Continued collaboration
Over 20 years ago, DS Smith chose GE technology to help run their paper mill. Why mess with a good thing?
Overview
The Lucca paper mill is the largest of its kind in Italy, and is particularly known for its containerboard.
The challenge
In 1998, DS Smith Paper Italia built a 100-MW paper mill in the Tuscan province of Lucca. The mill was equipped with two of GE’s LM6000PB aeroderivative gas turbines. As the years went by, the company realized they had to modernize to keep up with demand.
The solution
In July 2020, DS Smith decided to double down on the LM6000, selecting another aeroderivative unit—this one a PF—along with a seven-year service agreement.
Outcomes
A more sustainable choice
40 million
LM6000 operating hours
450,000 tons
of paper annually produced in Lucca
900 cars
taken off the road (equivalent)
2%
increase in plant efficiency
4,000 tons
fewer carbon emissions
"
As a leading global manufacturer of sustainable corrugated case materials and specialty papers, we are committed to creating high-quality, high-performing products, providing the solutions that our customers and society demand. We decided to rely on GE’s proven aeroderivative gas turbine technology to improve the efficiency, power output and lifetime of our power generation assets, while reducing the cost of electricity and improving our plant’s profitability.
Stefano Andreotti
Project Director for DS Smith
GE’s LM6000PF includes the latest configuration of GE’s dry low emissions (DLE) technology. The LM6000PF offers higher power output than Lucca’s older LM6000PB model with increased efficiency, while significantly reducing emissions.
“Producing 450,000 tons of paper annually, the Paper Mill in Lucca, one of the biggest in DS Smith’s European network, is often at the forefront of advanced sustainability processes. This project builds on our already strong relationship with DS Smith of over 20 years, and our proven technology will continue to provide the additional needed power to sustain their factory’s production,” said Michael Rechsteiner, Vice President Europe, GE Gas Power. “DS Smith will benefit from the improved sustainability and ongoing decarbonization process at the plant, allowing for them to continue with emissions reduction and better serve their customers in a more cost-effective way.”
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