The Zellstoff Celgar pulp mill in Castlegar is embarking on a green energy project that is part of the provincial government’s drive to “go green.”

The project centres around installing a new steam-driven turbine attached to a generator, explained Celgar’s energy co-ordinator Jim McLaren. The turbine will use high-pressure steam from the mill’s existing boilers; much of that steam is currently vented.

“We hope to export power to BC Hydro to the tune of 24 megawatts of green electricity,” McLaren said. That translates to providing power for between 20,000 and 24,000 homes, he said. Put another way, 24 million watts is equal to 400,000 light bulbs.

Celgar is currently in the bidding process to sell its power right onto the B.C. grid, via BC Hydro, but Alberta and the United States are possible alternative markets.

The project means the mill will be more efficient, McLaren said. Instead of venting steam, the second, parallel condensing turbine will harness that steam and turn it into green power, as well as eliminating noise due to steam venting.

The project also involves upgrading a woodwaste boiler to increase steam generation, and implementing five steam-saving projects that will make the Celgar facility even more energy-efficient. The extra steam and steam savings will provide the energy for the new turbine, and the boiler improvements and steam-saving projects will improve Celgar’s environmental footprint.

Green power is basically renewable, clean electricity. The B.C. government defines green power as “. . .alternative energy technologies that result in a net environmental improvement relative to existing energy production.” Wood-based generated electricity, like that being proposed for Celgar, is included as a BC Clean power source.

The mill hopes to receive water licence and environmental permit amendments for the green energy project by this summer. The project has a life expectancy of 40 years.
Mercer International Group, the mill’s parent company based in Vancouver, will fund the multi-million-dollar project.

Current engineering estimates place a 30-month window on the project, based on a 24-month turbine delivery plus six months for installation and commissioning.