HSY's new digestate processing plant completed: Biogas production doubles in Ämmässuo

Biowaste processing is becoming more efficient in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area.

Hsy is just about to put into operation a brand new digestate processing plant at the Ämmässuo eco-industry center.

Ämmässuo has been processing biowaste for over 30 years. Alongside the composting plant, a biowaste digestion plant was built 10 years ago, in 2015.

To date, about half of the biowaste has been taken to the composting plant and then out to the fields for post-maturation. The rest has been directed to the biogas plant, where about 40 million cubic meters of biogas have been produced over the years.

“A significant reform”

The new digestate processing plant will make the entire biowaste processing plant even more efficient.

Up to 50 percent of the approximately 000 tons of waste brought to HSY's Ämmässuo eco-industry center annually can now be directed to the biogas plant.

Very little biowaste will go to composting in the future.

The solution almost doubles biogas production. Biogas reduces the need for fossil fuels because it produces renewable electricity and heat.

"This is a significant reform for biowaste processing in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. At the same time, the environmental impacts of biowaste processing will also be reduced, as biowaste processing operations increasingly take place in closed spaces," says HSY's biorecycling function manager. Christoph Gareis.

Organic classification for fertilizer

The reform will enhance the utilization of nutrients recovered from biowaste. The nutrients and carbon from biowaste will be recycled into farmers' fields.

The fertilizer has received organic status.

The Ministry of the Environment has granted an investment grant for the project, the aim of which is to promote the utilization of nutrients in communities.

The plant will begin trial operation in July. The aim is to reach full operation in August.

Text: Uusiuutisten editorial team

Photo: HSY. The new digestate processing plant will enhance the processing of biowaste in Ämmässuo.