A UNIQUE BIOMETHANOL PLANT IN ÄÄNEKOSKI
“Our process generates no waste, and all side streams from production are utilised as efficiently as possible while minimising the environmental impact.”
The philosophy of the bioproduct mill concept convinced global operator Veolia to start refining crude methanol into biomethanol that fulfils the chemical industry’s quality standards.
Janne Rantanen
Metsä Fibre’s newest industrial ecosystem partner is the French-owned company Veolia, which has set up its first methanol refinery in the Äänekoski integrated mill area. Veolia, founded in 1853, is a global operator that offers solutions for water, waste and energy management. The company has 220,000 employees and in 2023 had a turnover of over EUR 45 billion. The refinery will be completed in 2025 and will produce biomethanol for the che- mical industry and transport sector from the crude methanol generated as a side stream at Metsä Fibre’s bioproduct mill. Janne Rantala , VP, Biofuels and Green Chemicals at Veolia, explains that Metsä Fibre was selected as their partner thanks to the company’s bioproduct mill concept. “In line with the bioproduct mill concept, partners are invited to work in close collaboration in the integrated mill area. This fits with Veolia’s way of operating.” The refinery uses ANDRITZ’s technology and is fully integrated with the bioproduct mill. For now, the plant is the only one of its kind in the world. It has the capacity to produce 12,000 tonnes of biomethanol annually and the value of the investment is EUR 50 million. The refinery removes impurities from crude methanol in a patented multi-phase distillation process and by extraction. Biomethanol is a basic raw material used in various applications by the chemical industry. Among other things, it is used as a fuel in road, maritime and air transpor- tation. Climate goals are expected to strengthen its demand. “In maritime transport, many large operators are currently investing in biomethanol- powered cargo vessels,” says Rantala.
are utilised as efficiently as possible while minimising the environmental impact,” says Janne Rantanen , VP, Mill Manager at the Äänekoski bioproduct mill. In addition to traditional bioproducts – that is pulp, turpentine, tall oil and bioenergy – the mill also produces product gas from bark and sulphuric acid from odorous gases. The ash generated by the mill and other solid side cuts are turned into fertilisers and excavation material. Not even the wastewater is wasted, as Metsä Fibre partners with Gasum to turn sewage sludge from wastewater processing into biogas and biopellets for biofuel.
A growth platform for innovations
Metsä Fibre’s goal is to utilise all production side streams by 2030. Even though Äänekoski achieved this goal earlier, there is always more that can be done. “You can always do more and develop products with an even higher added value. In addition to side streams, we are also examining our main product, pulp fibre, and looking for new ways to refine it even further,” says Pehu-Lehtonen. Metsä Fibre is still interested in expanding its partner network in the integrated mill area in a way that offers each contract partner the best possible synergy benefits. According to Pehu-Lehtonen, a large integrated mill is the best possible environment for development work. This is because many commodities – such as water, steam and energy – can be produced for shared use and, for example, secondary heat can be utilised efficiently. A developing industrial ecosystem is also an inspiring work environment. During his career, Rantanen has seen its development since the days of the old pulp mill that preceded the bioproduct mill. “It has been wonderful to see how a network of different operators has developed around it, step by step.” •
INCREASING DEMAND FOR BIOMETHANOL
In addition to biomethanol, the process generates bioethanol and ammonium sulphate, which can be used as a fertiliser, for example, at wastewater treatment plants or in agriculture. Contract negotiations regarding the end user of Veolia’s biomethanol are currently ongoing. For now, Veolia has not excluded any operators from the negotiations. “We are discussing with various interested parties right now.” For now, global biomethanol production volumes remain low, but Rantala expects tightening environmental regulations to drive up demand that will in turn enable strong production growth. “According to projections, the global production of methanol will grow from 100 million tonnes to 500 million tonnes by 2050. Part of this growth will be biomethanol.” Veolia’s long-term goal is to build a unit that is larger than the Äänekoski refinery. “While a significant investment, the Äänekoski plant is just a pilot plant. It will help us gain experience from the technology, commercialisation and pricing. I believe that in a year, we will have an understanding of how we want to proceed.” •
26
FIBRE
FIBRE
27
Powered by FlippingBook