UPM plans biodiesel plant near paper mill

UPM will strongly increase its stake in second generation bio-diesel in the next few years and prepares to become a significant producer of bio-fuels. Currently, UPM is developing the business concept and the respective technical solutions. Decisions to invest in the first commercial scale production plant can be expected within the next few years, rather sooner than later. The plant will be located adjacent to one of UPM's paper mill sites in Finland, France, Germany or UK.

"Investments in development of concepts and plants will be significant. The production of bio-fuel is a good fit for UPM since its core business is to add value to the wood raw material. Our aim is to maximise the gain from the biomass-based raw material," states Jussi Pesonen, President and CEO. "The importance of renewable fuels is increasing, and we consider this an opportunity to further utilise our existing value chain and be part of the future development."

The main raw material used in bio-diesel production will be wood based biomass.
UPM is already making versatile use of the wood and uses it efficiently in production of products and energy generation. The bio-fuel production plant adjacent to existing UPM pulp or paper mills would further improve the possibilities to utilise this wood raw material.

 

Source: UPM