Papermaker UPM says it is getting closer to its target to decrease its CO2 emissions by 65 per cent by 2030 with the opening of a new combined heat and power plant in Germany.
It says its “ambitious commitment” to meet 2015 Paris Agreement targets “well in advance” involves climate-positive forestry, novel products and actions such as investing in renewable and efficient energy solutions to power its own sites, while taking part in the transformation of energy systems in Europe.
The 100 million Euros investment at its Nordland Papier mill (pictured) is a step in that journey, set to reduce CO2 emissions by 300,000 tonnes per year, power the facility and feed surplus power back into the electricity grid, contributing to Germany’s energy security.
“In the current energy crisis, coupled with the increasing need for carbon reductions, it is vital that we invest and innovate to become more efficient,” says technology and UPM biorefining executive vice president Winfried Schaur.
“The power plant will increase the sustainability of our paper production while contributing flexible support to the German energy system.”
The facility in Dörpen, Lower Saxony, is the largest fine and specialty paper manufacturing site in Europe. The 84MW gas fired CHP plant has been designed in readiness for hydrogen power, which is expected to play an important role in Germany’s long-term green energy transition.
CHP solutions are seen as a promising way for industry to provide energy system flexibility. UPM Nordland Papier can now adjust supply and demand to achieve a balance that benefits production at the mill, while at the same time stabilising grid volatility and providing additional capacity to the public electricity grid.