Common reed as a source of energy

Among other grass plants, common reed (Phragmites australis) is considered to be a promising source of renewable energy in Finland and Estonia. First of all, naturally growing common reed is abundant in the coastal areas of these countries, and it produces sufficient amount of dry biomass (3-15 t/ha). Secondly, since common reed is perennial fast growing plant, supplying with this source of energy can be practically unexhausted. Eventually, provision of reed is relatively cheep and, in addition to direct cutting of plants from the costal areas, dry reed material could be obtained as waste of roof manufacture and isolation material made from reed.

By compressing of dry reed biomass, it is possible to form compact briquettes (140-170kg/m³)or pellets (500-700 kg/ m³), which are more convenient to handle and to keep in store. Heat production at reed incineration is 13-15 MJ/kg, and such reed briquettes and pellets could be used by small-and middle-sized farmers and also power plants.

To develop the optimal strategy of utilization of reed in the coastal areas and to exchange information and experience between interested parties, the project "Reed strategy in Finland and Estonia" was initiated in March 2005. The project is implemented by Southwest Finland Regional Environment Centre in cooperation with Tallinn University of Technology, Turku University of Applied Sciences, South-East Finland Regional Forest Center and Kotka - Hamina Region of Finland Ltd. The project represents an interdisciplinary approach focusing on different themes, such as bioenergy, water protection, landscape, construction and building. The increased cutting of reed from the coastal areas would have, moreover, a positive impact on water protection and for maintenance of landscape and biodiversity.

The project partners wish to increase both the knowledge of reed management and utilization of reed.