The majority of airborne emissions from the paper and pulp mills are caused by energy generation. These emissions can be reduced depending on the choice of fuels used, combustion technology and flue gas purification.
UPM’s energy strategy is based on CO2-free and neutral energy sources. We have built strong expertise in the generation of renewable energy, efficient use of energy and in market operations for fuels, electricity and emission allowances.
Carbon dioxide, Sulphur dioxide, Nitrogen oxides, Small amounts of particles and organic compounds |
Energy generation at power plants; emission parameter depends on fuels used |
Minimised by efficient purification, the choice of fuels and by controlling the combustion conditions in the boilers |
Odour from malodorous sulphur compounds, TRS (total reduced sulphur) |
Chemical pulp production |
Reduced through collection and burning |
Odour from decomposing of organic substances |
Closed-circuit water systems (e.g. through high temperatures and anaerobic conditions) |
Measures taken at mill sites when needed |
ENERGY SOURCES
UPM's versatile energy portfolio is dominated by carbon dioxide-neutral energy sources. It consists mainly of hydropower, nuclear power and biomass-based combined heat and power (CHP) produced in plants on our paper mill sites.
Hydropower
Hydropower is an essential part of UPM’s versatile energy portfolio and a good example of a renewable and CO2-free energy resource. Hydropower is a cost-efficient way to generate energy; the power plants have low maintenance costs and a long life span. Hydropower is also a flexible and adjustable way of generating electricity.
UPM owns nine hydropower plants in Finland and has shareholdings in hydropower through Pohjolan Voima Oy and Kemijoki Oy. Most of UPM's hydropower plants were built between the 1930s and 1950s.
With the continuous modernisation of its production capacity, UPM aims to improve the operational efficiency and environmental safety of its hydropower plants.
Nuclear power
In Finland, UPM owns nuclear power through its associated company, Pohjolan Voima Oy, which is the second largest power generator in the country. PVO is the majority shareholder of nuclear power producer Teollisuuden Voima Oyj, which operates two reactors in Olkiluoto, Finland.
Currently, UPM is playing a role in the construction of a new nuclear power plant, Olkiluoto 3. The unit will secure a stable and competitive electricity price for UPM's own mills in Finland. It will also assist in the management of the group's carbon dioxide balance. The project is expected to begin after June 2012.
Biomass-based energy and thermal power
UPM is a forerunner in the use of wood-based biomass and has invested heavily in renewable biomass-based energy generation during the past decade by replacing a number of old fossil fuel-fired power plants with new biomass-based power plants.
At the same time, UPM has increased the range of sustainably harvested wood biomass from its forests for energy generation. UPM has worked closely with regulators, non-governmental organisations and universities in developing methods for sustainable biomass harvesting.
UPM's biomass-based sources for thermal energy also include black liquor from the pulping process and bark. Effective large-scale utilisation of biomass-based fuels is an important aspect of the group's energy strategy.
Other sources of thermal energy include natural gas, coal, heat recovered from thermo-mechanical pulping, peat, oil and purchased heat.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY IS AT THE CORE OF EVERYDAY ACTIONS
UPM strives to continuously improve its energy efficiency across all its operations. Paper and pulp mills, which use power and heat in their production processes, represent the majority of UPM's total energy consumption. Most of the energy is consumed in the manufacturing of mechanical pulp, pumping, vacuum systems and paper drying.
Regular energy audits
Energy consumption can be lowered and emissions reduced by improving energy efficiency at paper mills. UPM has carried out regular energy audits at the mills since 1997.
The auditing process focuses on improving the energy balance of the mill, focusing on the use of electricity, heat and process water in particular. When the audit is complete, the audit team presents a list of potential energy saving suggestions.
They also calculate the energy saving potential and produce a rough classification on possible investment needs. Often, the saving ideas can be achieved without major investment.
When one mill succeeds in a specific area, other mills can learn from them and benchmark good practices.
Energy saving campaign
In 2009, UPM launched a two-year campaign with the aim of reducing electrical and thermal energy consumption. The mills identified areas where energy could be saved and used more effectively.
The campaign focused on building awareness, encouraging innovation, sharing ideas and best practices. We wanted to find smart ideas that didn’t require major investment, but that resulted in savings.
The campaign has already identified many energy-saving ideas that have been implemented in UPM's paper and pulp mills. We have also introduced effective new processes and equipment modifications, as well as optimised the ways in which we operate.