Siemens Energy to electrify first-of-its-kind biorefinery in Germany.
The Finnish company UPM-Kymmene selected Siemens Energy to supply electrification, automation, and digitalization (EAD) packages for a next-generation biorefinery currently under construction in Leuna, Germany.
The biorefinery will be the first industrial-scale facility of its type ever built. It will apply novel process innovations to sustainably convert 100 percent wood into bio-based mono-ethylene glycol (MEG), mono-propylene glycol (MPG) as well as renewable functional fillers (RFF). Both MEG, MPG as well as functional fillers have traditionally been produced using fossil-based raw materials.
UPM will provide alternatives to considerably reduce the CO2 footprint of end-products such as PET bottles, packaging materials, textiles, or rubber products used in various automotive applications. Siemens Energy’s scope of supply for the project includes:
- Electrification: mill-wide medium- and low-voltage power distribution system and drive system (motor control center, variable speed drives, motors)
- Automation: Distributed control system (DCS) for multiple process areas and remote I/O cubicles (total of 9,000 process objects), including safety and ATEX functions for explosive atmospheres
- Digitalization: Complete digital twin for the entire plant, covering the mill’s whole life cycle – from integrated engineering to integrated operation.
The Leuna Biorefinery will be a big step for UPM to expand its business into wood-based biomolecular products and solutions.
Juuso Konttinen, Vice President UPM Biochemicals.
We are confident that the bio-based mono-ethylene glycol, mono-propylene glycol, and renewable functional fillers made in Leuna will meet the strong demand of customers and end-users looking to change towards a truly sustainable portfolio.
“By implementing Siemens Energy’s digitalization solutions and digital twin, we can help ensure safe and efficient operations.”
The biorefinery is scheduled for start-up in late 2022. When fully operational, it will have a total annual capacity of 220,000 tons.
Jennifer Hooper, Senior Vice President, Industrial Applications Solutions for Siemens Energy.
As a global leader in industrial decarbonization, we are proud to be selected as a trusted partner and facilitator for this groundbreaking project.
“We look forward to helping UPM reduce the world’s reliance on chemicals produced from fossil fuels as we move toward creating a more sustainable world.”
READ the latest news shaping the biofuels market at Biofuels Central
Highlights:
- The industrial-scale facility will produce green biochemicals without the use of fossil-based raw materials
- The biorefinery will be the first industrial-scale facility of its type ever built
- Siemens Energy will provide the entire electrification, automation, and digitalization (EAD) solution as well as deliver a complete digital twin
Siemens Energy to electrify first-of-its-kind biorefinery in Germany, June 23, 2021
