Peat production in 2013 and news in Estonian

Peat production in 2013 and news in Estonian Peat Association Erki Niitlaan, Jüri Tiidermann

Content Weather and production in 2013 Important issues in 2013 Latest news

Weather in 2013 Sunshine hours Last five year average – 1 100

Weather in 2013 Days without rain Last five year average – 72, 5

Weather in 2013 Rainfall, mm Last five year average – 300 mm

Production in 2013 Peat production 2007 - 2013, thousand tons 1200 ~1050 901 842 900 897 700 600 300 2007 626 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Production in 2013 Despite relatively dry season: • there hasn’t been any significant peatland fires in Estonia in 2013! • due to weather conditions in the beginning of production season there could be higher risk for self-heating of remaining stockpiles! • there is not that much peat available than rumored!

Important issues in 2013 Economic situation Despite good season expenditures of peat production have been raised. Mainly because: - 01. 04. 2013 peat extraction fees have increased from 1, 4 €/t to 1, 68 €/t (2, 42 €/t in 2015) - fuel price has rised - increase of the vages

Important issues in 2013 Challenges in energy Peat consumption in electricity production has decreased due to fact that electricity support system is more favorable for CO 2 free wood fuels (difference between peat and wood support is per 20 EUR/MWh). In addition electricity producers who use peat as a fuel have to buy CO 2 allowances. Boiler houses with 20 MW and less capacity should use more peat as they are outside of CO 2 trading system and do not have to buy CO 2 allowances. In current circumstances peat is most economic fuel for them and the cheapest heat energy comes from milled peat. Unfortunately most of district heating companies do not have suitable boilers installed.

Important issues in 2013 International cooperation All Baltic peat associations made all-out effort for improving proposed Responsibly Produced Peat (RPP) certification system. Based on Brussels meeting in spring our proposals were accepted therefore Baltic peat associations withdraw their principal opposition to RPP. In the board of RPP Mrs. Ilze Ozola will represent Baltic peat producers. Representative from Estonian environmental NGO will represent environmental side of Baltic countries.

Latest news New book In august new key book was published The Sphagnum mosses of Estonia by Kai Vellak, Nele Ingerpuu and Edgar Karofeld

Latest news New machinery Pisten Bully tractor will be tested in Nurme Turvas near Pärnu Estonia in next two weeks. All who would like to see test works please contact: Mr. Arli Kanter - +372 5343 5533

Latest news 23. – 29. September EPA members will have a field trip to Spain to study peat usage in Spanish horticulture.

Latest news

Latest news

Thank you! • Mmmm, millised on piirid kus ma võin toimetada?