Turning residual waste into steam
Energy from residual streams
The installation uses by-products from the paper industry as fuel. By combusting these materials, hot flue gases are generated, which are used to produce steam. This steam is then used for both power generation and directly in the factory’s production process. “The factory requires low-pressure steam of around 6 bar for producing cardboard and tissue paper,” says project manager Saskia Strating. “We supply that steam directly via a pipeline.” This creates an efficient system in which energy is produced and used on site.
Technology and collaboration
HoSt Group was responsible for the design and delivery of the installation, working closely with local partners. “The client was responsible for part of the installation work,” Saskia explains. “We defined the requirements and worked intensively with local subcontractors.” This brought its own challenges. “We had to deal with language barriers and different ways of working. English was not always sufficient, so we often worked with an interpreter. I even tried to learn some Romanian to communicate better.”
International teamwork on site
During construction and commissioning, an international team worked together on site. “Colleagues from different countries were involved, including from Latvia. That makes it interesting, you learn from each other and combine different areas of expertise.” Saskia regularly visited the site in Adjud. “You end up in places you would not normally go. That adds to the experience.”
Direct impact for the industry
The installation enables the paper mill to reduce its dependence on external energy sources and operate more efficiently. By using residual materials, waste is turned into a valuable energy source. “You can see the impact of what you build immediately,” says Saskia. “The energy we generate is directly used in the production process.”
From design to operation
For Saskia, the strength of this type of project lies in the full lifecycle. “You start with a concept and end up with a working installation that delivers energy. That remains the most rewarding part.”