FINLAND (News release) -- The Hämeenkyrön Voima power plant, from which Metsä Board's Kyro mill buys energy, has replaced the peat it burns with renewable energy. In the future, the power plant aims to use wood-based fuels from Metsä Group's production and wood procurement by-products. By not burning peat, Metsä Board Kyro's share of fossil fuels in total fuel demand will be reduced from just over a quarter to about a tenth.

The phase-out of peat has required significant investments in power plant technology to control boiler corrosion damage and optimise running conditions. Previously approximately one fifth of the fuel used by the plant has been peat. Thanks to the investments, the energy and local district heat from the mill will be produced in a more environmentally friendly way.

Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, targets to achieve fossil-free production and products by the end of 2030. Moving away from peat-based energy will help Metsä Board towards these goals.