Is the pulp and paper industry a large consumer of energy in Ontario?
The manufacture of pulp and paper is energy intensive. Electricity is used to run machinery and large amounts of heat are needed to dry the pulp and paper. Over the past decade, the Ontario pulp and paper sector used 140 145 petajoules per year, which represents about 18% of the total energy consumed by Ontario industry. Many companies have undergone audits to find ways to reduce energy consumption. Between 1990 and 1997, while production of pulp and paper increased by 17%, total energy use increased by less than 9%. During the same period, energy use per unit of production (a measure of energy efficiency), decreased by 8%. The trend to more efficient operation and energy use continues as mills fight to stay open due to an unprecendented number of challenges, including some of the highest electricity rates in North America. By using wood waste such as bark as an energy source, we can continue to reduce non-renewable fossil fuel consumption while minimizing our impact on the environment
