DREWSEN and Avacon to Trial a Flexible Energy Concept for Lower-Carbon Paper Production in Lachendorf

DREWSEN Spezialpapiere and Avacon are testing a flexible grid connection in Lachendorf to support the transition towards lower-carbon paper production. In addition to wind energy, photovoltaics and biomass, DREWSEN plans to use electricity from the grid to generate part of the heat required for paper production. To achieve this, the company is investing in a power-to-heat system that converts electricity into heat. The system is designed to draw additional electricity only when sufficient grid capacity is available. Through this project, both companies aim to demonstrate how industrial electrification can be combined with intelligent use of existing grid infrastructure. The concept was presented at a press conference at the DREWSEN site in Lachendorf, attended by Lower Saxony's Minister-President Olaf Lies.

Converting electricity into process heat

At the heart of the project is a power-to-heat system that converts electricity into heat for paper production. According to current plans, the system is scheduled to become operational in autumn 2027. The key feature of the project is the flexible use of the grid connection. Under a temporary contractual arrangement, DREWSEN will be able to draw additional electrical power whenever grid conditions allow. If the available capacity is required elsewhere, the company will adjust its electricity consumption accordingly. The joint trial will determine whether this approach proves effective under actual operating conditions and meets expectations.

Partners explore new approaches to energy supply

“Transforming our energy supply is a major technical and economic challenge,” says Amir Mirsakarimi, Managing Director of DREWSEN Spezialpapiere. “With this trial, we want to demonstrate that industrial transformation can progress even under the current constraints of the electricity grid. We are entering new territory, and the practical trial will have to show whether the concept works.” “Lower Saxony promotes itself with the slogan ‘Das ist groß’ (‘That's big’). And that is exactly how we need to approach the energy transition,” says Matthias Boxberger, CEO of Avacon. “For companies like DREWSEN, waiting ten years for grid expansion is not an option. We therefore need a new approach: renewable energy, electricity grids, storage systems and industrial consumers must increasingly be considered as one integrated system. Making intelligent use of existing capacity gives companies greater planning certainty sooner and helps drive decarbonisation forward.”

Avacon tests new flexibility solutions for industry

Minister-President Olaf Lies also sees the partnership as an example of how the energy transition and industrial policy can work together: “Lower Saxony needs companies that invest heavily in lower-carbon production, and grid operators that work with them to find viable solutions. When a medium-sized paper manufacturer switches its process heat generation to electricity, this is exactly the kind of transformation we need: climate action that keeps value creation and jobs in our state.”

Pilot project to provide practical insights

For DREWSEN, the project represents another step towards a lower-carbon heat supply. At the same time, Avacon is testing how existing grid capacity can be used more effectively through intelligent and flexible operation. The project therefore addresses a key challenge of the energy transition: balancing the growing electricity demand of industry and businesses with the capacity of the existing grid infrastructure. The concept has been developed specifically for the conditions at the Lachendorf site. During the trial, both companies aim to gain practical experience and assess the extent to which flexible grid connection models can support industrial companies in their transformation. As grid utilisation varies seasonally, the first reliable findings are expected after one to two years. For Avacon, the project also serves as a practical test of new approaches at high- and medium-voltage levels, with the aim of accelerating the energy transition and making more efficient use of existing grid capacity.