Research and development activities at Vapo 

Both the individual divisions and the Business Development Department in Vapo conduct research and development activities. Vapo’s main product groups are biofuels, bioheat, bioelectricity and growing media. Vapo’s research and development activities focus on the above core businesses as defined in Vapo’s mission and strategy.

Vapo is the world’s No. 1 in the area of research and technology in energy and horticultural peat, in pellet production, and in related environmental protection. Vapo’s research and development focuses on e.g.

• preparation of bogs for peat harvesting, peat production and storage, and optimisation of transportation
• new peat production technologies
• after-use of peatland after peat production (cropland, forestry, wetland, paludification)
• minimizing the environmental impacts of peat production
• life cycle analysis of peat and peat production and greenhouse gas balance
• production of agricultural energy
• production and use of pellets
• production of forest energy especially on peatlands
• production of biodiesel
• use of peat, wood, pellets and agricultural energy in power and heat plants  
• production of biofuel mixes and their use in different kinds of boilers
• use of peat as a growing medium in professional and agricultural use, as litter in cattle sheds, as a composting agent, and in oil spill management

Progression at clear phases in Development Projects   

Vapo’s business development work is systematic and target-oriented, progressing in clear stages:

1. Monitoring

The Business Development Department and the divisions continually monitor Vapo’s business activities. Vapo also participates in joint projects with universities and research institutes. VTT (Technical Research Centre of Finland) is a strategically important partner for Vapo.

2. Project Brief

A project brief is drawn up of a project that is considered important. At this phase, extra resources are allotted to the project, and necessary processes are developed.

3. Demonstration

Part of the projects proceeds to the demonstration phase, in which e.g. a new technology or new processes are tested. The aim of the demonstration phase is to make sure that the technology works and that the project is economically feasible.  At this stage, the line organisation becomes more involved in the project.

4. Investments

At the investment phase, the responsibility of the line organisation increases and the division concerned takes over. The new business is included in the line organisation, or the new technology is adopted by the whole organisation.