Zilkha Biomass and Valmet partner for steam exploded black pellets

US-based biomass solutions provider Zilkha Biomass Energy and Valmet have entered into a five-year partnership agreement to bring steam exploded black pellets to the market.

Under the terms of the collaborative agreement, both the firms will work together to develop a joint global offering for steam exploded black pellets.

These pellets are said to be mainly used for replacing fossil coal as the energy source in heat and power generation.

Biomass Energy CEO Zilkha Holmes said the partnership with Valmet that provides technology to the pulp, paper and energy industry would pave the way for introducing Zilkha Black Pellet to the manufacturers.

"Through this five-year collaboration, we are partnering with a well-established technology and equipment supplier to offer advanced solutions for the growing biomass market. We are very excited about this arrangement," Holmes added.

Valmet bio technology and environmental systems vice president Rickard Andersson said as the pressure to replace fossil fuels with eco-friendly alternatives is increasing, the market for steam exploded black pellets would grow rapidly in the future.

"Combining Zilkha’s deep know-how in pellet production and distribution with Valmet’s project capabilities brings great opportunities to develop and exploit a new emerging technology," Andersson added.

When compared to traditional wood pellets, steam exploded black pellets are said to offer a number of benefits including durability, water-resistance, higher energy content, lower shipping costs, and reduced dust problems.