Helsinki, Finland, 14 December 2010 -- Metso and Howe Sound Pulp & Paper have announced an agreement to retrofit the existing Babcock and Wilcox biomass power boiler at Howe Sound's integrated pulp and paper mill in Port Mellon, British Columbia. Metso will convert the existing hydrograte stoker boiler to a bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) boiler. This retrofit, scheduled for installation in June 2011, will increase the boiler's steaming rate on biomass, improve the overall reliability and operability of the boiler, reduce maintenance costs, and increase the mill's ability to produce power for the BC Hydro grid.

Funding for this project is part of the Green Transformation Program provided by the Canadian government. The conversion of the boiler also will enable Howe Sound to supply green power to the provincial electric grid.

"As a result of this investment in our boiler, we will become one of the largest independent producers of wood-fuelled renewable electricity in British Columbia," said Mac Palmiere, president and CEO of Howe Sound Pulp & Paper.

Modification of the current boiler includes pressure parts, fuel and ash handling, and installation. Complete automation of the boiler island includes the process automation system, emission monitoring and reporting, instrumentation, and electrification retrofit.

Metso is a global supplier of sustainable technology and services for mining, construction, power generation, automation, recycling, and pulp and paper industries. More than 200 Metso Power biomass-fired boilers, based on various firing techniques, have been supplied worldwide. The fluidized bed boiler was introduced in the late 1970s and since then over 120 Metso power boilers of this design have been supplied. This technology offers an economical, flexible, cost-effective, and environmentally compliant solution for burning low heat value, high moisture bio-fuels.