Black Forest Industries Episode 1: Powering Operations with Waste Biomass

As we venture into the heart of Alberta Pacific Forest Industries (ALPAC) pulp mill, we find ourselves amidst a flurry of sparks flying as the power boiler burns hog fuel or waste biomass from the pulp mill to generate electricity. The leftover chemicals from this process, known as black liquor, are then burned to power their own operations. This innovative approach is just one example of how ALPAC is revolutionizing the forestry industry.

The majority of the 2.56 million cubic metres of aspen harvested annually by ALPAC are chipped into three-inch pieces and fed into a towering 20-storey digester, where they undergo a chemical process called white liquor to break down the chips into fibre and lignin. This unique approach allows for the creation of pulp, which is then transformed into various paper products.

As we explore the mill's operations, it becomes clear that ALPAC's raison d'être is to harvest aspen, the beautiful white-trunked tree with photosynthetic bark. Giant 24-metre tall cranes swoop down to pick up entire loads of wood from logging trucks, showcasing the impressive scale of their wood yard.

Aside from serving their own power needs, ALPAC has a 32-megawatt power plant that contributes electricity to Alberta's grid. What may seem like a modest figure belies the immense scope of this operation. Located near the small town of Boyle, Alberta, in northern Alberta, ALPAC is North America's largest single-line kraft pulp mill.

In an effort to reduce their environmental impact, ALPAC has made significant strides in progressive forest management and was certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) in 2009. They also installed a condensing steam turbine to generate green electricity from waste wood, making it one of North America's largest single-line kraft pulp mills.

In a country like Canada, where biomass-to-energy conversion can be highly effective, ALPAC is leading the charge. With ample forestry resources stretching across the provinces and territories, from Nova Scotia to British Columbia, there are endless opportunities for innovative solutions like those found at this remarkable mill. As we explore the fascinating world of Black Forest Industries, it becomes clear that sustainability and innovation go hand-in-hand in the forestry industry.

Black forest industries episode 1