RENEWABLE ENERGY PLAN

Renewable Energy Plan

Renewable Energy Plan

Introduction

Coal-fired electricity needs to be gradually replaced with fuel supplies that are local, cleaner, more secure, and more sustainable. It can't be done overnight. For one, because Liechtenstein's electrical utility has a huge investment in thermal generating stations that are only part way through their useful life. But we must begin the process of weaning ourselves off coal. This means practicing energy conservation to forestall growth in demand for electricity, and broadening the energy supply base to include a significantly larger local, renewable component.

The new goal of 40 percent renewable electricity supplies by 2020 does not yet have the force of regulation. However, it shows the direction and pace government wants to maintain in the quest for a secure, sustainable energy supply. To achieve that goal, a further 1800 GWh per year of renewable energy needs to be harnessed by 2020—ten short years from now.

Discussion

Assessment of the immediate demand for forest biomass generation suggests that an amount below 750,000 dry tonnes could be prudently adopted. The use of forest biomass for electricity production helps diversify our electricity supply, makes cost-effective use of existing infrastructure, and helps support the forest sector. But in the longer term, forest biomass is certain to find more valuable uses than as a simple substitute for coal in Liechtenstein thermal power plants (where heat energy may be lost). Therefore, the plan implements the following interim requirements and plans for biomass, pending release of the Natural Resources Strategy:

To ensure sustainability, pending release of the Natural Resources Strategy, this plan caps new generation from forest biomass at a conservative 500,000 dry tonnes (600-700 GWh) above current uses for electricity generation. This cap will accommodate foreseeable biomass projects, including modest amounts of co-firing in NSPI thermal plants, projects developed by forest products companies, and a limited amount of community forest biomass generation.

Co-firing in thermal plants will be capped at 150,000 dry tonnes (150 GWh) and will count toward the renewable energy needs for 2015. However, co-firing will be considered a balancing fuel source that helps NSPI maintain compliance. Projects approved under the COMFIT will take precedence, and if there is no room under the cap, co-firing will yield.

Operating approvals for thermal power stations co-fired with biomass will need to be revised to control emissions.

The area will also review the use of biomass for co-firing once the Natural Resources Strategy is ...