Stora Enso invests in sustainable energy at Zdirec Sawmill in Czech Republic

Helsinki, Finland, 2011-07-21 11:59 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- STORA ENSO OYJ STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 21 July 2011 at 12.59 EET Stora Enso is continuing to implement its Wood Products Business Area strategy to improve profitability by constructing a new combined heat and power (CHP) plant at Zdírec Sawmill in the Czech Republic.

The EUR 21 million investment will optimise energy production and usage at the mill by boosting its heat supply. “Zdírec is one of our core sawmills including value-added engineering wood products, such as solid construction timber (KVH). It is in a competitive location, and this investment is a logical step in further upgrading the mill with sustainable energy sourcing.

The production and sale of renewable energy to local electricity suppliers will also improve the mill’s profitability,” says Hannu Kasurinen, EVP, Stora Enso Wood Products.

The project will commence in the third quarter of 2011 and is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2013. The new CHP plant will utilise by-products from production as fuel, and when completed it will ensure 100% self-sufficiency for the mill in steam and electricity.