Finland-headed global forest industry major Stora Enso Oyj has announced that it will install a new steam turbine with a closed-loop cooling system and additional biomass storage at its paper mill in Maxau, Germany. The investment cost is approximately EUR 25 million and implementation of the project is scheduled to start during the third quarter of 2018 with completion in 2020.
According to a statement, Stora Enso wants to secure the long-term profitable energy production in Maxau Mill by increased electricity generation and higher efficiency. The new 57 MW extraction-condensing turbine complements the existing combined heat and power (CHP) plant which started up in 2010. Located on the Rhine River near Karlsruhe in southwest Germany, Stora Enso’s Maxau Mill produces around 530 000 tonnes per annum of uncoated magazine papers using recycled paper as the primary feedstock.
The investment will reduce the energy cost and secure long-term cost competitiveness of the paper mill. Once installed, the payback time will be around four years. The investment is in line with Stora Enso’s carbon neutral roadmap and science-based targets through a higher share of biomass and higher efficiency year. The closed loop cooling system will relieve the Rhine River significantly by less thermal output and considerably lower river water extraction.
We are happy to announce this important investment which underpins our long-term commitment to serve our customers with high-quality paper products from cost-efficient and sustainable operations. It also highlights our ambition to replace fossil-based materials and to contribute to a greener economy, said Kati ter Horst, EVP Head of Paper Division.
