PHOTO: GLENN OSTLE, PAPER 360
BIOREFINERY
The idea of converting pulp and paper mills into biorefineries is evolving as the real value of these facilities is being evaluated.
Although the Flambeau River project seems to be heading toward success, some mills have been unable to contend with rising energy and fuel costs. Red Shield and RSE Pulp & Chemical LLC was also granted $30 million from the DOE to reopen its pulp and paper mill in Old Town, Maine, and construct a 2.2 MMgy cellulosic ethanol facility at the site. Cash ran out too early—the grant funds could not yet be used—and RSE was forced to file for bankruptcy. Luckily, the mill gained yet another chance when it was bought by Patriarch Partners LLC, which reopened and renamed it Old Town Fuel and Fibers. Instead of making ethanol, the plan now is to produce 1.5 MMgy of biobutanol, but production is still a few years away. Outside of the U.S., Chemrec Inc., a biomass-to-energy company based in Sweden, is evaluating possible sites in Georgia to develop black liquor gasification biorefineries at pulp and paper mills. The company says its BioDME process completely alters the pulp mill competitive position by adding 30 percent to 50 percent to revenue, and is feasible for implementation at mills producing as little as 500 tons of black liquor solids per day. At capacity, an ideal Chem-
rec biorefinery would generate 8 MMgy of green fuel. The technology has been in development for several years, and the company operates a pilot plant in Pitea, Sweden. Whether a biorefinery is located on the site of a former mill, co-located to help with rising fuel and electric costs, or located miles away and considered a competitor, one thing is certain—there is a limited supply of feedstock. Some ventures will need to look at alternatives to woody biomass, and regulators must keep a watchful eye on the concentration of projects within a given area. With the renewable fuels standard and state renewable electricity mandates, these types of projects will be essential in meeting future renewable energy goals. Until then, the developing biomass industry and the evolving pulp and paper industry will learn from trial and error, and continue to mold the pieces of the puzzle together to one day create an efficient work of art. BIO Anna Austin is a Biomass Magazine associate editor. Reach her at aaustin@ bbiinternational.com or (701) 738-4968.
11|2009 BIOMASS MAGAZINE 47