For paper manufacturer Sappi, sustainability and climate protection are of paramount importance and are at the root of a long-term global commitment. In 2021, Sappi invested in the modernisation of its steam generation boiler at its Maastricht mill in the Netherlands. To reduce CO2 emissions, part of the gas-generated steam was replaced by electric steam via the new e-boiler. The electricity used is generated mainly from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. The innovative technology has proven so successful that Sappi will now be investing in a second e-boiler which is expected to further reduce CO2 emissions year after year. Construction of the new e-boiler has already begun, with delivery and commissioning planned for the end of 2025.
“We are delighted that we initiated the investment in a second e-boiler after the successful implementation of the first e-boiler in 2021, explains Ferdinand Koster, Mill Director at Sappi Maastricht Mill.“ We expect the two new e-boilers to reduce CO2 emissions – in line with Scope 1 and 2 – by 14% by 2026 and as much as 30% by 2030.”
Ingenious: switching between natural gas and renewable energy sources
When the second 20 megawatt e-boiler starts up in November 2025, it will further boost the mill’s unique ability to switch between natural gas and renewable energy sources – to generate the heat the mill needs to create steam for its paper machines.
This ability to flex and switch is important because renewable energy in the Netherlands largely relies on unpredictable wind and solar. Not only does flexing ensure that the mill maintains power at times of low renewable energy availability, but it also means that, at other times, the mill can contribute to stabilising the wider electricity grid for other users.
Additional benefit: stabilisation of the power grid for other users
Bram Goorts, Manager Power Plant & Waste Water Treatment at Maastricht Mill adds: “When the national grid operator has a good supply of power, we can turn down our gas turbine and turn up our e-boilers. But when the grid operator has a shortage of power, we can help by turning up our gas turbine and turning down the e-boilers. This can all be achieved thanks to the innovative e-boiler and CHP integration into the automated Frequency Restoration Reserve system. Either way, the full activation time is only five minutes.”
The ‘e-boiler’ project is just one of 80 projects targeting decarbonisation Sappi has planned. During the whole project Sappi experts from the fields of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and civil engineering will join forces with external partners to modernise the steam boiler in Maastricht.
TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/