Renewable & alternative energy sources for strategic energy management in recycled paper & pulp industry

An energy intensive and competitive paper industry in India constitutes nearly 4% of global production and is growing at the rate of 6–7%. The use of renewable energy in this industry is examined by means of an open source survey of 25 major paper companies. This industry has a special category of renewable energy resource in energy rich biomass generated during paper manufacture. These include wood wastes, black liquor and sludge. Nearly 80% of factories are seen to use biomass energy. The use of solar energy (24%) and wind energy (16%) is relatively low. Reasons are seen in process complexity, large capital requirement and severe profitability penalties from disruption of production. The remedies are seen in industry specific research and enhanced policy support. Adoption of solar and wind energy options is expected to increase as more industry specific products and technologies become available with better economies. [Display omitted] •Renewable energy can enhance profitability of paper industry.•Biomass energy is generated as by-product of paper manufacture.•Bio-energy can help paper mills to achieve carbon neutral/carbon negative status.•Indian paper industry is using renewable energy extensively.•Paper industry specific systems are being developed for use of Solar/wind energy.