Stefan Öllinger has been running Bioenergie Perg since 2006; a heating plant with two boilers and a total output of 9 MW. However, it was challenging to run the plant efficiently in the summer which gave rise to the idea of ​​covering the base load in summer with a wood gasification plant. To make this vision a reality they found an ideal partner in Nawaro Energie, who executed the project. The system was planned by the engineering office Riebenbauer, Pinggau.  

“In Perg, regional energy supply meets innovative technology with an integrated location concept, and everyone benefits from this,” declared Leo Riebenbauer, CEO of the Riebenbauer engineering company. 

Picture group: Perg-masterminds (from left): Planner Leo Riebenbauer, Nawaro-General Manager Christoph Mizelli, Nawaro-Managing Directors Michael Rab und Hans-Christian Kirchmeier, Syncraft–Managing Director Marcel Huber and Raphael Tripam from Ingenieurbüro Riebenbauer 

At the beginning of 2023, two Syncraft CW1800-500 wood gasification boilerswere put into operation. The wood gas power plant has a total output of 3.6 MW split between electricity and heat production. In addition to the energy the plant also produces around nine cubic meters of biochar daily, which can be processed into other products. Biochar has many uses, if, for example, it is used in agriculture it contributes to soil improvement and long-term carbon storage. Biochar can also be used as an additive in other materials which  results in negative emissions.  

“Biochar not only has a use, but also value in the form of carbon storage and CO2 certificates,” says Syncraft Managing Director Marcel Huber. 

To provide the feedstock for the plant, there is a cooperation with Bioenergie Perg, which provides around 5,600 tons of G50 wood chips each year coming from a radius of around 60 km from the plant. This cooperation contributes to the local economy and reduces emissions from the transport of the wood chips to the plant.  

World debut of ship pellet heating system in Austria

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a stylish design, the tourist ship MS Mondseeland restarted to operate after a general overhaul in spring 2022. It offers round trips to the sights of lake Mondsee and culinary excursions. The new pellet heating system for heat generation and hot water support can also be found on board.

The challenges for the general renovation were extensive: the limited space in the hull and the narrow accesses required a very compact system that allowed for all individual adjustments to the existing and new ship technology and the desired buffer storage. The pellet boiler of Hargassner “Nano-PK” with 12.2 kW met all requirements. Together with a Hargassner buffer tank and a pellet storage tank, this ensures a significant improvement in the ecological footprint of the ship.

The Hargassner team installed the compact pellet boiler in the machine room.

“In the past, the panorama cabin could never be properly heated. Even when wearing a thick jacket, it was rather uncomfortable for the up to 50 passengers in winter. With the new heater and efficient insulation, we manage to achieve a 10 degrees higher average temperature in the cabin. We forecast CO₂ savings of seven to eight tons per year. And we do so with cheaper fuel,” says Christoph Buchbauer from Schifffahrt Meindl GmbH, the operator of the ship MS Mondseeland.

The nano pellet boiler had to go through small hatches to the lower deck.

The Nano-PK took up only 0,45 m² of space. Hargassner heating technicians managed to bring the compact boiler in through the narrow entrances and install it on the lower deck. The modern design in white clearly sets it apart from the classic “cellar heaters”. When used normally in a family home, its appearance blends in with technical rooms or niches in a visually appealing way. The fully automatic operation (ignition, ash removal, cleaning, etc.) brings maximum comfort from the very first day of heating. The weekly storage tank filled with pellets in sacks guarantees the MS Mondseeland a reliable supply of fuel with longer filling intervals and at the same time a sensible dose of additional weight.

The captains Franz Meindl (left) and Karl Kinast are happy to have a sustainably heated wheelhouse.

Photo credits: © Schifffahrt Meindl Mondsee