UPM Communication Papers Launches Flagship Heat Pump Project to Turn Excess Heat into Climate Benefit

UPM Communication Papers has announced the launch of a flagship heat pump project at its Augsburg mill, designed to convert previously unused process heat into valuable steam energy, significantly advancing the site’s decarbonization efforts.

Construction of the system is scheduled to begin in June 2026. The installation, located next to Paper Machine 3 (PM3), will capture excess heat in the 40–50°C range and upgrade it into high-pressure steam (3.7 bar, 150°C) for use in paper production.

Once operational, the heat pump will generate approximately 8 tons of steam per hour, meeting around 16% of PM3’s steam demand through recovered energy. This innovative approach is expected to reduce fossil CO₂ emissions by approximately 6,000 tons annually, equivalent to a 14% reduction in emissions from the mill’s power plant.

The system utilizes natural refrigerants, including ammonia and water, which have zero global warming potential. In addition, the heat pump will be powered by electricity sourced through a dedicated wind Power Purchase Agreement, further strengthening the mill’s sustainability performance.

Steam production is one of the most energy-intensive processes in papermaking. By harnessing waste heat and integrating advanced heat pump technology, the Augsburg mill is taking a significant step toward UPM’s 2030 ambition of reducing emissions to below 100 kg CO₂ per ton of paper.

Engineering preparations are currently underway, with commissioning targeted for the first half of 2027.