Potential and cost-effectiveness of CO2 reductions through energy measures in Swedish pulp and paper mills

Abstract

Using the two criteria of potential CO2 reduction and cost of CO2 reduction, technical energy measuresin Swedish pulp and paper mills are investigated. Principal CO2-reducing measures analysed are: decreasedspecific energy utilisation, fuel switch, and CO2 capture and sequestration. Among the investigated measures, conventional technologies for electricity conservation and improved electrical conversion efficiencyin existing systems for cogeneration of heat and power are identified as the most cost-effective alternativesthat also have large CO2 reduction potentials. For commercially available technologies, the results indicatean accumulated reduction potential of up to 8 MtCO2/y (14% of the Swedish net emissions). If emergingtechnologies for black liquor gasification (BLG) with pre-combustion CO2 capture and sequestration areconsidered, the CO2 reduction potential increases by up to 6 MtCO2/y (10% of the Swedish net emissions).Commercialised BLG, CO2 capture and reliable CO2 sequestration technologies are identified as importantpotential contributors to Swedish compliance with Kyoto Protocol targets, especially in a scenario of nuclearpower closure