Domtar Starts up New Turbine Generator at Marlboro, S.C.

Domtar, Montreal, Que., Canada, this week celebrated the startup of its newly installed 50 MW biofueled steam turbine generator at its Marlboro (Bennettsville) mill in South Carolina. Domtar invested approximately $40 million in 2010 to complete this project. Now fully operational, the new turbine has made the mill more energy efficient.

Domtar has entered into a 15-year agreement with Santee Cooper, South Carolina's state-owned electric company, for the purchase of up to 50 MW of green power. The renewable energy generated by the turbine would be enough to power roughly 31,000 South Carolina homes.

Domtar notes that it has been long committed to sustainable business practices and has implemented energy efficiency programs at all of its facilities to help reduce the impact of its operations on the environment. Since 2002, the company's increased reliance on lower-emitting biomass as a fuel source has resulted in a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions intensity.

Domtar's self-generation of electricity is at approximately 67%, representing a 26% increase since 2002. Its use of renewable energy stands at approximately 74% of total energy use, which represents an 18% increase since 2002.

TAPPI
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