Reinvest 2050 » BioFit project: adapting infrastructure to scale renewable energy

BioFit project: adapting infrastructure to scale renewable energy

Project description

Sappi has made significant progress in decarbonisation and climate action, including the complete modernisation of Boiler 11 at its Gratkorn mill in 2022, transitioning from coal to multi-fuel (natural gas and biomass). The new investment at Gratkorn further reduces fossil fuel use and related carbon emissions by modernising infrastructure for efficient biomass use and large-scale logistics.

The BioFit project establishes the infrastructure for increased biomass delivery handling, sorting and processing. This includes decentralising intermediate storage terminals within the surrounding regions and improving the biomass handling system at the mill. BioFit aims to supply approximately 300.000 tonnes of biomass per year, with 50% being delivered by truck and 50% by rail.

The project will cut fossil emissions by an additional 100.000 tonnes per year which, combined with the boiler modernisation, will enable an estimated 55% reduction in emissions compared to 2020.

The project offers a scalable model for mills in other regions or countries transitioning from coal to biomass, focusing on:
• Adapting local infrastructure for biomass logistics,
• Partnering with regional storage and transport providers,
• Leveraging EU or local funding for decarbonisation projects.

The implemented solution

The BioFit project is split into two parts:
• Step 1 focused on biomass handling at the plant, including the construction of two 10.000m³ storage silos (completed), an open storage area of 5.000m² (underway), and conveyor belts to move the biomass (underway).
• Step 2 involves the development of railway infrastructure, reducing scope 3 transport emissions, to deliver the biomass to the plant (completed), unloading trucks, a terminal, a photovoltaic system and an additional silo for biomass storage (underway).

Key Suppliers / Partners

FMW, a mechanical equipment supplier, helped in the development of a general technical solution.
Granit, a local company, delivered civil construction.
Elin and Siemens, long-term partners, delivered the electric and automation components and did the installation.
Papierholz Austria PHA, thanks to a long-term cooperation, sourced the biomass on the market.

“In my view, addressing the challenge of climate change requires a unique mix of commitment, innovation, and scale. This project plays a critical role in further scaling up the share of renewables powering our mill. It helps to achieve even more CO₂ savings thanks to our Boiler 11 modernisation, and strengthens the reliability and stability of our energy system for the future. It serves as a scalable model for industrial decarbonisation and is a critical step in Sappi’s roadmap to achieve decarbonisation goals.”

Wolfgang Fuchs
Manager Pulp Mill & Utilities, Sappi Gratkorn Mill

The Project’s Achievements:

Investment
About 40 million euros, with partial EU funding from “Transform the Economy – shift to renewable energy/ away from fossil fuel”.

CO₂ emissions saved
The BioFit project will deliver an estimated reduction of 100.000 tonnes of CO₂ per year.
Combined with the emission reduction impacts of the modernised boiler in 2022, a total 230.000 tonnes CO₂ per year emission reduction (55% reduction in emissions compared to 2020) is anticipated once the projects are complete.

Any other sustainable benefits
Benefits also extend to the mill through improved energy sustainability and reduced long-term operational costs, and to the local communities through positive environmental impact and potential job creation in biomass logistics and infrastructure development.

BioFit project: adapting infrastructure to scale renewable energy

Project description

The implemented solution

Key Suppliers / Partners

Other projects