Project Description

Rayonier Advance Material, is one of the world’s largest producers of specialty cellulose pulp, manufacturing high added value products with multiple applications (food, inks, paints, varnishes, concrete…), also used by the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. Rayonier carried out a decarbonation project in its biorefinery located in Tartas (France), consisting in the implementation of a new a “high added value” combined heat and power system to i) better valorise by-products of cellulose pulp, ii) improve low temperature heat recovery iii) improve overall energy efficiency of the process dedicated to the production of bio-based products and bio-fuels (also reducing the share of fossil fuels) and iv) modernise the site in preparation of further transformation projects. This decarbonation project was promoted by Rayonier AM Management both internally and externally and was also supported by the Ministry. Rayonier AM was granted feed tariff for the production of renewable electricity and received subvention from the Region.

Project Purpose

The decarbonation project consisted in i) installing a steam turbine to increase renewable electricity production and ii) implementing a low temperature heat recovery system on biomass boiler fumes.

Main impacts of this project were i) an increase in the efficiency of biomass boilers, ii) a drying of solid biomass (used as a fuel) from low temperature heat, iii) a reduction of fossil energy consumption and iv) an increase of electricity generation.

Overall, this decarbonation project performed in the biorefinery has reduced carbon emissions and environmental impact, while improving energy efficiency and reducing operating costs.

Project Evaluation

The project will increase energy efficiency of the biorefinery by 8%:

• Recovering 185 Gwh/year of low temperature heat;
• Reducing water consumption by 850,000 m3/year;
• Increasing renewable electricity production by 20 GWh/ year;
• Reducing fossil energy consumption by 5% of the overall site energy consumption

The implementation of the project has been efficient regarding cost control (no cost overruns with regard forecasted investment of €24 million), and deadlines (sale of electricity on time).

The biomass dryer installed at Rayonier AM is the largest in Europe and has become a reference for optimising the energy efficiency of all solid biomass heaters.