The most important greenhouse gas (GHG) co-benefits from energy reduction occur when a mill reduces
fossil fuel use without increasing use of other sources of energy (e.g., purchased electricity). Whether, or
to what degree, this is possible depends on a number of factors. The effects may vary, for instance,
depending on whether the reduced fuel use comes from reduced steam demand or reduced electricity
demand. If steam demand is reduced, it also depends whether there is an effect on purchased electricity
requirements. This, in turn, depends on whether the steam is generated in a combined heat and power
(CHP) cogeneration system. See the links at the right for more information on these aspects of the cobenefits
and tradeoffs.
Note that understanding the actual impacts of energy conservation on GHG emissions requires
understanding the specific situation at the mill where the reductions are taking place.
Follow the links to the right for more information.
More information:
Thermal efficiency of steam generation
Reducing steam demand
Reducing electricity demand
Combined heat and power (CHP) systems
