Saica Group plans to install Valmet’s BFB biomass boiler at its El Burgo de Ebro plant in Zaragoza, Spain, producing more than 0.7 million tonnes of steam per year and reducing fossil fuel use and CO2 emissions, according to Valmet.
Saica Group has accepted a Euro 32.7 million PERTE grant from the Spanish Ministry of Industry and Tourism to decarbonize its recycled-paper process, Saica Group said. The grant forms part of a Euro 101.5 million total investment that will create 440 direct and indirect jobs, including 40 direct roles, 200 indirect positions and 200 posts linked to infrastructure design and construction.
Declared of Regional Interest by the Government of Aragon, the project hinges on expedited permits to meet tight subsidy deadlines, Saica Group said.
Saica’s comprehensive decarbonization plan at El Burgo de Ebro encompasses six primary actions: start-up of the biomass energy plant (0.7 million tonnes steam per year), installation of a biomass preparation plant treating 160 thousand tonnes annually, assembly of a back-pressure steam turbine in the existing energy-recovery unit, commissioning of a biogas boiler to recover process biogas, and further energy-efficiency upgrades, together cutting fossil CO2 emissions by 53%.
El Burgo de Ebro hosts three paper machines producing 1.3 million tonnes per year of 100% recycled and recyclable paper for packaging.
Saica Group employs more than 12 000 people across ten European countries and the United States and reported consolidated sales of Euro 3.7 billion in 2024.
