The Project’s Achievements:
Investment
228.000 euros.
CO2 emissions saved
154 tonnes CO2 avoided per year.
Any other sustainable benefits
Noise reduction, improved air quality in the mill.
Replacing diesel forklifts with electric forklifts
Project description
As part of Solidus San Andrés’ strong commitment to environmental sustainability, the company developed a decarbonisation plan aimed at reducing fossil fuel consumption. One of the first steps of this journey was to eliminate diesel usage within the mill.
After evaluating available technologies, Solidus San Andrés identified the feasibility of operating electric forklifts 24/7. Other factories within the Solidus Group and across the pulp and paper industry have already implemented electric forklifts successfully, providing a proven path ahead.
The implemented solution
Diesel forklifts with lithium battery electric forklifts. A key challenge was the mill’s limited space, which made traditional battery-swap forklifts impractical. However, advances in fast-charging lithium battery technology provided an effective solution, allowing us to transition to electric forklifts without operational disruptions.
By adopting this innovative approach, the mill has taken a crucial step towards reducing emissions and enhancing sustainability within our operations.
The key hurdles solved
There were no obstacles. The extra electricity consumption is covered by the current contract. The proposal and supplier selection phase took us almost a year.
Key Suppliers / Partners
Reybesa
“We are strongly committed to improving the environment hence our decarbonisation plan. One of the first steps was to remove the mill’s gasoil consumption. We studied the current technology and saw that it is possible to have electric forklifts running 24/7.
As diesel consumption is not a process aspect but an auxiliary one, we tried to eliminate it as soon as possible.
Other factories in the Solidus group and the pulp and paper sector already have this equipment in operation but we were faced with some challenges: Due to a lack of space in the mill the option of forklifts with the battery replaced was not viable. With the new fast-charging lithium battery technology we were able to solve this issue.”
Rafael Lacasa Cebollero
Mill Manager
