Södra Cell Värö wins Energy and Environment Prize from EMC

VAXJO, Sweden, Nov. 1, 2010 (Press Release) - "Through long-term planning and large investments, Södra Cell in Värö has gone from buying electricity and oil to selling green (renewable) electricity and delivering district heating to Varberg. Their commitment and drive has lead to both a dramatically reduced environmental impact and their becoming a role model for similar industries around the world."

That was the motivation when Södra Cell Värö won the Energy and Environment Prize 2010, from EMC, Energy and Enviromental Centre, that was awarded at the Varbergs Galan in early October. "This award is recognition that we are doing something good. It is really fun that our work is acknowledged in this way," says Jonas Eriksson, Site Manager Södra Cell Värö.

Södra Cell Värö has implemented a series of investments during that last eight years that have had positive environmental and energy effects. The mill has gone from being a consumer of electricity to being a supplier of green electricity, and also becoming the world's first fossil- free pulp mill during normal operation.

"I believe we won the prize because of our long-term investment in working to produce bio-based energy. Energy that is useful for society instead of using fossil energy. It is also important for us to have good cooperation with our customers in order to develop this, which we have with Varberg Energy who we deliver district heating to," says Jonas.