power plant with 9 MW of electric output is located on the site of the sawmill of the Precious Woods company in Itacoatiara.

The plant produces up to 45 000 MWh of electricity each year, for which otherwise about 10 – 15 million litres of diesel would be consumed. This replaces several diesel generators and provides the city’s approximately 100 000 inhabitants with more climate-friendly power. Thanks to the power plant, the local population benefits from lower energy prices and more stable energy supply (fewer outages and transport losses). The waste heat generated during electricity production is used for the wood seasoning plants.

”Sustainable forestry is more than taking care of trees. It is also important for the whole rainforest ecosystem, as it guarantees the protection of its great biodiversity.”

João Cruz Rodrigues, Director of Precious Woods Amazon

For the production of the electrical and thermal power, about 100 000 tons of wood are required each year. This waste wood is delivered in the form of wood cuttings and sawdust from the sawmill. All this biomass comes from sustainable forestry in accordance with FSC guidelines. Prior to start-up of the plant, this wood waste was rotting in large piles on the property or in the forests. The sustainable use reduces the emissions of the greenhouse gases CO₂ and methane.