A Regional Pulp and Paper Process Optimization Model for Energy Analysis and Its Application for R&D Decision Making

Abstract

A regional model of the U.S. Pulp and Paper Industry is presented; given initial capacities, operating and capacity expansion costs, and final demands, the model chooses the minimum cost regional mix of fibers, pulps and energy required to meet the demands. The relationship between energy use and the introduction of new energy conservation technologies, specifically, increased cogeneration, closed-cycle kraft pulping, hydropyrolysis, and vapor recompression is presented. The energy impacts of producing lower quality writing paper and of increased use of thermomechanical pulping are also evaluated. The effects of changing relative energy prices between regions as well as among fuels on energy use and technology mix are also discussed. The implications of these findings for conservation technology R&D funding are given.