Progress 07/01/08 to 06/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: At the request of the Washington State Legislature, we have conducted a thorough investigation on the state of boilers in Washington State pulp and paper mills and the potential for these boilers to provide additional renewable energy and renewable fuels. The specific objective of the project was to assess the current energy profile of the Washington pulp and paper industry and to determine the renewable energy production of the industry with implementation of state-of-the-art technologies. There were two phases to this investigation: Phase 1: We assessed current energy production in Washington State pulp and paper mills. In this phase of the study, we determined the energy (steam and electricity) generation capability of Washington State pulp and paper mills. The sources and types of fuels used in various boilers were assessed and the age profile of boilers currently in pulp and paper mills was determined. Phase 2: We assessed the energy potential for the Washington State pulp and paper industry with state-of-the-art technologies. In this phase of the study, calculations were made assuming Washington state pulp and paper mills install state-of-the-art power and recovery boiler technology. We calculated the amount of renewable energy generated and the increased biomass demand to generate this additional power. The capital cost of installing this state-of- the-art technology was assessed. PARTICIPANTS: 1. Rick Gustafson, professor, University of Washington School of Forest Resources. 2. Natalia Raffaeli, graduate student, University of Washington School of Forest Resources. Collaborators: 1. Dave Krawchuk of the Harris Group was invaluable in helping us design the survey, providing data on modern boilers, and in providing cost data for the economic analysis. 2. Llewellyn Mathews, Kathryn VanNatta, and company representatives of the Northwest Pulp and Paper Association helped get the project funded and encouraged mills to participate in the survey. 3. The survey was previewed by David Sjoding of the Washington State University Energy Extension office and by Steven DuVall from Longview Fibre Company. David and Steven made several valuable suggestions that we incorporated into to the survey. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include the Washington State Department of Ecology and other governmental agencies, the Northwest Pulp and Paper Association and other groups in the pulp and paper industry, mill managers, biorefineries, engineers, economic analysts, educators, researchers, students, and the general public. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
1. Washington pulp and paper mills produce substantial amounts of renewable power, but their equipment is old. The mills produce considerably less power than they could with new boilers, evaporators, and turbines. The mills could increase renewable power production with new equipment. 2. Washington pulp and paper mills burn considerable amounts of fossil fuels in their biomass boilers. Use of more biomass in these boilers would contribute to Washington's renewable energy production without the expenditure of significant capital. Additional short-term improvements could be made in mills to increase cumulative renewable energy output further. 3. Policy supports including incentives may be needed to spur energy recovery investments in pulp and paper mills. Existing laws may inadvertently function as barriers to production of renewable power and should be re-examined. 4. There are significant opportunities for increased production of renewable fuels and power in Washington pulp and paper mills. Installation of new technologies could result in greater renewable power production; about double current levels. Installation of new conversion capabilities for production of clean biofuels in mills is also an opportunity. The potential for development of renewable fuels in pulp mills is especially compelling given the combined concerns of climate change mitigation and energy independence. 5. Installation of new technologies will be expensive and increased power or fuels production will necessitate greater availability of sustainable woody biomass feedstock supplies. The capital cost burden could be shared by the production of pulp and paper, renewable energy, and renewable fuels making it more cost effective than if standalone facilities were constructed. 6. Mill managers will need reassurance that prices for renewable products will be both adequate and reasonably secure before new investments in energy conversion capabilities can be made. The State could help mills upgrade by providing low-cost loans, production incentives, and accelerated reduced-cost permitting. 7. Biomass supply assurances will be needed as well with state lands potentially providing a model for other ownerships. Policies that establish renewable energy standards and create value for the reduced carbon emissions associated with displacement of fossil fuels by renewables will contribute important market support. 8. Biomass supply and cost are the most critical issues and will need both further research and policy attention. We recommend that a thorough investigation of the long-term benefits of different renewable energy options for Washington pulp and paper mills. The potential for producing renewable transportation fuels in pulp and paper mills is especially compelling and warrants an in-depth analysis. 9. Pulp and paper mills should be viewed as under-used resources for the production of renewable energy and fuels. Washington could benefit from energy policies that recognize and reward current and potential contributions of the pulp and paper industry to the achievement of State energy objectives and sustainable use of forest resources.
Publications
- Gustafson, R., Raffaeli, N. 2009. Washington State Pulp and Paper Mill Boilers: Current and Potential Renewable Energy Production Final Report. Department of Ecology Publication No. 09-07-048. http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0907048.html, verified 02/16/2011.
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