Ence Completes the Modernization of its Timber Fleet and Energy Efficiency Improvements in Navia after an Investment of 48 Million Euros

Ence's biofactory in Navia has completed the execution and commissioning of two industrial projects aimed at improving its competitiveness. Both projects, representing a combined investment of €48 million, are now fully operational and mark a milestone for the company.

On one hand, the plant has completed the replacement of one of its timber yard lines with a new, higher-capacity infrastructure. The installation incorporates two debarkers and a chipper that allow for the processing of timber up to five meters long and the treatment of the entire 'nitens' eucalyptus tree, including the bark, thus improving production capacity.

This technical improvement increases the availability of its own bark for use as biofuel in the biomass boiler. In this way, Navia reduces its dependence on external biomass, optimizes the use of process byproducts, and strengthens its circular economy model.

Boost to energy efficiency

In parallel, Ence has improved the energy efficiency of its pulp manufacturing process and replaced the use of fossil fuels in its lime kilns, a critical and thermally intensive process. The investment has enabled the commissioning of a new biomass preparation plant—covering the phases of reception, screening, storage, drying, shredding, and dosing—as well as the installation of new burners adapted for the use of pulverized biomass.

The economic impact of this transformation plan translates into a direct improvement in the competitiveness of the Asturian biofactory. Of the total investment (€48 million), €13 million is financed through the energy efficiency program of the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE).