RZ Pellets is planning to build two 35 MWth biomass plants in Klagenfurt, Austria, that will provide district heating for around 25,000 households. The plant in the north of Klagenfurt will generate 5 MWe, while the plant in the east will generate 10 MWe. The total cost of both projects is Euro 94 million, AcuComm reported.

RZ originally gained planning permission back in November 2013, but has faced various protests and legal challenges. The first permit was revoked by the State Administrative Court of Carinthia after complaints from some residents. On 10th February 2015, the City of Klagenfurt reported that it has granted approval for the projects to go ahead.

Work on the biomass facilities will be undertaken simultaneously and will start immediately. They are scheduled to be operating on 1st November 2015. Due to high emission levels, the existing oil heating plant will cease operations at the end of October 2015 and will be converted for use as a gas-fired peaking plant.

lesprom.com