The pulp and paper industry is one of the most energy-intensive sectors in Europe. At the same time, however, it is also one of the leading sectors when it comes to progress in decarbonisation.
The Energy Efficiency Solutions Forum Day, which was organised this week in Brussels by Cepi - the European Association of the Paper Industry - focused on three main topics: Hybridisation, integration and flexibilisation.
Anastasia Segovia Astorga, Business Development Manager, was there for us and took away important ideas from the industry dialogue.
The key trends that are currently driving change in industry include:
- the electrification of industrial processes
- the integration of renewable energies such as photovoltaics, wind energy and green hydrogen
- as well as the increased use of biomass and the utilisation of waste heat
The sector has already reached important milestones in the energy transition. Nevertheless, according to Jürgen Tiedje, Head of Unit at the European Commission, there is still a lot to do - especially to gain the trust of investors.
There is already political support and some funding instruments such as the Net Zero Industry Act and the Clean Industrial Deal. It is now up to the representatives of the industry to show self-confidence and take responsibility in order to drive forward industrial decarbonisation.
One key issue must not be ignored: Energy prices. Competitiveness in Europe also means creating sustainable energy cost structures. Models such as Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Energy-as-a-Service offer promising approaches here.
