Sylvamo Turns Water into Renewable Fuel for Transportation Industry

NYMOLLA, Sweden – Sylvamo’s Nymolla, Sweden, mill partners with energy company, Gasum, to convert water used during the manufacturing process into liquified biogas (LBG) to power heavy-duty vehicles, reducing the vehicles’ greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%. 

While converting wood to paper, organic materials are removed from the water, broken down through anaerobic digestion and then cooled to create LBG. The process produces 75 - 90 gigawatt hours of biogas per year and can be used to fuel up to 200 long-haul trucks. 

“We are happy to be part of a project that will turn our water into valuable renewable energy. For Sylvamo, replacing fossil fuels with renewable alternatives is another example of how the company contributes to a lower carbon economy,” said James McDonald, chief sustainability officer, Sylvamo. 

Focusing on innovation of water stewardship, the partnership provides multiple benefits for the environment by improving water quality and providing a more sustainable option to diesel fuel.  

By 2030, the company has a goal to reduce overall water usage by 25% and implement context-based water stewardship plants at all mills.