ABOUT US
The Centrais de Biomassa do Norte (CBN) comprises two biomass power plants producing renewable electric energy: the Viseu Biomass Power Plant and the Fundão Biomass Power Plant.
Our mission is to valorise residual biomass, create jobs, and foster dynamic economic growth in Portugal’s interior while contributing to a healthy forest, mitigating wildfires, promoting the circular economy, and supporting global decarbonisation.
In recent years, the search for renewable and sustainable energy sources has become a global priority. Among the various alternatives, biomass stands out as a promising solution. But what exactly is a biomass power plant?
A biomass power plant is designed to transform organic materials into energy. This process occurs through the combustion or conversion of plant waste, and results in electricity and heat production. By using biomass, our plants take advantage of resources that would otherwise be discarded, thus contributing to a circular and sustainable economy.
Biomass can include a variety of materials, such as:
- Agricultural waste: straw, fruit husks, and harvest residues.
- Forest waste: pruning remains, unused wood, and sawdust.
- Urban waste: food scraps and organic waste from gardens.
OUR OBJECTIVES
Promote the circular economy: the ash produced by the plants is non-hazardous and serves to produce organic fertilisers. The inerts (soil, sand, and dust) from biomass screening are used as organic substrates in agriculture.
Enhance the local economy: investment in machinery and transportation allows the processing and valorisation of residual biomass and efficient transportation, contributing to forest cleaning, wildfire prevention, and job creation.
Encourage forest cleaning and management: CBN consists of two biomass power plants of 15 Mwe each, located in the rural areas of the municipalities of Viseu and Fundão. The areas have high forest fire risks, and the plants play an essential role in forest fire prevention.
The operation of a biomass power plant consists of several steps:
- Collection and Storage: Organic materials are collected and stored.
- Processing: Biomass is crushed or dried to facilitate combustion.
- Conversion: Through direct combustion, the biomass is burned to generate heat, which is used to produce high-pressure steam that is then used to generate electricity.
A biomass power plant is similar to a thermal power plant. We operate using steam, which is produced by the combustion of biomass.
The thermal energy produced through high-pressure steam drives a turbine connected to a generator, so mechanical energy is transformed into electrical energy. Biomass power plants bring stability and flexibility to the National Electric System. They produce renewable energy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can increase or decrease load depending on the national grid’s needs. All of this is achieved by relying on the country’s local resources.
WHAT WE DO
The energy generated in biomass power plants can be used in various ways:
- Electricity generation: To supply electric grids.
- Heating: For homes and industries.
- Biofuels: Production of fuels for the transport industry.
Biomass power plants play a crucial role in the search for sustainable energy solutions.
By transforming waste into energy, we play a part in reducing environmental impact and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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