Abstract


The risk for climate change is a growing concern for the global society. According to what is known as the Kyoto Protocol, developed countries have committed themselves to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The purpose of this thesis has been to analyse opportunities for CO2 reductions in Swedish pulp and paper mills. The pulp and paper industry accounts for significant shares of the Swedish utilisation of both electricity and, in particular, biomass fuels. In this thesis, it has been a goal to focus not only on the technical potential of alternatives for CO2 reductions in the energy systems of pulp and paper mills, but also on analysing the cost-effectiveness of the studied measures. Moreover, the analysis has covered questions concerning the capacity and willingness among the actors involved with the pulp and paper mills’ energy systems to realise CO2 reduction potentials.
A broad techno-economical evaluation of available technologies for increased power production as well as more efficient energy utilisation is carried out. Furthermore, a more in-depth analysis of pulp mill-based biomass energy with CO2 removal and permanent sequestration (BECS) is presented. An evaluation is made of the potential for pulp and paper production with a negative CO2 balance through the implementation of BECS. Furthermore, the technical possibility of carbon-negativity through the implementation of BECS is discussed in relation to carbon management on both corporate and global levels.

In recent years outside suppliers, mainly energy service companies (ESCOs), have begun to operate energy facilities in some Swedish pulp and paper mills. Based on interviews with managers from pulp and paper companies and ESCOs, the main driving forces behind the increasing co-operation as well as the opportunities and risks with energy related co-operation are presented.

The extent to which CO2-reducing measures in pulp and paper mills are realised will have an impact on Sweden’s capacity to reach CO2 reduction targets. Whether or not technologies for CO2 capture and sequestration are developed and implemented in Swedish pulp mills has a very large impact on the size of Sweden’s long-term CO2 reduction potential. Moreover, the development of business and competence focus in pulp and paper companies and ESCOs suggests that co-operation will become of increasing importance for future sustainable industrial energy management.