In a recent press release, SCA announced that it plans to build a new wind farm and increase the degree of self-sufficiency in electricity.
The press release states that "SCA is increasing its degree of self-sufficiency in electricity for its own industry by acquiring Fasikan Vind AB, a wind power project located on SCA's land in the Bräcke municipality of Jämtland County. The seller is Arise AB.
The acquisition is in line with SCA's wind power strategy, which includes leasing land to wind power operators, operating own wind farms, and project development for own operation or for sale.
Construction of the wind farm began in November 2023 and is planned to be operational at the beginning of 2026. The wind farm will consist of 15 turbines with a total installed capacity of 105 MW. Together with SCA's current electricity production, the additional production of 333 GWh from the acquisition will make SCA completely self-sufficient in electricity. The total investment is expected to amount to 1.7 billion SEK."
SCA isn't the only European paper manufacturer using wind.
Earlier this year, Rottneros announced that it entered into a long-term Power Purchase Agreement including Guarantees of Origin with the third largest German energy group Energie Baden-Wuttemberg.
The press release states that "The utility will supply Rottneros with just over 30 GWh/annum of clean energy delivered from the 116 MW Målarberget wind farm in Sweden over an 8.5-year period starting in 2025. The partnership marks an additional step in Rottneros' ambitions to reduce the environmental impact of its operations and its exposure to the volatile and uncertain electricity market.
Rottneros' goal is a fossil-free production according to GHG Scope 1 & 2 by 2030. The emissions from Rottneros' operations come mainly from its external purchase of electricity, which is also their third largest variable cost item. In addition to helping Rottneros meet its climate targets, long-term PPAs are part of the company's active work to reduce its long-term exposure to electricity price movements."
European companies aren't alone in looking into wind power.
Port Hawkesbury Paper in Canada also has a green energy project, Port Hawkesbury Paper Wind Project.
According to a statement, it says that "Port Hawkesbury Paper (PHP), through its sister organization, Port Hawkesbury Paper Wind (PHP Wind), is building the Goose Harbour Lake Wind Farm, located on lands in Guysborough County that are currently under license to Port Hawkesbury Paper for sustainable forest management. The wind farm will consist of up to 31 wind turbines (*depending on the final selection of wind turbine technology).
This green energy project will have an annual capacity equivalent to more than 40 percent of PHP's required electrical power demand. By diversifying Nova Scotia's electricity supply, PHP and all other ratepayers will be operating with a cleaner energy mix, continually improving a local business that will continue to benefit the region's economy and provide well-paying jobs in Eastern Nova Scotia."
We will keep you apprised of further developments.
Helen Roush is Executive Vice President of Paperitalo Publications.
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