Cascades has been recognized for advanced use of bio-energy at its Rolland paper mill. The biogas energy proje…
Cascades has been recognized for advanced use of bio-energy at its Rolland paper mill. The biogas energy project was chosen by Pulp and Paper International (PPI) magazine within the global pulp and paper sector as the most innovative and viable use of local and renewable energy.
The biogas used in this project is captured from a local landfill. When waste in a landfill decomposes, it produces methane, which must be combusted in order to become CO2. Instead of flaming and releasing green house gas into the atmosphere, Cascades, in partnership with Waste Management and Gaz Metro, captures the gas and transports it to the Rolland mill by an eight-mile pipeline. The biogas is then burned to power the paper machines.
The idea for this project originated with one of the mill employees, says Mario Plourde, president and COO of Cascades Specialty Products Group. “At a time when the Rolland mill was struggling for its survival, an employee came up with the great idea to use methane from landfill instead of natural gas. Its implementation provided us the ability to reduce and stabilize energy costs, while favouring local suppliers.”
Overall, the biogas project reduces green house gas emissions by 60,000 tons annually, the equivalent of removing 15,000 cars from the road. It also lessens energy costs and helps to secure more than 500 jobs in a challenging market.
“Being recognized for such by our peers is an honour and it adds to our delight,” concludes Plourde.
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