Sweden to examine health risks of burning biomass

STOCKHOLM - Swedens National Energy Administration said on Tuesday it was investing 30 million crowns ($3 million) in a project to examine the health risks from burning biomass. The three-year project will assess emissions, quality of air and burning of biomass on a small scale and is a part of the administrations goal to secure and boost investments in the renewable energy source, it said in a statement. "This will fortify a long-term investment in biomass," Chief Executive Thomas Korsfeldt said in the statement. Sweden supports the use of renewable energy such as wind, solar, biomass and small hydro power to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and to compensate for lost electricity production from a phase out of nuclear power. Sweden shut its first reactor, one of 12, in November last year, leaving an annual output gap of four terawatt hours (TWh). The project would be based in Vaxsjo in the south and in the northern city of Lycksele and would involve research at several universities. Biomass accounts for 92 TWh of Swedens 480 TWh energy production. REUTERS NEWS SERVICE