HELSINKI (News release) -- UPM is replacing the use of fossil fuels with electric boilers in heat and steam production at its mills in Finland and Germany. A total of eight boilers will be installed, mainly to replace the use of natural gas.

With the introduction of the electric boilers, the company will take a step towards its 2030 target of reducing CO₂ emissions from the fuels and purchased electricity by 65%. In Finland, new electric boilers can reduce CO₂ emissions from the use of fossil fuels by about 50,000 tonnes per year. In Germany, electric boilers will improve security of supply for heat and steam generation and achieve even greater emission reductions.

"In addition to improved security of supply and emission reduction, electric boilers will significantly increase the mills' ability to provide demand side flexibility to the electricity system and markets," says Petri Hyyryläinen, Energy Director at UPM Communication Papers.

UPM Tervasaari paper mill has already commissioned its first 50 MW electric boiler, which was transferred to Valkeakoski from UPM Kaipola mill. In the autumn, a new, more efficient 60 MW electric boiler will be installed at the mill. The new boiler will not only produce steam and heat for the mill, but also heat for the Valkeakoski district heating network.

The remaining electric boilers will be installed at the Finnish and German mills by the end of 2023. Once operational, they will replace a significant amount of various fossil fuels, thereby reducing emissions at the mills and at UPM.