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03/03/2025
Biocoal for a Sustainable Future Briquetting systems from RUF/C.F. Nielsen at Europe’s largest torrefaction plant
Complex processes can turn biomass into energy-rich biocoal. The Finnish company NextFuel AB has developed an advanced torrefaction technology for this purpose, with briquetting systems from C.F. Nielsen A/S, which is part of the German RUF Group, used for the important final process step.
At the end of April 2025, Europe’s largest torrefaction plant will begin operations in Joensuu, Finland, producing 60,000 metric tons of biocoal annually. The plant, which will be operated by Joensuu Biocoal, was developed by NextFuel AB. Engineers from the company cooperated with several reputable partners in the construction. One of the partners was the Danish company C.F. Nielsen A/S, which has been part of the Zaisertshofen, Bavaria-based RUF Group since 2018.
The production of biocoal is a complex process that starts with torrefaction, a mild form of “pyrolysis” in which biomass is heated at temperatures of around 200 to 300 °C in the absence of oxygen. Moisture and volatile organic compounds are removed through this. The result is a dry, stable material with a high energy density that is known as torrefied biomass.
It should not be too dry or too wet. If it is too dry, the lignin – the natural binder – needed for briquetting will be missing. If it is too wet, it will behave like normal biomass and not develop the desired coal-like structure and high energy density
Briquetting presses generate high material densities
NextFuel AB and partners have managed to implement this process step as reliably as the subsequent one – briquetting. Nine C.F. Nielsen BP6510 HD type mechanical briquetting presses are used here. Thanks to the Danish manufacturer’s innovative technology, the systems with
75 kW main motors generate a high press pressure of 2000 kg/cm2, which allows them to achieve a material density of at least 1.0 g/cm³.
Each machine is 2.9 m long, 1.7 m wide, and 1.6 m high and is extremely stable, with a weight of around 7 metric tons. The briquettes produced are 75 mm in diameter and between 40 and 100 mm long. Fully automated, the state-of-the-art briquetting systems are capable of reliable 24/7 operation with an output of around 9 metric tons per hour. Thus, the targeted annual throughput of 60,000 metric tons is reliably ensured.
The “biocoal” produced in the process provides a clean and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional coal that additionally offers easy handling and storage. This and the high energy density of the torrefied briquettes make them especially interesting for key industries such as coal-fired power plants, cement plants, and steel mills. Thanks to their similarity to conventional coal, they offer companies in these industries a sustainable alternative that does not require changes in existing operational processes. Additionally, stringent environmental requirements can be met and carbon emissions lowered significantly with torrefied briquettes
Cooperating partners
The torrefaction plant from the Finnish energy company Joensuu Biocoal was developed and installed in cooperation with the following key partners: Nextfuel, Andritz, Polytechnik, and C.F. Nielsen. Together, the companies succeeded in constructing Europe’s largest plant, which is designed for production of 60,000 metric tons of biocoal annually.
The company C.F. Nielsen, with headquarters in Baelum, Denmark, was founded in 1889 and has been part of the German RUF Group since 2018. With around 30 employees, the company develops and manufactures high-quality mechanical briquetting presses and is considered to be a leading supplier in this segment. C.F. Nielsen has sold more than 7000 presses since its inception.