Polytechnik

Lukas Schirnhofer Calls for a Comprehensive Discussion on Bioenergy

The Polytechnik Group, based in Weissenbach, Austria, draws on the experience of more than 3,000 completed bioenergy projects. With around 250 employees, the company serves customers globally and, together with joint ventures and partners, offers innovative products and services. Lukas Schirnhofer, Managing Director and son of the company’s founder, shares insights about the company’s recent developments in this interview.

Holz-Zentralblatt: A lot has changed at Polytechnik. Are you still a family business?

Lukas Schirnhofer: We consider ourselves a traditional company managed by the second generation and have been looking to the future with a new ownership structure since last year. Founded in 1965 as a two-man operation, we have evolved from a family business into a global player in sustainable renewable energy solutions, while still maintaining our roots. With an export rate of over 95% and experience from more than 3,000 projects, we provide solutions worldwide to help industries transition to a CO2-neutral future.

HZ: Russia was an important market for Polytechnik. What is the current situation, and how are you handling support and maintenance for systems built there?

Schirnhofer: Russia, along with Belarus and Ukraine, was a core market for us, but we have lost these markets since the start of the war. Currently, there are no business activities in these countries. It is particularly challenging for our customers in Ukraine, as traveling to war-affected regions is often impractical.

HZ: Have you managed to compensate for the loss of the Russian market in other markets?

Schirnhofer: The global shift towards CO2-neutral energy sources has created significant demand, which we believe will continue to grow. With an order backlog of around EUR 56 million, we are operating at full capacity without Russian customers.

HZ: At the last “Ligna” in Hanover, it was reported that years of development in torrefaction have been applied to a project in Finland. What is the current status, and what opportunities do you see for further projects in this area?

Schirnhofer: Production is progressing rapidly, and the main components from Polytechnik are scheduled for delivery in early December. We anticipate commissioning in the second quarter of 2024. The Finnish project will be a milestone, producing 60,000 tons of torrefied biomass per year, making it the largest commercial plant in Europe to date. Demand is high globally, and we expect to complete and implement additional projects soon.

HZ: You have also ventured into charcoal production plants. How is that developing?

Schirnhofer: We began developing carbonization technologies for biogenic residues over 15 years ago. Today, the growing market demand and various applications for biochar indicate its significant role in climate protection. Biochar contributes not only to defossilizing the steel industry but also to the long-term storage of CO in building materials, such as in concrete. The potential applications are extensive, including animal feed, medicine, and high-tech uses like CO2-neutral base materials for batteries in e-mobility.

HZ: Your core business remains heat generation plants. With many industrial companies aiming to decarbonize their process heat generation and municipalities considering their future heat supply, can you benefit from this?

Schirnhofer: We use the term “defossilization” deliberately, as some technologies involve extracting carbon while achieving substantial CO2 savings. The high demand for defossilization indicates that it’s not just a forward-thinking ideal but a necessity for future success. Municipalities are increasingly turning to biomass as a CO2-neutral energy source for base load energy, which wind and PV systems alone cannot provide. This energy mix is crucial for combating climate change. Unfortunately, political uncertainty and sometimes irrational policies are disrupting markets, such as the recent collapse of the small systems market in Germany. Our focus remains on rapidly phasing out fossil fuels and advancing a diverse range of technologies to secure a sustainable future.

HZ: What technical innovations or developments have you made in this traditional area?

Schirnhofer: Over the past 55 years, we have been generating energy from waste materials in the wood and sawmill industry and exploring broader applications for biomass. We are currently conducting several research projects focusing on maximizing material and energy recovery with minimal emissions. This includes utilizing CO2 from thermal processes and integrating various add-on technologies, such as heat pumps, PV systems, and biomethane production from gasification processes.

HZ: As an Austrian company, how do you view developments in Europe and Germany aimed at reducing the use of energy wood?

Schirnhofer: What is missing is a comprehensive discussion that considers all aspects of bioenergy, including its challenges and opportunities. Public discussions on this topic are often one-sided. There is no single solution to achieving CO2 neutrality, and abandoning specific solutions can hinder the development and research of new technologies. A holistic approach is necessary, exploring all promising directions simultaneously. It’s crucial not to discard options or technologies prematurely. The debate in Germany about eliminating forest use seems counterproductive, as biomass, particularly wood, is a key component in Europe’s and Germany’s efforts to defossilize industries and municipal heat generation immediately. This should be part of a broader energy mix. It’s essential to utilize resources that are available and not waste energy in regions without suitable biomass. I hope political decision-makers adopt a more holistic perspective on this issue.

HZ: Are there similar efforts in other important global markets?

Schirnhofer: Internationally, the debate is less polarized and more focused on finding solutions. Many countries aim to phase out coal and are incorporating biomass into their strategies. Even in these pragmatic countries, research continues into new forms of energy generation, while biomass provides a CO2-neutral and sometimes CO₂-negative alternative. This approach helps meet climate targets and preserve our environment for future generations.

PDF-view in press archive