Siemens Energy to electrify first-of-its-kind biorefinery in Germany
UPM-Kymmene selected Siemens Energy to supply electrification, automation, and digitalization for a biorefinery currently in Leuna, Germany.
Image source: Siemens Energy
Germany, Leuna: UPM-Kymmene selected Siemens Energy to supply electrification, automation, and digitalization for a biorefinery currently in Leuna, Germany.
The biorefinery will be the first industrial-scale facility of its type ever built and it is currently under construction. It will apply novel process innovations to sustainably convert 100 % wood into bio-based mono-ethylene glycol, mono-propylene glycol as well as renewable functional fillers. UPM will provide alternatives to considerably reduce the CO2 footprint of end-products such as PET bottles, packaging materials, textiles, or rubber products used in various automotive applications. Siemens Energy’s scope of supply for the project includes:
- Electrification: mill-wide medium- and low-voltage power distribution system and drive system (motor control centre, variable speed drives, motors)
- Automation: Distributed control system (DCS) for multiple process areas and remote I/O cubicles (total of 9,000 process objects), including safety and ATEX functions for explosive atmospheres
- Digitalization: Complete digital twin for the entire plant, covering the mill’s whole life cycle – from integrated engineering to integrated operation.
The Leuna biorefinery will be a big step for UPM to expand its business into wood-based biomolecular products and solutions.
“We are confident that the bio-based mono-ethylene glycol, mono-propylene glycol, and renewable functional fillers made in Leuna will meet the strong demand of customers and end-users looking to change towards a truly sustainable portfolio,” said Juuso Konttinen, Vice President UPM Biochemicals. “By implementing Siemens Energy’s digitalization solutions and digital twin, we can help ensure safe and efficient operations.”
Source: Siemens Energy