UPM plans a new biorefinery

Forest company UPM is starting the basic design phase of a new biorefinery. The design examines the attractiveness of the business, selects the technology option and assesses the need for investment. In addition, two main location options are being assessed – Kotka and Rotterdam.

“The planned biorefinery would significantly expand UPM’s biofuel business. A number of new sustainable raw materials would be introduced to significantly reduce CO2 emissions compared to biofuels currently on the market, ” says Jyrki Ovaska , UPM’s Chief Technology Officer .

The planned refinery would have an annual capacity of 500,000 tonnes of high-quality renewable fuels. The company’s wood biomass-based solid residues and by-products are used as raw material, and liquid waste and residue raw materials are also to be used.

The design phase lasts at least a year. If the preparation steps are successfully completed, the company will begin the process of evaluating and preparing a standard investment decision.