Helsinki citizens support large biomass power plant

An interesting exercise on assessing public acceptance of biofuels comes from Helsinki, Finland. There, a public consultation and a poll was organised to assess citizen's opinions on the proposal by city-owned utility Helsinki Energy to build a large biomass-fired power plant. The results show that a majority is in favor of the biofuel plan, with people on left and those with green sympathies showing strongest support for the renewable energy solution.

According to the poll commissioned by Helsingin Sanomat, the Finnish capital's residents see the plan as a measure of climate change prevention. A report issued last year showed that, of all Nordic cities, Helsinki contributes the largest amount of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the generation of heat and electricity from fossil fuels, a fact the climate-conscious Finns have not forgotten. Utilizing carbon-neutral biomass instead offsets these emissions.

In the Greater Helsinki area the most divided opinions were found in the city of Espoo, where 48 per cent of the population are for and 38 per cent against the construction of the large chip plant. In the city of Vantaa, 60 per cent of the respondents back the idea.

Respondents' political views also play a role in their attitude towards the plant. The members of the Left Alliance, the Centre Party, and the Green League stand most solidly behind the biomass plant undertaking. Of the rightist National Coalition party members, a narrow minority of 48 per cent give their approval to the idea:
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Among different professions, the salaried employees are most sympathetic towards the plant. The most resistance was detected among entrepreneurs.

The discussion of the energy company’s taking part in climate change prevention was stepped up a notch in the spring by the Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen (Centre), who suggested that Helsinki Energy should be involved in the climate protection efforts by switching over to using bio fuels.

The company has argued that it produces both electricity and heat as cleanly and efficiently as possible. The main fuel is natural gas, although some coal is also used.

Before its first meeting on the 29th of August, the Helsinki City Council will organise a political discussion as a forum for the politicians to receive information and exchange views on the situation.

Other energy production units in the capital area are the large power plants of Fortum in Suomenoja and Vantaa Energy in Martinlaakso, both of which also utilise fossil fuels.

Next year, energy company Fortum will start constructing a new large natural gas power plant in Suomenoja. The facility’s introduction is scheduled towards the end of 2009.

Those who responded to the questionnaire were not asked how much or how much extra they would be prepared to pay for greener energy.

References:
Helsingin Sanomat: Most Helsinki residents support idea of large wood chip power plant - August 13, 2007.

Helsingin Sanomat: Comparison of Nordic cities shows Helsinki has worst gas emissions - September 19, 2006.