L'usine Gascogne Papier de Mimizan produit de l'électricité grâce à sa vapeur

Summary

Gascogne Papier, based in Mimizan, specializes in the production of natural, unbleached kraft paper. Committed to energy transition, the company sources its wood locally and generates 98% of its steam from non-fossil energy, primarily biomass. Its cogeneration system produces both steam and electricity, achieving 55% energy autonomy. Recent investments include a new paper machine aimed at increasing production efficiency without raising steam consumption. Additionally, Gascogne Papier plans to produce Tall Oil from its production process, further reducing reliance on heavy fuel oil.

Takeaways

• 🌲 Gascogne Papier is a subsidiary of the Gascogne group, based in Mimizan, specializing in kraft paper production.
• 📦 The plant has a production capacity of 150,000 tons of natural kraft paper, which is not chemically bleached.
• 🌍 The company is committed to energy transition, sourcing wood primarily from the Landes de Gascogne forest, within 70-80 kilometers of the facility.
• 🔥 Gascogne Papier generates 98% of its steam from non-fossil energy sources, predominantly biomass.
• ⚡ Cogeneration is utilized at the plant to produce both thermal energy and electricity from steam.
• 🛠️ A biomass boiler was installed in 2016, followed by two 10-megawatt turbo-alternators in 2019, achieving 55% electricity autonomy.
• 🔄 Future investments include a facility for Tall Oil production, which will replace heavy fuel oil currently used at the site.
• 📈 Gascogne Papier is acquiring a new paper machine designed to increase production volume without raising steam consumption.
• ♻️ The new project aims to reduce the steam required per ton of paper, enhancing the company’s sustainability efforts.
• 🚀 Overall, Gascogne Papier focuses on innovation and sustainability in its production processes, aligning with environmental goals.

Q & A

What is Gascogne Papier?

Gascogne Papier is a subsidiary of the Gascogne group that specializes in paper manufacturing.

Where is Gascogne Papier located?

It is based in Mimizan, France.

What type of paper does Gascogne Papier produce?

Gascogne Papier produces natural kraft paper, which is unbleached and has a smooth finish.

What is the production capacity of Gascogne Papier?

The production capacity is 150,000 tons of paper.

How does Gascogne Papier contribute to energy transition?

The company uses wood from the Landes de Gascogne forest, and 98% of the steam used in production is generated from non-fossil energy sources, primarily wood.

What is cogeneration and how is it used at Gascogne Papier?

Cogeneration is the simultaneous production of thermal energy and electricity from the same energy source. At Gascogne Papier, steam is used in the manufacturing process and is also converted into electricity through turbines.

What investments has Gascogne Papier made in recent years?

In 2016, they installed a biomass boiler, and in 2019, they added two turbo-alternators, each with a capacity of ten megawatts.

What percentage of electricity does Gascogne Papier generate autonomously?

The facility is 55% autonomous in electricity production.

What is the purpose of the Tall Oil production installation planned by Gascogne Papier?

The Tall Oil production installation aims to convert soap, a co-product of paper manufacturing, to replace heavy fuel oil currently used on-site.

What is the significance of the new paper machine project at Gascogne Papier?

The new paper machine project will increase production volume without increasing steam consumption, thus enhancing efficiency and sustainability.