- The biofactory optimises its competitiveness through process efficiency and the comprehensive utilisation of local timber.
Ence’s biofactory in Navia has completed the implementation and commissioning of two industrial projects aimed at improving its competitiveness. Both initiatives, which have involved a combined investment of 48 million euros, are now fully operational and mark a milestone for the company.
Firstly, the plant has completed the replacement of one of the lines in its timber processing facility with a new, higher-capacity system. The installation incorporates two debarkers and a chipper, enabling the processing of timber up to five metres in length and the handling of all ‘nitens’ eucalyptus with bark intact, thereby improving production capacity.
This technical improvement increases the availability of the company’s own bark for use as biofuel in the biomass boiler. In this way, Navia reduces its reliance on external biomass, optimises the use of process by-products and strengthens its circular economy model.
Boosting energy efficiency
At the same time, Ence has improved the energy efficiency of its pulp manufacturing process and has replaced the use of fossil fuels in its lime kilns, a critical process that is highly energy-intensive. The investment has enabled the commissioning of a new biomass preparation plant — covering the stages of reception, screening, storage, drying, crushing and dosing — as well as the installation of new burners adapted for the use of pulverised biomass.
The economic impact of this transformation plan translates into a direct improvement in the competitiveness of the Asturian biofactory. Of the total investment (48 million euros), 13 million is being funded through the energy efficiency scheme run by the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE).
Work carried out at the Navia biofactory
