Jingxing Papermill Biogas

Wastewater generated by industries such as paper manufacturing, is traditionally stored in open lagoons, which when left over time release potent methane emissions from anaerobic reactions.  Methane is a greenhouse gas 21 times stronger than CO2 and can worsen local air quality rapidly. The Jingxing papermill biogas project transforms wastewater emissions that would normally be released into the atmosphere into clean energy. 

The Solution

Located close to Hangzhou Bay at the East China Sea shore, the Jingxing paper plant has two production lines with a total paper production capacity of 600,000 tons per year – generating up to 5 million m3 of wastewater. The pre-project wastewater treatment systems at the paper mill had no biogas recovery devices and methane-rich biogas was released into the atmosphere.

Since the implementation of a modern biogas reactor, a biogas recovery facility, a biogas purification device, and a power generation system, methane is now being captured and used for clean energy production that replaces, mostly fossil-fueled, electricity from the grid.

The Impact

By capturing methane gas from the wastewater that the plant generates, and converting it into electricity, the project both reduces potent methane emissions and simultaneously reduces the need to burn fossil fuels for the plant's operation. Additionally, the projects create employment opportunities, boosting the local economy.

As this project is located in a highly industrialized region, the initiative sends an important signal to other paper companies and wastewater generating industries, to green their operations and cut down on polluting supply chains.

Sustainable Development Goals / Outcomes

• The project creates approximately 10,914 MWh of affordable, clean energy per year
• Reduces CO2e emissions by approximately 60,000 tones per year
• Creates 10 full-time jobs and provides education and training for local workers