Long-term energy efficiency and decarbonization trajectories for the Swiss pulp and paper industry

The contribution of the industrial sector is essential to realize long-term energy and climate policy goals. present research paper explores trajectories improving efficiency reaching net-zero emissions in Swiss pulp industry by 2050. A techno-economic bottom-up cost optimization model developed based on TIMES Energy system Model (STEM) applied for a scenario analysis. Establishing an advanced modeling methodology including material product flows addition flows, allowed us assess explicit process improvements impact specific innovative production technologies. Furthermore, this demonstrates value dividing heat demand into different temperature levels which enables detailed assessment high-temperature pumps waste recovery as important decarbonization options industry. results analysis performed with show that reduction 23% annual CO2 71% until 2050 would result from cost-optimal technology deployment even without major intervention, given assumptions made progress costs. These are achieved fuel switching, processes efficient technologies, particular motors. Achieving goal requires increased amounts biomass short term additionally up 200 °C case scarcity. On other hand, leads 49% higher related costs compared baseline development, if all sectors decarbonize simultaneously reach Switzerland.