This new biomass power plant is one of the 3 largest in Spain and will contribute to the decarbonization of the paper mill as it will reduce its natural gas consumption by 98%, thanks to the installation of the boiler that will prevent the emission of huge amounts of CO2 and lead the company towards its goal of net zero emissions by 2025.
ENGIE, a global leader in energy solutions and low-carbon services, and Alier, a leader in the production of paper for the construction and packaging sectors, today announced the thermal energy generation from biomass at the Alier factory in Roselló (Lleida). The opening ceremony was attended by Elisabet Alier, President of Alier and Janis Rey, Managing Director of ENGIE Solutions in Spain.
The biomass power plant
This is the thermal power station of biomass intended for industrial use, the largest in Catalonia and one of the three largest in Spain. Both companies have entered into a partnership that includes the design, installation, operation and maintenance of the plant by ENGIE for a period of 15 years. This way one can stable supply of clean and sustainable energy in the long term.
The biomass boiler, with a capacity of 36 MWt (50 tph), enables the production of steam using forest biomass from sustainably managed forests, which will reduce the plant’s natural gas consumption by 98% and prevent the emission of more than 91,000 tons of CO2 per year. ALIER thus continues its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2025, decarbonizing its production process and drastically reducing its dependence on fossil fuels.
Janis Rey, Managing Director of ENGIE Solutions in Spain, stated: “This new boiler biomass that we inaugurate today reflects ENGIE’s firm commitment to supporting industries in their transition to sustainability and also highlights its technological capacity to develop innovative energy projects that contribute to decarbonization the economy and generate a positive impact on the local environment and the future of the industry.
Elisabet Alier, President of Alier, has pointed out: “When principles and values are shared, as is the case with ENGIE, innovative solutions can be created in collaboration where benefits for society and the environment”.
Next to the environmental benefits It is obvious that, due to its nature and main objective, this project will also generate a positive impact at local level by promoting sustainable forest management and adequate prevention of forest fires. It will also be a key factor for the social and economic development of the region.