2011-10-04 News

Joint conference with concern „Achema Group“

At the beginning, Achema concern group and Industrialists’ confederation president Dr. Bronislovas Lubys told about energetics problems and situation I Europe. He gave interesting information about shale gas positive perspectives, evaluated energetics situation in Lithuania and alternative energy sources usage possibilities in energy sector. He suggested to speak with the authorities more, and explain about possible wider use of peat raw material in the country’s economy.

Mr. Vytautas Januška, head of geology service soil resource department, reviewed peat resource situation in Lithuania. He informed that geology service only started to take interest in peat resources and accounting in 1996, and that there are cadastres issued about peat-bogs, the last of which, i.e. the third one, was issued in 1995. He informed that although there are over 6000 peat-bogs in Lithuania, industrial peat deposits and peat reservoirs are not many. The largest peat deposits are in protected areas. Peat digging average in the recent years has settled and there are about 2,5-3 million cubes per year. He informed that environmentalists assess peat export abroad quite skeptically. He also told about Government’s approved order for peat deposit exploitation, allowance issue procedure and peat accounting. He agreed with the opinion that peat is partially renewably natural resource, however, this is not legitimated by any scientific research or acts. In his opinion, under present peat extraction, the resources will suffice for 100 years.

Later Mr. Nerijus Pedišius, energy institute representative, told about the use of peat in energetics. As a scientist, he evaluated firing peat features and possible perspective of use in energetics.

Participants discussed, that peat is not yet properly evaluated firing raw material, which is comparatively cheap and reliable, not causing corrosion of bio-boilers. It was stated, that the main problem is that, under the decision of EU directive, peat is treated as non-renewable natural raw material, therefore its use is limited by the regulations of allowances.

Peat companies’ association president G. Kavaliauskas told about association’s activity and peat extraction as well as trade in associated peat companies.

Owner of JSC “Durpeta” Mr. G. Rapkauskas, spoke about his company’s experience in producing peat substratum and firing peat briquettes. He shared their achievements, but noted that if such unfavorable rainy peat seasons continue, smaller peat companies may face serious economic difficulties in future. He also invited to visit his company’s newly built modern workshop in Šepeta.

In the discussion also spoke K.Kaminskas, V.Petkus, J. Daukantas, E.Sirvydis, R. Varkulevičius, K. Vyšniauskas and others.