Peat

Photo: Jari Väätäinen, GTK

Peatlands are wetlands characterized by the accumulation of partially decayed plant material. They form a globally significant ecosystem type, particularly at higher latitudes, and provide habitats for wildlife. They potentially form a substantial raw material source for energy and chemical industries, horticulture and manufacturing.

Peat is potentially a valuable natural resource in many parts of the world and peat harvesting can be of considerable benefit to local communities. Finland’s peat industry directly employs 7,000 people and generates more than €200 million in sales annually.

GTK has played a significant role in the rapid expansion of the Finnish peat industry and has been active in implementing the National Mire Conservation Programme. Roughly 6% of Finland’s annual energy consumption (equivalent to 2 million tons of oil) is generated using peat fuel. At present rates of consumption, peat can be considered a renewable resource since in terms of energy alone, the natural generation of new peat material (approx. 40 TWh/a) exceeds by far the current use of peat (approx. 25 TWh/a). Moreover, the impact on resources and environment is minimal, given that at present, less than 1% of the total area of Finnish mires is given over to harvesting. The production of horticultural peat is also a growing industry. Modern techniques for revegetation of harvested mires and for controlling emissions during combustion of peat fuel ensure compliance with strict environmental limits.

GTK's consultancy services include:

Energy peat studies
R&D on peat as a feed material for the chemical industry and peat textiles
Regional mapping of peat resources
Horticultural and balneological peat studies
Absorption properties of peat in geotechnical structures (landfills, contaminated sites)
Studies on paludification and peat accumulation processes
Establishment of national peat and peatland records
Studies on multiple use of peatlands and the carbon cycle.

We contribute actively to the work of international scientific and technical associations in this sector, such as the International Peat Society (IPS), which published the authoritative text "Global Peat Resources".