Versowood mill modernisation to reduce particle emissions

 Tuesday, June 28, 2022

KPA Unicon and Versowood have recently signed a contract on a major modernisation of the Otava sawmill in Finland. This modernisation will significantly reduce fine particle emissions in the Versowood sawmill.

Otava sawmill will be upgraded with smart and environmentally friendly energy solutions. The Unicon Biograte 14 MW clean energy bio boiler will replace the old 6 MW boiler, and will stand alongside the existing 10 MW boiler.

The heating plant is used to dry the timber produced by the sawmill and to heat the industrial buildings in the area. In addition, the upcoming new capacity will enable the production of district heat for nearby areas. As fuel, the energy plant uses bark, a by-product of the sawmill. The new plant will be operational in autumn 2023.

The KPA Unicon delivery includes the replacement of the old boiler with a new bio-boiler and a Unicon Bag Filter flue gas cleaning system. The cleaning system significantly reduces fine particle emissions, which also improves air quality around the sawmill. In addition, the plant will be equipped with the PlantSys digital service platform to ensure efficient and reliable operation of the energy system.

“With this investment, we will ensure uninterrupted heat production at the Otava sawmill and create a basis for increasing the sawmill’s production volumes in the future. We have had a natural and good cooperation with KPA Unicon, which made it easier to decide in favour of KPA”, says Ville Kopra, Managing Director, Versowood.

“Versowood and KPA Unicon have a history since 2018, including the modernisation of the Vierumäki heating plant in Finland. It is a pleasure that our cooperation now continues with the modernisation of the energy system at Otava sawmill”, says Jukka-Pekka Kovanen, Managing Director, KPA Unicon.

Versowood is one of Finland’s largest private producers and processor of sawn timber. 

Tags: KPA Unicon, Versowood