Reducing electricity costs
A
number of sawmilling sites use wood waste to produce heat and
electricity. This combined process is known as cogeneration, and it is
a highly efficient way of generating power.
On-site power
generation at the sawmill means that the waste heat from the energy
conversion process can be utilised for heat demand at the sawmill. The
heat demand is typically for drying timber in kilns.
At present there are five wood waste cogeneration systems working at New Zealand wood processing sites:
Download: Case study on Blue Mountain Lumber's plant.
The
decision to upgrade a sawmill site to generate its own power is complex
and is best left to experienced consultants. Simple calculations can
give an indication of whether cogeneration is an option for a
particular mill. Our biomass cogeneration plant investment tool will give you a quick assessment of whether cogeneration is the right option for your sawmill
For more information of the technical aspects of biomass cogeneration read the using wood waste as fuel section.
For more specific information talk to an expert at the call centre: 0800 BIOENERGY (0800 246363).
Financial support is available to assess whether opportunities exist on your site for cogeneration. More...
In
addition to cogeneration, increasing energy-efficiency on site can also
reduce electricity costs. By initiating an energy management programme
it is possible to systematically increase onsite energy efficiency. More...