Papeco announces the launch at its Orval-sur-Sienne site of the largest thermal energy storage electrification project in France. Supported by Energy Pool at every stage, from selecting the right solution for the site through to operation, the papermaker has entrusted Epyr with the deployment of the technical solution. It is an unprecedented project in its ambition: replacing all natural gas consumption at the site with electricity, in order to decarbonize production, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and strengthen its resilience and competitiveness. This transformation is expected to avoid 3,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.
Moving away from gas thanks to decarbonized electricity
At the Papeco site, the heat required for paper drying is currently produced from natural gas. The project installs a thermal energy storage unit with a capacity of 35 MWh, which will replace this production. The principle: electrical heating elements heat air, which charges the high-temperature thermal storage. This energy is then delivered in the form of heat, according to the site’s needs.
Using smart management that integrates market prices, the system captures low-carbon electricity at the most advantageous hours, particularly during peaks of renewable production, to convert it into decarbonized and competitive heat. It also contributes to grid balancing through its flexibility.
A benchmark project for industrial electrification
At a time when the electrification of energy uses is seen as a European priority to make the continent less dependent on fossil fuel imports, Papeco stands out as a pioneer among French industrial sites. As a civic-minded and responsible company, Papeco had long been looking for a solution that reconciles decarbonization, energy sovereignty, and competitiveness.
Energy Pool, a leader in the optimization of electricity flexibility in France, assists industrial sites with the electrification of their heat production, from feasibility studies to operations, and will manage the unit. The choice fell on Epyr, which is deploying its thermal storage solution on site. Together, the two players meet Papeco’s objectives: decarbonized, controlled, and competitive heat.
Supported by ADEME as part of the France 2030 program, this project demonstrates that an ambitious electrification of industrial heat is possible, while providing the power grid with a new type of flexibility asset to accelerate the energy transition.
"I am very excited to launch this project, which is emblematic of our ambitious decarbonization trajectory validated by ADEME's ACT Step-by-Step methodology. In addition to eliminating 100% of our direct CO2 emissions, this innovative investment will contribute, at its scale, to making the massive development of renewables possible by adapting electricity consumption according to generation." — Emmanuel COULON, Managing Director, Papeco
"We are proud to participate in this exemplary project, which confirms that energy flexibility is a key factor in the success of industrial electrification, combining economic performance, power system resilience, and decarbonization." — Christophe NEBON, Chairman and CEO, Energy Pool
"This project demonstrates that thermal energy storage is a concrete solution, ready today, to electrify industrial heat. French industry can finally combine decarbonization, competitiveness, and resilience." — Bastien OGGERI and Léa DARDENNE, Co-founders, Epyr