PKV Secures Federal and Lower Saxony Approval for Climate Protection Funding

Papier- und Kartonfabrik Varel (PKV) has received approval from the Federal Ministry of Economics and the state of Lower Saxony for special climate protection funding under the Federal Industry and Climate Protection Program (BIK). The funding supports up to 22% of the project volume, capped at 30 million euros, for initiatives including large industrial heat pumps and high-temperature heat storage, with first installations possible from 2029. PKV aims to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2045, aligning with requirements for energy-intensive industries. The Varel mill operates four paper and board machines with 930,000 tonnes per year capacity, producing recycled corrugated case material and board. Parliamentary State Secretary Gitta Connemann noted the funding competition demonstrates industry's readiness to balance climate protection and competitiveness. Lower Saxony Minister Grant Hendrik Tonne praised PKV's resource conservation efforts as a model for sustainable production. PKV shareholder Kristian Evers welcomed the support while calling for competitive green electricity frameworks, including grid cost exemptions.