Finland increases wood pellet production

Finland's wood pellet production capacity increased by 7% in 2013 compared to the previous year, according to reports. Output rose 18,000 tonnes reaching 270,000 tonnes last year.

Last year the nation exported 78,000 tonnes of wood pellets, the majority of which was destined to Sweden and Denmark. While this is an increase on 2012 figures, it remains significantly lower than in the mid-2000s.

Imports more than doubled compared to 2012 and totalled 60,000 tonnes last year. Two-thirds of this was sourced from Russia, with the rest coming mainly from Latvia and Norway.

Also on the up is domestic pellet production, with consumption increasing by 30% to reach 223,000 tonnes.