Bio investment in Hemsedal

The local electric network did not have the capacity to cover heating for a new mountain village. When planning a new huge tourist investment, Hemsedal Skisenter had to look for alternate energy sources.

The electric supply situation in Hemsedal has under pressure for several years. The Hemsedal council approved the ambitious plans under the assumption that the 100 000 square meter large development must have an alternative energy source for heating.

Now the investors behind Hemsedal Skisenter are pleased that they, together with the local energy supplier and waste company, invested 10 million NOK in a bio-electric power plant fuelled by wood pellet.

"Over half of our guests come from abroad, and are far more environmentally and energy conscious than the average Norwegian. They want to know what energy source we use and how waste is processed. We now have a green profile, and it will give us a competitive edge in the future ", says CEO Trond Østby in Hemsedal Skisenter to Energy Technology.

When the county council put down alternative energy source as a condition for the development, the investors fast decided on a remote heating plant. The choices for alternative energy source were several, but wood pellet ended up as the best and most ecological alternative due to the local availability.

"Our local household waste is transported to the “waste-to-energy-plat” at Ål. Previously all the excess heat went up the chimney, but now the heat is used to dry wood pellet. The pellets is made from excess waste from the local wood and timber industry. Therefore, our energy source is sourced locally and environmentally friendly" says Østby.

The bio-electric power plant was built over a period of a few months last year, and started producing energy in October 2008. The pellet stove delivers 1,000 kilowatt per hour, and is located close to the impressive ski resort. The energy is delivered through a 1 km long pipeline to the apartments, shops and restaurants at Alpin Lodge. Today 30 000 square meters of the new village is built and in use, but the plan is for 100 000 square meters in total.

From article "Alpin-investors choose bioenergy" in Energiteknikk no. 3 2009, by Per Lars Tonstad.

Apartment at Alpin Lodge in Hemsedal Skisenter - Part of the large investment heated with bio energy.	Lodgen Bar and Restaurant  is also heated with bio energy. So is the Sport Shop, Ski Rental and grocerystore.

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