GE Technology Helps Lower Emissions and Increases Productivity at Largest Paper Recycler in Spain
MADRID—May 12, 2011—As Spain increases its efforts to use more renewable energy, many companies in the country are turning to General Electric (NYSE: GE) to supply them with alternative energy solutions. GE is showcasing a number of its innovative energy technology solutions deployed throughout Spain, including the Jenbacher gas engine product line, at the GENERA 2011 industry conference, which is being held in Madrid, May 11-13.
One example of GE’s technology being highlighted at GENERA is a project with Sociedad Anónima Celulosa Aragonesa (SAICA), the largest paper recycler in Spain. SAICA is using GE’s Jenbacher gas engine technology to turn biogas into energy at its cogeneration plant in Zaragoza, Spain.
SAICA uses recovered paper for the manufacturing of new paper and at present, the company recycles 2.1 million tons per year within its five sites. SAICA’s cogeneration plant features three of GE’s ecomagination approved Jenbacher J620 gas engines, which use biogas from the wastewater treatment to generate electricity. While standard biogas plants are typically 1-2 megawatts, the SAICA plant is more than 8 megawatts. GE’s 2.7-megawatt Jenbacher gas engines also help to reduce CO2 emissions.
“A substantial part of this project was that we were able to reduce a large amount of sulphur hydrogen due to the cleaning of the biogas. This has created a sizeable amount of biogas from the paper mill, which otherwise would have contributed to additional CO2 emissions,” said Juan Antonio Luna, manager of the cogeneration power plants at El Burgo de Ebro. “We chose GE’s innovative Jenbacher technology for our cogeneration plant because of the company’s vast experience in biogas applications and proven record for reducing emissions.”
“As Spain aims to expand the use of cleaner, distributed energy technologies to enhance local energy reliability, projects such as this one with SAICA are becoming increasingly important to addressing the country’s energy supply needs,” said Michel Martinez, general manager—gas engines Spain and Portugal for GE Power & Water. “SAICA has not only been able to reduce emissions, but also has increased productivity at its power plant through the use of our Jenbacher gas engines, which are capable of operating on a variety of fuels.”
Many of GE’s Jenbacher products are ecomagination approved, providing customers with products that improve their operating performance and reduce environmental impact. Ecomagination is GE’s business strategy to help meet customers’ demand for products that improve their bottom line and reduce their impact on the environment. This also will drive growth for GE that delivers for its investors. Ecomagination reflects GE’s commitment to invest in a future that creates innovative solutions to environmental challenges. From 2010 to 2015, GE has committed to: doubling R&D to $ 10 billion; growing ecomagination revenues twice as fast as overall company revenue; reducing GE’s energy intensity 50 percent; reducing water consumption 25 percent; and inspiring a competitive energy future.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is an advanced technology, services and finance company taking on the world’s toughest challenges. Dedicated to innovation in energy, health, transportation and infrastructure, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.
GE also serves the energy sector by providing technology and service solutions that are based on a commitment to quality and innovation. The company continues to invest in new technology solutions and grow through strategic acquisitions to strengthen its local presence and better serve customers around the world. The businesses that comprise GE Energy www.ge.com/energy—GE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gas—work together with more than 90,000 global employees and 2010 revenues of $38 billion, to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; as well as other alternative fuels and new grid modernization technologies to meet 21st century energy needs.
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