12/09 Steinbeis Papier commissions state-of-the-art power plant
Glückstadt, 03.12.2009 – A state-of-the-art electricity-generating plant at the Glückstadt location has been providing Steinbeis Papier with energy for the production of recycled paper since 20th October. The state-of-the-art plant means Europe’s leading manufacturer of graphic office and magazine paper, which is 100% recycled from recovered paper, will use 55,000 tonnes less coal each year, and avoid CO2 emissions equal to those emitted by a medium-sized city.
The plant, boasting efficient combined heat and power generation, burns fuel substitutes with a high biogenic share from the paper manufacturing process and the environment. The efficiency of the thermal electricity generation has increased to approx. 87 percent thanks to the simultaneous use of electricity and created steam. The plant is an example, supported by current government policies, of ecological and resource-efficient management, in particular because of its high level of efficiency. For example, CO2 emissions have been reduced directly and indirectly by 48 percent, or in absolute terms by 220,000 tonnes per year. This saving corresponds with the annual CO2 emissions of about 16,000 households, i.e. the 33,000 citizens of the neighbouring county town of Itzehoe.
“The completion of the plant over a 20-month building period is a milestone for us”, says Michael Söffge, managing director of Steinbeis Papier. “The new plant corresponds with our company philosophy geared towards sustainability. In addition to the commitment to climate protection, we are concerned about reducing the dependency on fossil energy sources, and increasing the production of our own energy.” The company has invested € 100 million in its modern energy supply. The system will secure the paper manufacturer’s competitiveness and therefore jobs at the Glückstadt location, and facilitate continued healthy growth.
The plant meets all statutory requirements. At the same time the new plant puts the company in good stead in respect of future requirements: By way of the most forward-looking power plant technology currently available, the so-called fluidized bed process, Steinbeis Papier’s emissions are clearly below the current valid statutory limit. Thanks to the utilisation of organic raw materials, the company is also playing a part in conserving valuable landfill space and therefore protecting the climate.
