The purpose of this action (plan) is to prepare for fuel shortages once wood chip imports from Russia come to an end.

A ministerial working group has decided to increase fuel peat stocks this summer to prepare for the heating seasons of the next two winters. The state-run National Emergency Supply Agency will be responsible for this readiness. The procurement will be financed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. Initial estimates suggest that procurement costs will be around 20-25 million euros.

Primary responsibility for the adequacy of fuel security reserves lies with energy companies, which is why the ministerial working group is urging district heating companies to secure fuel supplies in good time by concluding contracts with peat producers for the harvesting of peat.

The same working group also recommends that in order to maintain the capacity of producers to harvest peat, contract terms should be at least one, and preferably two, years long.
Photo by Timo Aalto / LEHTIKUVA used