UPM supports German energy system with €100M investment in heat and power plant

09 Nov 2022 --- UPM Communication Papers is investing €100 million (US$100 million) in its Nordland Papier mill in Dörpen, Germany, to reduce CO2 emissions by 300,000 metric tons per year. The investment will increase energy in the facility and feed surplus power back into the electricity grid, contributing to Germany’s energy security.

The opening of its new combined heat and power (CHP) plant brings the company closer to meeting its target to decrease its CO2 emissions 65% by 2030.

“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 Winfried Schaur, executive vice president, technology and UPM biorefining.

“The power plant will increase the sustainability of our paper production while contributing flexible support to the German energy system.”

UPM is committed to meeting the 2015 Paris Agreement targets well in advance through practicing climate-positive forestry, innovating novel products and taking 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 84 MW 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.Energy system flexibility
The facility in Dörpen is the largest fine and specialty paper manufacturing site in Europe, according to UPM. The efficient 84 MW 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 a promising way for industry to provide energy system flexibility, asserts the company. UPM Nordland Papier can now adjust supply and demand to achieve a balance that benefits production at the mill while stabilizing grid volatility and providing additional capacity to the public electricity grid.

“Significant investments by industry are crucial for the sustainable transformation of our economy. In the long term, the new CHP power plant at UPM Nordland Papier will contribute to increased climate protection and secure highly qualified industrial jobs in Lower Saxony,” says Olaf Lies, Lower Saxony’s minister for the environment, energy and construction.

UPM developments
Meanwhile, UPM Raflatac and Logopak partnered to execute carbon-neutral linerless labeling solutions. Using Logopak’s linerless labeling technology and UPM Raflatac’s Linerless Opticut label material, the companies hope to provide solutions for manufacturers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

In the summer, UPM Specialty Papers introduced a recyclable and compostable kraft paper for coating bases lamination, single packs, bags and wraps. The highly versatile paper – branded Solide Lucent – enables brand owners to reduce fossil-based or non-recyclable materials and increase the usage of materials from renewable sources in their packaging.

Last year, UPM Specialty Papers extended its recyclable packaging paper portfolio with the introduction of an advanced barrier paper, called UPM Asendo Pro. UPM Asendo Pro is a two-side coated barrier paper made from renewable materials that provides multiple advantages as an easily recyclable monomaterial.

Edited by Natalie Schwertheim

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