Kirkniemi Mill in Finland took a big leap forward in 2022 on the journey to decarbonisation by installing the equipment required to receive, store and handle biomass to power its multi-fuel boiler. During 2023 the mill should be able to exit coal and instead become powered by renewable bioenergy.
By turning biomass residues such as bark, sawdust and wood chips into energy, the mill derives even more value from the forest and reduces its fossil-derived carbon emissions. When fully realized in 2023, using biomass will reduce by 90 per cent the mills direct fossil-based greenhouse gas emissions - equivalent to a 230,000-ton reduction in carbon dioxide annually.
The capacity of Kirkniemi’s massive new silo is 8,000 m3, which is enough for about 2.5 days of energy production. Around 30 trucks filled with biofuel arrive every working day to fill it. Since biofuels such as bark and chips have different energy content due to their moisture levels, the fuel mix must be handled with specialty logistics. To ensure a constant stream of energy production, a slot-based logistics plan was created together with our suppliers. “We're solving this logistics puzzle every day with great co-operation.” says Kirkniemi’s manager for pulp and utilities, Arto Uimi.
It’s yet another example of how at Sappi we seek solutions for decarbonisation across our global business - by bringing together the brilliance of technology, the power of nature and the creativity of people.
This is the kind of structural transformation and commitment to climate action you can see not just at Kirkniemi Mill, but across Sappi worldwide.
SARAH PRICE
SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTOR, SAPPI EUROPE
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