The construction of the world’s first biorefinery producing wood-based renewable diesel in Lappeenranta is running according to schedule. The foundation stone of UPM Lappeenranta Biorefinery will be encased today. Construction began last summer and the biorefinery will start producing renewable diesel made from tall oil in 2014.
“The EUR 150 million investment to Lappeenranta is UPM’s spearhead project and the first step on our way to becoming a significant producer of advanced second generation biofuels. The Biorefinery is also a focal part in the realisation of our Biofore strategy, combining the bio and forest industries,” says UPM President and CEO Jussi Pesonen.
The UPM Lappeenranta Biorefinery is the first significant investment in a new and innovative production facility in Finland during the ongoing transformation of forest industry. It will be realised without public investment grants.
Lappeenranta Biorefinery project is important for the local economy and employment. The construction of the biorefinery will offer work for nearly 200 people for approximately two years. When production commences, the biorefinery will directly employ nearly 50 people and indirectly about 150 people. The Biorefinery will produce 120 million litres of advanced, renewable diesel fuel annually.
”UPM is executing the company’s renewal strategy persistently and expects that the operation possibilities and competitiveness of industry is maintained rather than hindered with short-sighted decisions. UPM is still the biggest and most versatile wood refiner in Finland. In the past 10 years, the company has invested nearly EUR 700 million in Eastern Finland.”
“One of the greatest features of Lappeenranta project is that it combines the know-how of many UPMers. By utilising our own development work, a sustainable wood-based raw material is converted into high quality transport fuel that truly decreases emissions and is suitable for modern cars. The quality of our end product and its environmental characteristics has gained significant interest among a wide range of customers. The seamless cooperation of UPMers is needed in the future, too, to enhance the growth of our biofuel business.”
The greetings of the Finnish Government will be presented by Esa Härmälä, Director-General, Energy Department in Ministry of Employment and the Economy.