Project Description
Metsä Fibre, part of Metsä Group, is using a unique bioproduct concept to build a new fossilfree bioproduct mill in Kemi, Finland. The value of the investment is €1.6 billion, and the new mill will create an industrial ecosystem for new biobased products manufacturing, while generating about 2.5% of the country’s electricity. The mill uses best available technology, including artificial intelligence, digitalisation and electrification.
In addition to the fossil-free Kemi bioproduct mill, Metsä Fibre is currently building the world’s most modern sawmill in Rauma, Finland. The new pine sawmill enables both the Rauma sawmill and the pulp mill to operate without any fossil fuels. With these investments, Metsä Group meets the needs of forest owners and our customers even better than before, across the entire forest industry value chain, and will play a significant role in combating climate change.
During these projects there has been an active, positive dialogue with stakeholders including the national government, parliament and NGOs, as well as local authorities and citizens. These investments are also a significant step towards Metsä Group’s 2030 sustainability targets.
Project Purpose
The Kemi bioproduct mill will produce 1.5 million tonnes of softwood and hardwood pulp per year, as well as many other bioproducts. It will also produce 2.0 TWh of renewable electricity per year, about 2.5% of Finland’s total electricity production.
Project Evaluation
The Kemi mill will increase the annual value of Finland’s exports by €500 million, and the positive annual income effect in Finland will be at about the same level. The new mill will secure the current 250 jobs at the Kemi pulp mill for decades to come, and the mill will create 1,500 new jobs along its entire direct value chain in Finland. All in all, about 2,500 people in Finland will work in the direct value chain.