New German Biorefinery

Finnish company UPM-Kymmene selected Siemens Energy to supply electrification, automation, and digitalization (EAD) packages for a next-generation biorefinery under construction in Leuna, Germany. It will be the first industrial-scale facility of its type to convert 100% wood into bio-based mono-ethylene glycol (MEG), mono-propylene glycol (MPG) as well as renewable functional fillers (RFF). Each has traditionally been produced using fossil-based raw materials. UPM will provide alternatives to reduce the CO2 footprint of end-products such as PET bottles, packaging materials, textiles, or rubber products used in various automotive applications.
Siemens Energy’s scope of supply for power distribution and motor drive systems, a distributed control system (DCS), and a digital twin for the entire plant. The biorefinery is scheduled for start-up in late 2022. When fully operational, it will have an annual capacity of 220,000 tons.