Energy Opportunities in the North American Pulp and Paper Industry

The study analyzes the industry’s energy assets, capabilities, costs, and consumption levels in total and within key segments such as grade category, geographic region, and facility type, facility size, and mill process area. For each major industry segment, the study will:

• Quantify industry energy usage by energy type.
• Define levels of energy self sufficiency, energy sales back to the grid, and outside electricity purchases.
• Identify energy consumption and ranges by mill type and major processes.
• Analyze industry energy costs per kwh, ton, and average facility and assess a) the relationship of energy costs to overall manufacturing costs, b) actual energy capital investment levels and depreciation charges, and c) affect of energy cost changes and higher renewable energy use on energy and total manufacturing production costs.
• Evaluate energy – related assets by type and capacity and assess the technical age and capabilities of these assets by segment.
• Review the state of bio and renewable energy usage within the industry including current usage levels, planned / potential expansions and potential technology developments.
• Assess current energy consumption and project major changes over the next five years based on industry, external, and government policy developments and dynamics.
• Assess the impact of forecasted changes in energy usage and investment on other areas including total manufacturing costs, fiber / chemical usage, and other mill operations.