Bowater implements millwide energy conservation program at Catawba, SC

In the commodities business, being a "low cost producer" is paramount, at least if you have long-term aspirations. A substantial cost component in the production of mechanical pulp containing paper is energy. After the low-hanging fruit of mill energy-savings projects are implemented, what\´s next? The Bowater Coated Paper Division Mill in Catawba, SC chose to conduct a combination energy optimization and benchmarking study as the next step. The decision to take this step, conceptually, seemed to be a "no brainer"-a win-win. If the study showed there were "good return" energy conservation projects, it would be well worth the effort. If it showed there were no projects with returns greater than the cost of capital, then management would know that they were successful in squeezing out excess energy costs. The study revealed there were still numerous opportunities to reduce energy consumption, and it revealed areas where we were really ahead of the curve. Reducing energy consumption is, of course, in the best interests of our customers, our employees and our industry. Maintaining the cost competitiveness of paper relative to the alternative media is essential. The methodology used in this study should be helpful to those who are "energy challenged".