Energy efficiency and decarbonization are key to the transformation that the paper sector needs.

The paper sector is one of the most important industries in the Spanish economy, ranking as the sixth largest producer of paper and cardboard in the European Union. Its activity, closely linked to the use of natural resources and energy, makes it a key sector in the transition towards a more efficient and sustainable production model. In recent years, the paper and cardboard industry has faced significant challenges. In 2023, as a result of the global macroeconomic situation and the impact of energy prices, Spain experienced a 4.6% drop in production, particularly affecting newsprint, printing, and writing papers. Against this backdrop, decarbonization and energy efficiency have become central to the strategy of many paper companies seeking to increase their profitability. Through self-consumption and energy efficiency solutions, many of these companies are optimizing their energy consumption, which not only reduces their energy bills but also minimizes their environmental impact. The sector’s commitment to innovation to improve its production processes, the incorporation of technologies focused on optimizing energy consumption and reducing emissions, is enabling the sector to successfully overcome many of its most challenging hurdles. Specifically, the sector has shown growing interest in incorporating self-consumption, energy recovery from effluents, and intelligent energy management. At Edison Next, we work alongside paper sector companies to promote solutions that facilitate an efficient and sustainable energy transition. In this regard, we work on decarbonizing thermal demand using heat pumps that allow them to recover and reuse residual heat from industrial processes. Likewise, we are committed to the energy recovery of effluents through biogas projects, enabling companies to use their own waste to generate energy and move towards energy self-sufficiency. Another key aspect is optimizing the use of water and energy as interdependent vectors. Through advanced technologies for reducing steam plumes, we minimize losses and improve the overall efficiency of industrial plants. Finally, to further optimize the energy consumption of industrial facilities, we implement Energy Management Systems (EMS). These systems centralize and analyze real-time data, providing key information that facilitates strategic decision-making. Thanks to advanced data processing and statistics, EMS help detect inefficiencies, optimize the performance of industrial assets, and enable better investment planning. It is essential for each company to carry out a carbon footprint assessment and have an energy strategy tailored to its needs. In this regard, collaboration with energy transition experts is key to ensuring an efficient and customized implementation of sustainable solutions. The sector’s commitment to sustainability was evident at the recent Spaper 2025, the leading trade fair for the pulp, paper, and cardboard industry, held in Zaragoza from March 4 to 6, 2025. In this edition, Edison Next Spain actively participated by sharing its knowledge and experience in energy efficiency and decarbonization solutions. Additionally, our colleague Luis Urrutia Peletier, Circular Economy BU Director, gave an interesting presentation on “Competitive Decarbonization in Industry,” highlighting how companies can optimize their energy consumption and reduce emissions while increasing their competitiveness. The paper sector is taking firm steps towards a more efficient and environmentally friendly model. Betting on energy efficiency and decarbonizing thermal demand can also result in the processing of CAEs (Energy Efficiency Certificates), which improve the profitability and financial performance of investments aimed at implementing energy efficiency projects. At Edison Next, as energy partners, we work to offer comprehensive energy efficiency and decarbonization solutions tailored to the needs of each sector, with the aim of driving their transformation and helping companies achieve their goals.