Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization: Key to the Transformation the Paper Sector Needs

The paper industry is one of the most important in the Spanish economy, ranking as the sixth largest producer of paper and cardboard in the European Union. Its operations are closely tied to the use of natural resources and energy, making it a key sector in the transition toward a more efficient and sustainable production model.

In recent years, the paper and cardboard industry has faced significant challenges. In 2023, due to the global macroeconomic situation and the impact of energy prices, Spain saw a 4.6% drop in production—particularly affecting newsprint, printing, and writing papers.

In this context, decarbonization and energy efficiency have become central to the strategies of many paper companies seeking to improve profitability. Through self-consumption and energy efficiency solutions, many of these companies are optimizing their energy use—not only reducing energy bills, but also minimizing environmental impact.

The sector’s commitment to innovation, improving production processes, and incorporating technologies focused on optimizing energy use and reducing emissions is helping it overcome many of its toughest challenges. Specifically, there is growing interest in self-consumption, energy recovery from effluents, and smart energy management.

At Edison Next, we work alongside companies in the paper sector to implement solutions that support an efficient and sustainable energy transition. In this regard, we focus on decarbonizing thermal demand through the use of heat pumps that recover and reuse residual heat from industrial processes. We also promote energy recovery from effluents through biogas projects, allowing companies to convert their own waste into energy and progress toward energy self-sufficiency.

Another key aspect is optimizing the use of water and energy as interdependent vectors. By implementing advanced technologies to reduce steam plumes, we minimize losses and improve the overall efficiency of industrial plants.

Additionally, to further optimize energy consumption in industrial facilities, we implement Energy Management Systems (EMS). These systems centralize and analyze real-time data, providing key insights that support strategic decision-making. Thanks to advanced data processing and analytics, EMS help detect inefficiencies, optimize the performance of industrial assets, and improve investment planning.

It is essential for each company to assess its carbon footprint and develop an energy strategy tailored to its specific needs. In this sense, collaboration with energy transition experts is crucial to ensure the efficient and customized implementation of sustainable solutions.

The sector’s commitment to sustainability was clearly demonstrated during the recent Spaper 2025 fair, the leading event for the pulp, paper, and cardboard industry, held in Zaragoza from March 4–6, 2025.

At this year’s edition, Edison Next Spain actively participated by sharing knowledge and expertise in energy efficiency and decarbonization solutions. Our colleague Luis Urrutia Peletier, Circular Economy BU Director, delivered an insightful talk on “Competitive Decarbonization in Industry,” highlighting how companies can optimize energy consumption and reduce emissions while boosting their competitiveness.

The paper sector is taking decisive steps toward a more efficient and environmentally conscious model. Investing in energy efficiency and decarbonizing thermal demand can also result in the certification of High-Efficiency Cogeneration (HEC/CAE) projects, improving the profitability and financial performance of energy efficiency investments.

At Edison Next, as energy partners, we work to provide comprehensive energy efficiency and decarbonization solutions tailored to each sector’s needs—driving transformation and helping companies achieve their goals.