NordFuel’s bioproduct factory produces a significant amount of second-generation biofuels and other bio-based products to replace fossil fuels.

Products

Bioethanol

NordFuel’s bioproduct factory produces 70,000 tons of bioethanol for transportation use annually. Ethanol is a renewable fuel that is typically blended with gasoline at 10 percent by volume. At higher concentrations, ethanol can be used in so-called flex-fuel vehicles (flexible fuel vehicles).

Biogas (LBG, Liquefied Biogas)

NordFuel’s bioproduct factory produces 70 GWh of liquefied biogas annually. Biogas, a by-product of the bioethanol production process, when liquefied, is particularly suitable as a fuel for heavy transport.

Lignin

NordFuel’s bioproduct factory produces approximately 95,000 tons of pure lignin and about 45,000 tons of lignin cake annually. Lignin has significant potential as a raw material for higher-value products.

CO2

The bioproduct factory’s overall process generates about 200 000 tons of biogenic carbon dioxide. Pure carbon dioxide born in fermentation process can be utilized, for example, as a protective gas in the food industry. 160,000 tons of technical carbon dioxide is suitable for the production of sustainable, synthetic fuels such as methanol.

Other Products

In addition to the main products, the bioproduct factory’s processes also produce by-products like furfural and acetic acid, both of which can be utilized as raw materials in the chemical industry. Furfural can be used, for example, in the manufacture of adhesives and resins, while acetic acid can be used in the production of wood-plastic composites.

Raw Material

The raw materials used in NordFuel’s bioproduct factory include sawdust, a by-product of the sawmill industry, forest harvesting residues, and small-diameter thinnings gotten from young forest management.

The raw material requirement is about 340,000 tons (dry weight) annually, which means two truckloads per hour and about 15,000 truckloads per year. The raw materials are sourced from within a 150-kilometer radius.

Process

Utilization of the Haapavesi Power Plant

The bioproduct factory is being constructed in Haapavesi, in conjunction with the former peat power plant. The peat power plant will be converted into the bioproduct factory’s energy center, where the heat and cooling energy required by the factory site will be produced. The existing infrastructure of the power plant area can be utilized, including the fuel terminal, the plant area’s cooling water network, repair, office, and control room facilities, as well as electrical grid connections.

Leveraging the existing infrastructure in line with circular economy principles brings significant cost benefits to the project.