In Germany, paper and energy group Koehler Holding SE & Co. KG (Koehler Group) has held a groundbreaking ceremony at its Koehler Paper Oberkrich site marking the start of construction for the conversion of its combined heat and power (CHP) plant from coal to biomass.
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The existing power plant is expected to be expanded and converted by autumn 2024 to ensure biomass is burnt in an environmentally friendly way
This conversion is part of the Koehler Group’s climate strategy with the ceremonial groundbreaking signaling the start of construction. Decarbonizing energy and steam generation is part of the Koehler Group’s climate strategy.
The inaugural test run of the converted lignite power plant at Koehler Paper’s site in Greiz was launched at the end of March with a visit from Wolfgang Tiefensee, Thuringia’s Minister for the Economy, Science, and Digital Society.
The site now uses fine wood fraction, which is estimated to save 24 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually.
Ambitious carbon reduction targets
In the long term, both Germany and the EU are striving to become climate neutral. The EU is aiming to reach this milestone by 2050, while Germany is targeting 2045.
The Koehler Group has set out even more ambitious targets and is aiming to generate more energy from renewable sources than is required for paper production by 2030.
To mark the official start of construction at the power plant in Oberkirch, the groundbreaking ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Oberkirch, Christoph Lipps, external project partners, and members of the Koehler-Group project team, among others.
We don’t view sustainability as a trend but as a necessity for society’s long-term survival. By converting the power plant at our headquarters in Oberkirch, we have made a significant step towards climate neutrality, said Kai Furler, CEO of the Koehler Group during the ceremony.
A EUR 70 million investment
According to the company, converting the power plant to biomass will save 150 000 metric tonnes of CO2 per year at the Koehler Paper Oberkrich site and is another step towards achieving the Koehler climate strategy.
In order to generate the energy to produce various special papers from biomass going forwards, the Koehler Group has invested over EUR 70 million in the Oberkirch site.
The existing power plant, which was built in 1986, is being adapted for the new fuel through various conversion measures. In addition, two collection points for unloading trucks and corresponding silos will be built.
In the future, Koehler will use woodchips, green waste, and mill residue as fuel. The advantage of using biomass as a fuel is not only is it carbon neutral, but it is also widely available as only natural wood from the region is used.
The Koehler Group will continue to reduce its carbon footprint through efficient processes, one step at a time.
Oberkirch site secured long term
The switch to biomass is also a vital step towards securing the Koehler Paper Oberkrich site, where over 1 000 jobs depend on the company’s sustainable approach.
There are limits as to the size of the site due to its location, so as a result of this, upgrading the existing CHP plant was the best option to ensure production is environmentally friendly.
Alongside the conversion of the power plant, the “cold reserve” is also being expanded, which can be activated in the event of a shutdown.
Burning biomass requires significantly more maintenance work than previously, which causes stoppages.
Biomass is also not as energy-dense as hard coal. The larger cold reserve, which will be operated using natural gas instead of heating oil, will however ensure a smooth production process.
In the long run, the Koehler Group will use biomass as an energy source at a lower cost than before. There are plans for a mains parallel operation, whereby surplus green electricity is fed into the public grid.
