Paper Technology International 2020 - Journal - Page 29

PAPERTECHNOLOGYINTERNATIONAL
The potential of this method lies in the fact that the biogenic
CO2 emitted from e.g. biomass-based boilers or a lime kiln, can be
obtained via a carbon-capture process. This process avoids the
emission of further climate-damaging carbon dioxide and uses it as
a valuable resource and raw material for a new green energy carrier,
like eMethanol, a sustainable energy.
In addition, methanol synthesis produces water, oxygen
(from the electrolyzers), and waste heat, which in turn can be used
within a closed-loop system in the pulp mills. Oxygen is a valuable
raw material in the pulp and paper industry for e.g. the bleaching
process, wastewater treatment, or efficiency increase of other
processes. The oxygen must be either produced on site with a high
energy expenditure, or must be bought as a raw material from the
market. Demineralized water from the Pulp & Paper process can be
used in the electrolysis process, where it serves as feedstock for
further hydrogen production.
Last, but not least, modern pulp mills are producing, due to
highly efficient process and state of the art technologies, much more
electrical energy than needed for the pulp production itself. Today
the surplus is either used in integrated pulp and paper mills (board
and paper production at the same location as the pulp mill), or sold
on the energy market for sometimes more, sometimes less profit.
This happens already e.g. in Uruguay, where a significant amount of
modern pulp mills went into operation during the last couple of years
(and therefore the market price for electrical power is rather low).
Integration of eMethanol production into the pulp production would
be even more efficient in such cases. The picture below shows an
example of how it could be integrated:
Production on an industrial scale
Against the background of energy transition and national/
international climate targets, a worldwide, concentrated, expansion
of capacity for renewable energy is not only to be expected, but
essential. Efficient solutions that store renewable energy seasonally
in large quantities are vital, given the natural fluctuations in the
production of wind and solar power.
The production of eMethanol on an industrial scale offers
a promising and economical solution to this challenge. Electrolysis
from sustainable energy sources produces hydrogen, which is
converted into methanol by reaction with carbon dioxide. Like
gasoline or diesel, the liquid eMethanol is comparatively easy to
store, transport and use.
The first pilot plants for this purpose, particularly in Iceland,
have now been in operation for several years.
Proven “Power to X” portfolio from Siemens Energy
The technologies required for all process steps in the
industrial production of eMethanol are already available and wellproven. In recent years, Siemens Energy has been developing
customized “Power to X” solutions for the decarbonization of various
industries, and established partnerships with the world’s leading
suppliers of e-fuel synthesis technologies. From wind power, green
hydrogen, and e-fuels production, to carbon-free re-electrification,
Siemens Energy benefits from many years of experience in the oil
and gas industry, so that most of the relevant plant components
have been available, are proven in use and been established for
years. With the “Proton Exchange Membrane” (PEM) electrolysis,
Siemens Energy is a leading supplier for the most promising
Electrolyzer technology for sustainable hydrogen production. This
PEM-technology, in comparison to the classical Alkaline Technology,
matches perfectly to cope with the highly volatile renewable energy
market, and just needs power and water, and no additional toxic
chemicals, for the production of green hydrogen.
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