Ence Navia’s biofactory certifies the energy efficiency of its processes

Ence Navia’s biofactory has obtained the energy management system certification according to the international standard ISO 50001 for Energy Efficiency. As reflected in the result of the audit carried out by Lloyd’s Register (Lloyd’s), the company has successfully implemented an energy efficiency policy at its Asturian facilities, and is capable of adequately managing the energy aspects derived from its activity.

This recognition by Ence Navia, which has had Ence’s biofactory in Pontevedra for two years, confirms the Asturian plant as a company that carries out, during its production process, a systematic approach to improve the search for opportunities and implementation of tools to maximize energy efficiency and that directly involves the optimization of energy performance, acquisition and consumption.

The energy management of this installation translates into real and quantifiable savings in energy costs during the production process. This also contributes to the sustainability and efficiency of the biofactory, in line with the principles of the Energy Transition.

The Ence Navia team, as this certification accredits, has managed to identify the activities that consume the most energy resources during the manufacture of cellulose, and develop and implement a plan of measures to minimize the energy consumption of its own facilities and systems in a way integrated, while maximizing its energy efficiency.

This biofactory is, in fact, an example of contribution to the circular economy. During the pulp production process, the plant produces and operates with materials of natural origin, while generating renewable energy. The energy comes from that biomass not destined to the production of cellulose, such as lignin, a component of wood that is an excellent renewable and natural biofuel, and plant remains of forest origin, such as bark, leaves and small branches.

Currently, the Navia biofactory has an installed power of 77 MW, and is capable of generating more than 100% of the energy it consumes in its two boilers. This makes it a surplus plant in renewable energy, pouring into the grid that which it does not use. With this green energy from biomass, Ence Navia contributes to reducing energy intensity and carbon footprint, while helping to meet the decarbonisation targets set by the European Commission. At the same time, the plant manages to give value to forest remains that would not otherwise be used.

Finally, the plant continues to make progress in its environmental behavior, within its commitment to continuous improvement towards excellence in this area. A nationally and internationally recognized environmental behavior through the ISO 14001 environmental certification, voluntary adherence to the European Eco-Management and Eco-Audit System (EMAS), the Zero Waste certification and the Nordic Swan eco-label, the official ecological seal of the Scandinavian governments.