Analysis of energy efficiency and carbon dioxide reduction in the Chinese pulp and paper industry. (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peng, Lihong; Zeng, Xiaoling; Wang, Yejun; Hong, Gui-Bing
• Is Part Of: Energy policy. Volume 80(2015)
• Page Start: 65
• Page End: 75
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: Pulp and paper industry -- Energy efficiency -- Energy-saving potential -- Carbon dioxide emission reduction; Energy policy -- Periodicals; Politique énergétique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2015.01.028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4215

Abstract

Abstract: Pulp and paper production, an energy-intensive process, is among the main light industries contributing to energy saving and pollution emission reduction in China. The improvement of energy efficiency is essential for energy consumption and sustainable development. This study analyzes the negative factors in the pulp and paper sector by calculating energy efficiency from the lengthways time and investigating the gap between China and foreign countries through a horizontal comparison. Accordingly, energy efficiency has increased in the Chinese pulp and paper industry with years of efforts, but its transformation remains unclear. Furthermore, the energy-saving potential, energy cost saving, and carbon dioxide emission reduction in the pulp and paper industry are evaluated according to the Twelfth Five-year Plan (2011–2015). The results show that the pulp and paper industry has further capabilities for energy-saving and carbon dioxide emission reduction by improving energy efficiency in China, resulting in great economic benefit. In brief, new technology and energy structure adjustment are long-term strategies for energy conversation, with changes in the scale of mills expected to provide huge opportunities to improve energy efficiency in China within a short period. Highlights: Energy efficiency in pulp and paper industry changes markedly from 1985 to 2010. This paper will identify better opportunities for energy conservation in China. This paper will also confirm better opportunities for CO2 emission mitigation. The negative factors do exist in the pulp and paper sector. Energy efficient policies are suggested, especially in short term.