DIEFFENBACHER to supply 55-MW biomass energy plant and EVORIS digitalization solution to MEDITE SMARTPLY
Wood-based panel manufacturer replaces natural gas with biomass for energy production
DIEFFENBACHER will supply a 55-MW biomass firing system to Ireland-based MEDITE SMARTPLY, replacing two aging legacy energy plants and enabling the wood-based panel producer to eliminate natural gas use for energy generation at its MDF plant in Clonmel. DIEFFENBACHER Energy will be responsible for the engineering, equipment supply, and installation and integration of the new energy plant during ongoing operations. In addition, MEDITE SMARTPLY will digitalize its existing MDF plant with DIEFFENBACHER’s EVORIS digitalization platform.
“By renewing critical infrastructure across the site, we are strengthening process control, supporting consistent product quality and investing in the long-term reliability of one of Europe’s leading MDF manufacturing operations,” says MEDITE SMARTPLY CEO Neil Foot. “As we mark 50 years of MEDITE, this project demonstrates our long-term confidence in the business, our people and the markets we serve,” he adds. Alongside operational improvements, the new system will eliminate natural gas usage by transitioning fully to renewable biomass as the primary heat source. This is expected to materially reduce fossil fuel-related CO₂ emissions and support MEDITE SMARTPLY’s work to reduce Scope 1 carbon emissions as part of its broader climate action commitments.
The grate and dust combustion firing system from DIEFFENBACHER Energy will supply 20 MW of process steam, 25 MW of flue gas for the dryer and 6 MW in thermal oil for the continuous press system of the MDF manufacturing line, which was delivered by DIEFFENBACHER in 2002. The scope of supply also includes a comprehensive wet-fuel handling system for flexible fuel sourcing.
“This project is another strong example of how our integrated energy solutions create real value for the wood-based panels industry,” says Sebastian Völker, Chief Sales Officer at DIEFFENBACHER Energy. “From fuel handling to energy generation, we deliver everything from a single source to help partners and customers like MEDITE SMARTPLY stay competitive in a rapidly changing energy landscape,” he continues.
MEDITE SMARTPLY’s MDF plant in Clonmel has an annual production capacity of 400,000 m³. Construction of the DIEFFENBACHER Energy biomass firing system is scheduled to begin in February 2027. Commissioning of the new energy plant is expected to take place about a year later.