Ence has completed the implementation and commissioning of two industrial projects at its Navia biofactory in Spain involving a combined investment of Euro 48 million, with both initiatives now fully operational, according to Ence.
The plant has replaced one of its timber processing lines with a new higher-capacity system incorporating two debarkers and a chipper, enabling the processing of timber up to five metres in length and the handling of all 'nitens' eucalyptus with bark intact, thereby increasing production capacity and improving availability of the company's own bark for use as biofuel in the biomass boiler.
The company has also improved energy efficiency in its pulp manufacturing process and replaced fossil fuels in its lime kilns, commissioning a new biomass preparation plant covering reception, screening, storage, drying, crushing, and dosing, along with new burners adapted for pulverised biomass use.
The economic impact of this transformation plan translates into a direct improvement in the competitiveness of the Asturian biofactory. Of the total investment (Euro 48 million euros), Euro 13 million is being funded through the energy efficiency scheme run by the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE).
Ence is a leading European producer of eucalyptus pulp, with a combined annual capacity of 1.2 million tons.