UPM Shotton, a leading producer of 100% recycled newsprint, took a huge leap in its use of renewable energy earlier this year, following a connection to the UK’s largest solar park on the Deeside Industrial Estate in North Wales. The link-up means that UPM Shotton can run almost every daylight hour on 100% renewable energy. The solar site, which is visible from outer space, is one of the last and largest of its type under the current UK government policy.
The paper mill, which employs approximately 200 people across its Deeside site, already sources 70% of its energy needs via its renewable sources which includes its own biomass power plant which commenced operation in 2006. The agreement with British Solar Renewables Welink Energy and Compton Group means that UPM Shotton has halved its purchase of power in April.
Andrew Bronnert, Head of Pulp and Energy for UPM Shotton, comments: “We already have a renowned energy policy with integrated assets such our own power plant and connectivity to EirGrid which operates wind farms in the Irish Sea and leases part of the UPM Shotton site.
“Our parent company UPM is already a world-leader in renewable energy and its strategy is to continually increase its use of energy from renewable sources such as hydro-power in Finland and its latest innovation bio-diesel derived from wood fibres.
“This latest collaboration with British Solar Renewables,Welink Energy and Compton Group means we now have one of the most sophisticated energy provisions in manufacturing and adds to our strong environmental credentials which are recognised by the Welsh Government and its sustainability teams.”
Andrew Dodge from the joint venture between British Solar Renewables,Welink Energy and Compton Group added: “We’re delighted in the partnership and support we have received from UPM Shotton. With this particular project we’ve been able to further demonstrate our combined strength in business and renewables, working together to create an effective supply of energy for large manufacturing sites.”
The award-winning mill will also start up a second power plant and turbine in December 2016, enabling 100 per cent use of all steam produced on site.
The Solar Park has over 250,000individual photovoltaic panels and during daylight hours can provide the UPM Shotton site with 100% of its output. The paper mill is also connected to the National Grid and is able to sell-back some of its unused energy for example, during maintenance time when the paper machine is not running.
UPM Shotton is part of UPM Paper ENA which is a member of the UPM-Kymmene Corporation. The paper mill produces 100% recycled newsprint from recovered newspapers and magazine from the UK domestic recycling supply chain. The mill started operations in 1985 and has a single paper production line, a renewable power plant and a £17m materials recovery facility. It employs approximately 200 persons.
UPM Paper - UPM is the world's leading producer of graphic papers and a supplier of a wide product range that includes magazine, newsprint, fine and speciality papers. UPM believes in the future of print and its effective coexistence with digital media.
UPM’s paper business consists of two distinct business areas located at the centre of their market: UPM Paper ENA (Europe & North America) and UPM Paper Asia. Together these two businesses employ around 11 000 papermakers - www.upmpaper.com
British Solar Renewables deliver large scale solar farms and on-site solar generation. We offer tailored services that include design, development, grid connection, operation and maintenance, which enables us to continually innovate, improve efficiency and drive down cost.
The company has a strong track record in delivering solar projects and since our launch in 2010 we have connected over 340MW of solar pv power plants. All of our sites are constructed to the highest standards using UK sourced parts and labour where ever possible. This helps ensure all of our projects have low environmental impact and supports the UK economy whilst making a significant contribution to future energy demands. British Solar Renewables