UPM bio-boiler plant at Joensuu improves energy efficiency

A new bio-boiler plant has come into operation at UPM Joensuu Plywood Mill. It replaces the combined heat and power plant built in 1962.

Besides improving the mill’s energy efficiency, the modern bio-boiler plant peps up its environmental performance, occupational safety, and fire safety, says a press release.

The boiler uses biofuel, i.e., by-products of plywood production, such as bark and wood chips. Thus, no additional trees are felled to generate thermal energy.

The combustion technology based on the grate technology is more efficient than that of the old power plant, meaning lower fuel consumption per heat output and thus lower emissions.

In order to minimise the environmental impacts, the flue gases from combustion pass through the electrostatic precipitator and flue gas scrubber after heat recovery. The noise level of the bio-boiler plant is also lower than that of the old power plant.