MILL AWARDS
WINNER Most Energy-Aware Mill Awards
Gala Dinner, The Temple House | Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Calhoun Pulp, Paper and Tissue Operations
RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS Introduction In 2015, Resolute Forest Products invested over $100 million at the Calhoun (Tennessee) facility to install a modern continuous pulp digester and wood chip processing equipment. In 2016 and 2017, $300 million in additional investments were made to build a state-of-the-art tissue facility.
Energy Improvements • The installation of the continuous pulp digester in 2015 has resulted in significant energy improvements and efficiencies. • Achieved gains in energy efficiency due to lower installed horsepower and reduced steam usage overall, in addition to advanced heat and chemical recovery processes in the new digester. The thermal energy intensity of the production decreased by 13% in the first six months of 2017 compared to the same time period in 2013, which represents savings of nearly 1,150,000 GJ of energy. • The Calhoun operation has completed a permanent conversion of its four on-site boilers from coal to natural gas – a lower emission fuel option. • The investments at the Calhoun operation contributed significantly to the company’s global goal of reducing absolute (scope 1 and 2) GHG emissions to 65% below year 2000 levels by 2015. In 2016, this commitment is exceeded with an impressive 73% reduction. Additional mill GHG reductions were recorded in 2017 (calculation not yet completed).
Green Energy Projects The Calhoun mill also generates green energy from its on-site cogeneration facility. In 2017, the Calhoun operation met 68% of its energy requirements using self-generated or owned renewable power.
Carbon Reduction Leadership Calhoun won the first-ever Carbon Reduction/Leadership Circle Award from the Tennessee Valley Authority in 2017 for achieving the lowest carbon emission rates during the year.