Getec realizes combined heat and power plant for recycled paper production

12.05.2025

Source: E & M powernews

Getec and Schönfelder Papierfabrik have commissioned a biomass cogeneration plant in Annaberg-Buchholz. It replaces lignite and significantly reduces CO2 emissions.

Schönfelder Papierfabrik and energy service provider Getec have put a new biomass cogeneration plant into operation in Annaberg-Buchholz in the Erzgebirge district of Saxony, Getec announced on May 9. The plant replaces the previous use of lignite and is expected to save around 33,000 tons of CO2 annually. In addition to steam, the plant also supplies electricity for paper production.

The combined heat and power plant is part of the paper mill's decarbonization strategy. This aims to achieve a comprehensive reduction in fossil fuels. The new energy concept is complemented by the purchase of certified green electricity, the energy service provider from Magdeburg added in its press release. According to the company, this will reduce CO2 emissions by 93 percent compared to the previous level.

Regional waste wood as fuel

According to the energy service provider, certified, non-recyclable waste wood from the region is used as an energy source. The plant has a thermal output of 16 MW and an electrical output of 1 MW. Up to 21 tons of process steam can be generated per hour.

The power plant will cover the majority of the energy requirements for the production of recycled paper at the site. Getec took over the planning, financing and construction of the plant and will operate it as part of its own portfolio. The long-standing partnership with Schönfelder Papierfabrik will thus be further expanded. Hajo Hoops, Managing Director of Getec Heat & Power, emphasizes: "We are proud to have successfully implemented this tailor-made and highly efficient energy solution together with our long-standing partner Schönfelder and to secure the future of paper production at the site with this reliable, sustainable and cost-efficient energy supply."

The project was supported by funds from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection. The project partners emphasize the importance of regional cycles and low-CO2 energy supply for the competitiveness of the paper industry.

Author: Heidi Roider