In 2024, Norra Timber delivered a total of 24,656 MWh of district heating to the local district heating networks, which corresponds to heating approximately 1,700 standard-sized houses.
“We are proud to be able to deliver heat to our local communities and contribute to a more resource-efficient energy supply. A lot of people probably don’t realise that the comfortable indoor temperatures they enjoy in their homes are generated from a nearby industry”, says Henrik Jönsson, Industrial Manager at Norra Timber.
The heat sent out into the district heating network comes from by-products in our sawmills – primarily bark and wood chips, which are burned in the company’s own boilers. Excess heat from production is also recovered, which reduces the need for fossil fuels in the district heating system.
“When we saw timber we remove the bark, which then becomes fuel in our own boilers. We first use the heat created to dry our own timber, but as we produce more heat than we need we send the surplus into the district heating network. It is a perfect solution where we make use of every part of the raw materials available and at the same time contribute to the local community’s energy supply”, says Henrik Jönsson.
Reliable and climate-smart energy supply
Norra Timber is an important contributor to the district heating networks in Kåge, Sävar and Hissmofors. The company delivers consistent base heat all year round, which makes the systems more stable and reduces the need to employ backup boilers during cold winter days. By replacing fossil fuels with biofuel in the sawmills’ boilers, Norra Timber has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 10,000 tonnes of CO₂e (tons of carbon dioxide equivalents) per year.
“Because we burn biofuel instead of oil or gas, we significantly lower our impact on our climate. Our district heating production helps reduce emissions and ensures a stable energy supply for our customers,” says Henrik Jönsson.
Norra Timber sees opportunities in the future to further expand its district heating supply, as municipalities invest in their own district heating networks.
“This is a win-win situation. We can use our by-products locally and contribute to heating our communities in a sustainable way. It feels good knowing the energy we create is useful to the residents around us”, says Henrik Jönsson.